| Focus Area: |
Religion, Conflict, and Reconciliation |
| Project: |
The Gandhi Project |
| Commitment By: |
Global Catalyst Foundation |
| Partner: |
Sponsored by Global Catalyst Foundation & the Skoll Foundation, administration/implementation by Relief International-Schools Online |
| Value: |
$600,000 |
Objective: The goal of the Gandhi Project is to engender peaceful and positive social change through the application of Gandhi’s philosophy of personal and social empowerment. The project has been launched in partnership with Palestinian non-governmental and community based organizations in particular, youth organizations, teachers, peace activists, women’s groups and members of non-governmental organizations through community screenings of the Arabic version of the film, Gandhi. The screenings catalyze discussion and debate on the messages the film brings to life. Screenings are followed by initiatives to advance economic self-reliance, development, and empowerment. The project has launched forums of discussion with grassroots communities and organizations about Gandhi’s philosophy of peaceful resistance and social change. The Gandhi Project also enacts Gandhi’s message of economic empowerment and self reliance by supporting community and economic development projects, such as micro-credit programs for women and training opportunities for youth in ICT to enter the high skilled labor market.
Commitment: The Global Catalyst Foundation will sponsor The Gandhi Project through a donation of $600,000 and in-kind administrative support.
Background: Gandhi is recognized as the father of modern India and his influence is as relevant today as it was during India’s own battle toward independence. In one of the most extraordinary lives ever lived, Gandhi effected tremendous political change, exerting enormous influence over people by practicing peaceful resistance and civil disobedience. Kamran Elahian, Founder and Chairman of Global Catalyst Partners and the Global Catalyst Foundation, along with the Skoll Foundation, conceived the Gandhi Project to leverage the impact of this award winning film in a part of the world they care about deeply; the Project was sponsored through both foundations and brought together a remarkable team to make it happen.
| Point of Contact: |
Zohre Elahian, Executive Director
Global Catalyst Foundation |
| Geographic Scope: |
The screenings have included, but are not limited to, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Hebron, and on the wall at the Qalandia checkpoint (marking the border between the Palestinian territories and Israel); in addition to various cities, refugee camps, and villages throughout the Palestinian territories. |
| Anticipated Launch Date: |
Summer 2005 |
| Anticipated Duration: |
Ongoing |
Partnership Opportunity: The Project welcomes all sources of funding and/or collaboration with other NGOs that operate programs in the Middle East.
Update:
January 2006:
Over 3,000 students, teachers, youth coordinators, women’s groups, NGOs, and the general public have attended the screenings and subsequent forums of discussion.