News & Events
The Guilty Garment: A ‘behind the scenes’ look at the multi million pound clothes industry
Thursday 11th of December 2008 from 6.30 pm to 8 pm
The garment industry has, in recent years, become vital to the economic development of Bangladesh, providing millions of dollars in earnings and providing 2 million (mainly women) workers with a vital source of income.
On one hand the industry has enabled an increasing number of women withopportunity to earn an income and gain independence, but there is also a dark side.
Bangladeshi garment workers, producing for big high street companies are earning poverty wages, working long hours and face serious risks to their health.
Come listen to the stories of women workers from the industry and people who are fighting back.
Thursday the 11th of December 2008 from 6.30 pm to 8 pm
At Development House, 56-64 Leonard Street, EC2A 4LT.
Nearest Tube: Old Street, Exit 4.
Please RSVP your confirmation to or
t:
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Pollute and Prosper: At Whose Cost? Wednesday 23rd July 2008 from 6.00pm. to 8.00 pm
Since a multinational straw company chose a site near Amarpurkashi and the local River Aril to set up one of its many paper factories, this company has steadily polluted the river, the surrounding agricultural land and all villages in the immediate vicinity. The pollution has become so severe that the underground water has been affected and villagers now have to pay ever increasing amounts to bore more than a hundred feet for drinking water. They no longer have anywhere to water their cattle as the river water is highly acidic and poisonous. Farmers’ crops are ruined every year but they do not get a penny in compensation. Ash from the factory’s chimneys settles on everything – crops, villagers, homes, clothes – and a horrible chemical smell fills the air. Cases of jaundice, dysentery, typhoid and asthma have risen dramatically in the last few years. What can be done? The talk by Jyoti and Mukat Singh highlighted what we as the international community can do to change this.
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Mehfil Night in support of the Asian Foundation for Philanthropy
The Asian Foundation for Philanthropy organised a night of music, fun and food on the 4th of July, to support the work it has been doing. Entertainment included delicious vegetarian food and music by the renowned Arshad Malik. The event took place at the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan on the 4th of July 2008.
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AFP Director wins Major Philanthropy Award
Director of AFP Bala Thakrar won the Asian Women Awards in the Social and Humanitarian Category. Despite tough competition, Bala was unanimously selected as the winner for her work which has spanned over twenty years and has been instrumental in promoting the plight of the disadvantaged. Read the full story here.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
'Caste System: Does it exist in Modern India' Tuesday 27th may 2008 from 6.00pm. to 8.30 pm
In India, social segregation is prevalent through the caste system. 60 years after the practice was banned, the Dalit community still faces prejudice and violence as part of their daily lives. Thought of as “untouchable” and made to carry out jobs such as disposing of human waste and dead animals, there seems little hope for progression. However with the help of the Dalit Foundation, one of AFP’s partner charities, the Dalit community are working to be no longer thought of as “broken people”. Dalit Foundation work to advocate their rights, provide the community with access to information and services and fight for the community’s equality in society. Santosh Samal will be speaking about his vast experiences of working in the community, from the challenges he has faced to the success the Foundation has achieved.
Venue: Lloyds TSB Bank, 10 Gresham Street , London , EC2V 7HN.
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'Integrated Education – The way forward for India’s disabled children' - Wednesday 12th March 2008 from 10 to 11.30 a.m.
Whilst disability creates a challenge for those affected all over the world, in India, many disabled people are very often caught in the poverty trap. This debilitating situation results in individuals being denied the rights and opportunities to lead a fulfilling life. AFP's partner charity run by Ms. Umaji Tuli is The Amarjyoti Centre for Rehabilitation. This comprises of a school, rehabilitation centre and capacity building amongst other services.Based in New Delhi, the school takes a unique integrated approach whereby half of the 600 children at the school are disabled. The school’s model has proven that with the right care and support, it is possible for children with disabilities to benefit from the same education system as non-disabled children. The school takes in children from the age of four, and through to Class eight. Umaji's talk highlights the need for more integrated education and what it can achieve towards achieving change.
