Report of the SET 1993

 

SET '93 was held in Bangalore, India from October I S to November 12, 1993. The theme on "Women and Men Work Together in Faith and Replenish the Earth" reflected the overall WSCF Asia-Pacific regional theme for 1993­1995, "Responding in Faith to Creation's Longing to Be Free". Sixteen participants came together for the month long leadership programme. They had tine opportunity to tackle various issues on the existing development models in many countries of die region and their implications on ecology, women and other marginalized groups. The programme contents, combined with a highly participative and creative process of interaction and learning, challenge, equip and empower participants to do something about themselves and their societies.

 

Summary of the highlights of SET '93­

 

Exposures

The exposures focused on issues and concerns related to 'developmental model' which invaded nature and indigenous culture; caste system and social hierarchy prevailing in India; tine struggle of land rights and minimum wages amongst the low-caste and tribal communities; and the burning issues of deserted wives and child labor amongst these communities. Prior to the 4-day exposure, an input on Indian realities was given and guide questions were also provided to help participants relate their field trips to the theme of the programmed. The exposures enabled participants to experience and understand some aspects of the Indian realities.

 

Inputs

inputs covered the areas of development, women and ecology. In the area of development, alternative frameworks of analysis were presented for participants to critically assess western concept of development mid to ponder on the question of real development that is sensitive and relevant to the local economy, and social-cultural organization of the society. The input on women and ecology provided a useful platform for scrutinizing dominant view and generating alternative views based on the wisdom of the societies and cultures and the integration of perspectives from marginalised groups In society.

 

Biblical-Theological Reflections

The biblical-theological reflections helped participants to reflect on the relationship between faith and reality. Participants reflected on their roles as present-day prophets, the prophetic vision of peace and the vision of God's purpose as reflected in the Bible.

 

Men and Women Caucuses

Both men and women caucuses were held to give participants the space and time to be themselves as men and women. Joint caucuses further provided a channel for participants to share and exchange their feelings and experiences. Such exchanges helped participants to further understand, learn from and affirm each other as persons endowed with God's image.

 

Workshops

The workshops enabled participants to synthesize group discussions and personal reflections. Participants were able to articulate their understanding of the issues and bring forth their visions and hopes that gave direction to their individual lives and the life of their movements. From these discussions. participants generated recommendations for the concerns of 'Development' for National Movements and the restructuring of SCM in response to "Development" concerns.

 

Other Programme Components

Participants presented their National Reports and shared about their movements understanding of development and response to this issue in their respective countries, They also reported on their movements' understanding of leadership and evaluated on their movements involvement in society. Participants held their own worship as well as joined a local church Sunday service. Weekly and final evaluation sessions helped participants to review and asses the programme's content and group processes

 

General Recommendations for concerns of "Development" for National Movements

To lobby student politicians to make the environment an election issue and lobby these elected legislators to follow through with their action policies (given the countrv situations allow)

To base consumption on need and ethics; to reduce consumption of products from luxury, wasteful, non-ethical companies

To support the green dollar concept by investing or putting savings in ethical banks

To involve directlv with oppressed groups

To organize students teachers to:

o        think critically about education and their-future course of education especially with respect to development

o        consider creative alternathle learning such as Nature camps

o        To lobby with the ministry of education for loosening political control

o        To expose unethical businesses at and ecologicallv damaging projects of governments (both local and overseas)

o        To promote drama, writing, men's & women’s groups. photos, video tapes, which are based on holistic and critical thinking, which gives the political message and which are hosed on social justice issues

o        To invite experienced women from different  fields to share their struggles

o        To hold letter writing days for Human Rights: petitions. chain letter writing campaigns, letters to papers, pass hand bills on campuses, peace marches, protest marches, exhibiting posters