Projects

Post-tsunami Restoration Training

Following one of the largest earthquakes in 40 years and the largest disaster recovery in human history, the effects of the tsunami tragedy in Southeast Asia have been utterly devastating for millions of people whom have been left homeless and destitute. This very special TEKIOtron project is a youth-based (and youth-inspired) do-it-yourself training program that will empower those affected by the tsunami with low tech tools and skills to aid in their long term needs for ongoing well-being and community rebuilding.

TEKIO youth networks specialize in do-it yourself environmental restoration and community organizing. This hands-on intensive TEKIOtron training will be carried out by Tierra Viva from Mexico (http://www.laneta.org/tierraviva). The combined team will teach local young people in two of the most seriously affected areas inexpensive and low tech ways to handle basic needs such as to boil water, cook food, create gardens and turn garbage into temporary shelter or useful objects.

TEKIO youth restoration trainers will bring real-world experience and community building skills to teach local young people how to continue with sustainable practices long after the disaster relief organizations have gone home. This project will also provide various practical kits to leave at the sites (such as water purification, waste management, gardening, low tech solar heating etc.)

This TEKIOtron project will provide training in the following areas:

• Community action organizing skills (for adults and youth)
• Immediate low tech solar water purification techniques
• Low tech solar cooking skills
• Small family garden skills
• Safe and healthy waste management and constructive reuse of solid waste.
• Permaculture approach to starting over
• Youth's role and opportunities in long term restoration
• Introduction to youth-run service projects
• Link youth to a global youth-mentor network of social entrepreneurs
• Career opportunities within the “Restoration Era”

TEKIO will collaborate with already established local environmental projects in Chennai (Madras), India, and Colombo, Sri Lanka. The TEKIO team will travel to these sites with a multinational group of young trainers (10) and adult experts (4) by March, 2005. Through collaboration with strategic allies and local Ashoka fellows in these countries, as well as global youth networks, TEKIO will conduct a week long intensive "train the trainer" program which can be replicated by local youth on the ground. All training costs will be offered free of charge to any interested local youth and relief volunteers. Ongoing mentoring and exchange will be offered with a direct link to a worldwide social entrepreneur network.