Beyond the Headlines: Journalism for Social Impact
Imagine a world where injustice goes unchecked, where voices are silenced, and where stories remain untold. How can we prevent such a dystopia? Journalism stands out as a powerful tool, capable of challenging the status quo, holding those in power accountable, and sparking meaningful conversations.
TribesforGOOD’s new journalism cohort is committed to using the power of narratives to drive change. Under the mentorship of a seasoned journalist Soumya Mukerji with 16 years of experience at Hindustan Times, NDTV, and the Times of India group, these talented changemakers have been honing their skills to tell compelling stories that matter.
Meet the squad:
Prianjali Karwa (Birla Vidya Niketan, New Delhi)
Mahi Menon (Oberoi International School, Mumbai)
Maira Ahmed (Oberoi International School, Mumbai)
Riddhima Koul (Greenwood High International, Bangalore)
Sia Chakravartula (The International School Bangalore)
To showcase the power of journalism as a catalyst for social impact, we've selected three compelling articles co-authored by the team. Our first piece explores the work of Under the Mango Tree, an organization that empowers farmers to increase their income and promote sustainability through beekeeping. Next, we delve into the experiences of victims of human trafficking with an executive from Kshamata, a leading NGO in rehabilitation. Finally, we shed light on the pervasive issue of racism against Indians on social media.
Beyond their exceptional reporting, these changemakers have made a significant contribution to their communities. They have conducted virtual awareness sessions on careers in journalism for young students in underserved areas, inspiring the next generation of changemakers.
TribesforGOOD serves as a bridge, connecting these passionate individuals with hard-to-reach audiences and amplifying their voices.
Sweet Success: How UTMT is Empowering Farmers with Bee Farming
In the heart of rural India, amidst the vibrant landscapes, lies a story of transformation and hope. It begins under the shade of a mango tree, where a vision to uplift and empower communities took root. Under The Mango Tree (UTMT) is an organization that harnesses the power of sustainable beekeeping to create lasting change in the lives of smallholder farmers.
Founded by Vijaya Pastala, an entrepreneur with a passion for sustainable development and a deep connection to rural India. She noticed that many rural communities had the potential to cultivate honey, but lacked the knowledge and resources to do so effectively. By providing training and support in sustainable beekeeping practices, UTMT aimed to empower farmers to diversify their income sources, improve crop yields, and contribute to environmental conservation.
Stories from executives onground
One of these project managers, Mr. Pradeep Vasava, shared that during a project in the South of Gujarat, the species of Bees that UTMT can work with (Apis Cerana Indica and Trigona) were only found deep in the forests. Elders of that region stated that they would see these bees in their childhood, but that they have not been around for a while.
To tackle this issue, UTMT managed to locally source the bees and set up 10 boxes near the farms. Unfortunately, since these bees were naturally absent from this region, the bees began absconding from the boxes after multiplying. So instead, the project managers from UTMT placed empty boxes nearby, attracting bees from the forest regions. The bees then were able to multiply and harvest honey in the empty bee boxes. This is just one of the inspiring stories in which UTMT project heads were made to adapt to the local communities and overcome the challenges of beekeeping for agriculture.
Another executive Simran was first introduced to this organization through her sister, who had previously worked with UTMT for 5 years. She was extremely inspired by the stories that her sister had narrated to her, and desired to join the organization as she found the practice of sustainable beekeeping extremely unique. Though she hadn’t originally planned to do this, Simran always knew that she wanted to help her community, and had a strong desire to give back to the people around her.
When asked about her first project, Simran described how each member of Under The Mango Tree has specific targets and goals to achieve in their first year. The first year mostly consisted of training in the methods of beekeeping — moreover, she herself had to train 30 farmers in her first year, and 50 in her second.
Simran faced challenges convincing farmers to adopt beekeeping and maintaining beehives amidst climate change. However, she found her work incredibly rewarding. She learned from the farmers, particularly the courageous women who overcame stereotypes and societal pressures to succeed in beekeeping.
One inspiring story was Kalpana Taai, a mother of four who joined UTMT despite societal challenges. She became a master trainer, empowering other women in the field. Simran hopes to inspire more young women to join previously male-dominated sectors.
Looking Ahead: Advancing Beekeeping Initiatives
Under the Mango Tree has two main goals for the coming future, both of which have been strong motivators for each of their projects, growing bee flora and green coverage in the regions they work in. Under The Mango Tree has demonstrated the transformative power of sustainable beekeeping in rural India. By providing training, support, and resources to smallholder farmers, UTMT has empowered communities to diversify their income sources, improve crop yields, and contribute to environmental conservation. As the organization continues to grow, it is committed to expanding its reach, addressing emerging challenges, and fostering a sustainable future for both bees and the communities they serve.