Venue: Lloyds TSB Bank, 10 Gresham Street , London , EC2V 7HN
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‘Leicester to Bhuj, - Hope after the 2001 Earthquake’ - Thursday 22nd November 2007 from 6.30pm
Aarti Majithia, a Secondary School Teacher spent summer 2007 volunteering at Ashapara School in Bhuj, Gujarat. Bhuj was one of the worst affected areas of the 2001 earthquake in Gujarat. Thousands of lives were lost, hundreds of homes were destroyed and many schools and hospitals were razed to the ground. To reinstate educational and medical facilities caused by the quake, Hope Foundation decided to build and run a school in the area.Aarti’s teaching skills supported the development and delivery of creative lessons in the school which focused on encouraging children to participate and learn effectively in class. Aarti will talk about her contribution to improving the quality of education as well as how she was touched by the hospitality and selflessness of the local people
Venue: Belgrave Community Centre, Rothley Street (off Belgrave Road), Leicester, LE4 6LF .
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'Bowling in a new direction – The rise of Blind Cricket in India' by Mr George Abraham, the founding Chairman of the World Blind Cricket Council (WBCC) and Chairman of the Association for Cricket for the Blind in India (ACBI)-Monday 29th October 2007 from 6- 8.30pm
The recent 20Twenty World Cup victory had the entire Indian nation united and celebrating. This passion is felt by many, including those from India ’s blind community. George Abraham grew up with an aspiration held by many young Indian boys – to be a fast bowler on the international cricket team. However, his visual impairments meant that this dream could not be fulfilled. Far from accepting defeat, George sought to make the cricketing arena accessible to the blind community. Through adopting specialist techniques and aids George has enabled 8000-10000 visually impaired players to participate in the game.Over the past few years, George has worked tremendously hard to set up institutions to support the sport, and taken on positions of responsibility which have enabled him to channel efforts towards driving the success of the game. He will be speaking on the issues of disability in India , focusing on visual impairment and how sports can help to build the abilities and self-confidence of the players. For more information on blind cricket visit http://www.eyeway.org/
Venue: KPMG, 8 Salisbury Square, London , EC4Y 8BB (nearest tube: Blackfriars)
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Leicester Mela - Sunday 16th September 2007
Come and visit AFP at the Leicester Mela to find out more about our work and meet returned volunteers. An event not to be missed!
Venue: Leicester Market Place, 11-6pm
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‘Slum Communities in Gujarat : Burden to Society or Economic Contributors?’ -Thursday 20th September 2007
In 1947, the population of urban centres in India was 10 million. Today it is 120 million – a 12 fold increase. India has experienced considerable growth in both its service and manufacturing sectors, both of which are located in and around urban centres. There has been a high level of rural to urban migration as individuals and families opt to pursue opportunities in these sectors.
Whilst population growth in India stands at 2%, urban growth is double that at 4%, and slum areas are experiencing an alarming rate of 8% growth. This leads to the question of whether there really is hope for the future of slum communities in India . Do the choices made by rural migrants really help them to better their future?
Jayshree Boot, AFP returned volunteer, will consider these questions and talk about the migration pattern in Gujarat , the challenges faced by the slum communities and initiatives which have been created to empower them in particular their rights and obligations.
Venue: Lloyds TSB Bank, 10 Gresham Street , London , EC2V 7HN, 6pm
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Yours Krishna Menon - Friday 31st August 2007
To celebrate the 60th Anniversary of India's Independence, AFP in conjunction with South Asian Cinema Foundation and the Nehru Centre would like to invite you to commemorate Krishna Menon's contribution to Britain and India.
The period drama 'Yours Krishna Menon' written by Lalit Mohan depicts the life of Krishna Menon (1897-1974), who fought for India's freedom by peaceful methods in the days of the British Raj.
It sheds light on the close relationships he started with influential Britons and his work for the common people of London. The drama follows his trials, tribulations and triumphs as a student of the prestigious London School of Economics to a pioneering fighter for Indian Independence. It also illustrates how his fanatical obsession with work had a destructive impact on his personal life.
Venue: Nehru Centre, London at 6.30pm
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London Mela - Sunday 12th August 2007
Come and visit AFP at the London Mela to find out more about our work and meet returned volunteers.
Venue: Gunnersbury Park, Ealing
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Be part of the 'Inspiring Social Change' Movement - Thursday 2nd August 2007
AFP are holding an information evening for all those interested in getting involved in our work in the UK. This is an opportunity to meet like-minded people, develop your skills and broaden your knowledge about Development by being part of our 'Inspiring Social Change' movement.
Venue: 47-49 Durham Street, Vauxhall, London, SE11 5JA
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Engaging BME and Diaspora Communities in Volunteering Overseas for International Development - Friday 27th July 2007
AFP are participating in a free workshop hosted by CFD (Connections for Development) and SPW (Students Partnership Worldwide). The workshop is aimed for young people interested in volunteering overseas and/ or wishing to gain an insight into the International Development sector.
If this sounds like something you would be interested in or would like more information, contact Frank Harle directly at .
Venue: Directory of Social Change, Euston, London, NW1 2DP
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'Emerging India - For The Urban Elite or The Rural Poor?' - Wednesday 25th July 2007
Education, unemployment, discrimination, health and sanitation corruption and development strategies are the major issues in rural development today. Mr Mukat Singh will talk about the key issue that most affects the rural population- Education. After 37 years in development at grass-roots level, he has a wealth of knowledge and experience in this field and a passionate belief that the right kind of education is the key to successful development for all.
Venue: Lloyds TSB Bank, 25 Gresham Street, London
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Charity Dinner Dance and Mehfil - Saturday 9th June 2007
The event is in aid of the Hope School in Bhuj, India. The Hope School was founded immediately after the devastating earthquake of 2001 in Gujarat. Funds will be raised for the continuing maintenance and support of this remarkable educational institution.Music provided by Sur Sargam, a Nepalese band.
Venue: Oceanic Club & Restaurant, Edgware
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Visually-Impaired Women's Struggle to Survive in Karnataka - Thursday 14th June 2007
Returned volunteers Rina Prema and Padmini Chauhan will present 'Through the eyes of Madhu Singhal': Visually impaired women's struggle to survive in Karnataka. The presentation will give an insight into the issues faced by visually impaired women in Karnataka as well as look at the challenges and achievements of volunteering in India.
Venue: Belgrave Community Centre, Rothley Street, Leicester
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The British Asian Community Tackling Poverty in South Asia - Thursday 24th May 2007
Working with the London Sustainability Exchange, AFP will discuss the contribution the South Asian Community can make to Sustainable Development. The presentation will cover the issue of climate change as well as issues that marginalised groups face in India.
Venue: Southall Community Alliance, 10 High Street, Middlesex
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Slum Communities in Gujarat - Thursday 17th May 2007
Returned volunteer Survi Patel will present ‘One chance to fly, Empowering slum communities in Gujarat, India.’ Survi volunteered with AFP’s Partner Charity, Saath Charitable Trust in Gujarat. The event will give an insight into the issues faced by slum communities in India, as well as Survi’s volunteering experience.
Venue: Wembley. Light refreshments will be served
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Bollywood Brent Showcase - Sunday 29th April 2007
AFP will be present at the Showcase with their stall. Come along to find out more about us and the work we do.
Venue: The Wembley Plaza Hotel, Empire Way, Wembley, Middlesex, HA9 8DS
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AFP Film
You can view our film directed by Mukhul Devichand on the Community Channel
(539 on Sky, 233 on NTL/Telewest & 87 on Freeview or at video.communitychannel.org)
Airing times:
Wednesday 28th February at 06:00, 12:00, 18:00 & 00:00
Saturday 3rd March at 07:00, 13:00, 19:00 & 01:00
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AFP Launch
The AFP Launch was held on 8th March at the House of Lords.
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