Reclaiming Lives: The Power of Compassion and Care
Interview with Kshamata Executive Dipali Prashant Anpan
Supporting Survivors of Human Trafficking
Dipali Prashant Anpan is a dedicated staff member at Kshamata. Her work is integral to the recovery and rehabilitation of young women who have been through the harrowing experience of human trafficking. She details the challenges these survivors face and the strategies Dipali and her team employ to help them rebuild their lives.
The Trauma of Trafficking
The survivors at the center have endured various forms of trauma, ranging from abuse within their homes to violations outside, with some even involved in ongoing POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) cases. These experiences are deeply personal and varied, making it difficult to categorize them into neat groups. Each girl's story is unique, and their paths to healing are equally diverse.
Dipali understands that recovery is a complex process, and the mental health of these survivors is fragile and ever-changing. It's important to remember that saying "no" may not always be an option for social workers, especially when survivors of trauma need to be heard and supported. Building trust is essential in these relationships, as it allows survivors to feel safe and vulnerable.
Initial Challenges and Mental Health
When the girls first arrive at the center, they are often in a state of mental distress. struggling with the psychological scars left by their past. Dipali and her colleagues understand the importance of giving these girls time to adjust to their new environment. Forcing them to engage in activities immediately is not an option, as it is crucial to acknowledge and validate the pain they have endured. The staff is mindful of the fact that healing takes time, and they provide the girls with the space they need to begin coping with their trauma.
One of the biggest challenges these girls face is settling into a routine. The center is more than just a place for learning; it is a transformative environment where the girls are encouraged to take on responsibilities like cooking and cleaning. For many newcomers, this is a difficult adjustment. They often struggle to understand why they are being asked to perform these tasks, especially after having lived through such harrowing experiences. However, Dipali and her team offer support and guidance, helping the girls to gradually accept these duties and begin to transform, usually after about a month.
Counseling and Support
Counseling is a crucial part of the recovery process, and Dipali plays a key role in ensuring that the girls receive the support they need. Old traumas can create barriers to learning new skills and embracing new opportunities. Many of the girls initially feel that there is no point in trying to learn anything new, as they perceive it as inherently bad or futile. To address this, the center introduces them to both individual and group counseling sessions. These sessions are designed to help the girls work through their emotions and develop a sense of self-worth. In addition to formal counseling, the center organizes various activities and games that allow the girls to engage in one-on-one interactions. These activities serve as an indirect form of counseling, helping the girls to process their emotions in a less formal setting. The staff understands that traditional group sessions can sometimes create an "easier said than done" mentality, so they focus on making the sessions interactive and practical. This approach helps the girls learn from their experiences while simultaneously working on their mental health.
Dipali shared that support networks, self-care practices, and seeking counseling are just as crucial for caregivers and social workers. At Kshamata, the team focuses on building strong support and providing a safe space to process emotions and experiences.
The well-being of social workers
Social workers often find themselves in the midst of traumatic situations, witnessing firsthand the suffering and pain of their clients. Despite the challenges, the commitment to the cause and witnessing the growth in beneficiaries is a powerful source of inspiration for social workers. Seeing the positive impact of their work can help to fuel their passion and resilience. By prioritizing their own well-being and seeking support, social workers can continue to provide compassionate care to those in need while maintaining their own mental health.
Misconceptions and the Importance of Awareness
Through her work, Dipali has observed several misconceptions about human trafficking. One of the biggest misconceptions is that trafficking only affects poor women. In reality, anyone can fall victim to trafficking, regardless of socioeconomic status. Dipali emphasizes the importance of spreading awareness about trafficking, starting with education in schools and the use of social media. She believes that by raising awareness, society can prevent more individuals from becoming victims of trafficking.
Conclusion
Dipali Prashant Anpan's work at the center is vital to the recovery and reintegration of trafficking survivors. Through counseling, skill development, and the creation of a routine, she helps these girls regain a sense of normalcy and self-worth. Dipali's efforts are not just about addressing the immediate needs of the survivors but also about helping them rebuild their trust in others and themselves. By spreading awareness about human trafficking, Dipali and her team aim to create a society that is more understanding and supportive of survivors, ultimately helping to prevent future cases of trafficking.
Normalization of Racism Against Indians on Social Media - A Changemaker’s Perspective
During the past few weeks, we have observed a troubling rise in the normalization of racism and discrimination against Indians on social media platforms, particularly, X (formerly known as Twitter). These posts have come in the form of memes, or jokes, stereotyping Indians as dirty or ‘technology support scammers’. While some of these misconceptions have become popular throughout the 2000s, it has started to become much more normalized and has impacted the Indian community with such a hostile and unfair online environment. With the surge of this behavior becoming increasingly evident, discriminatory posts targeting the Indian identity have turned into a significant issue that requires urgent and mass attention…….
Link to the complete article on TFG’s Linkedin
As we conclude this newsletter, we hope you've been inspired by the stories of our talented journalism cohort. Their dedication to using journalism as a force for good is a testament to the power of storytelling.
Together, we can create a world where voices are heard, injustices are addressed, and positive change is catalyzed.
Thank you for reading!