Third World Scientific and Technological Development Forum
9 Daleview Avenue
Glasgow, G12 OHE
Scotland

AIMS

To provide a platform for the discussion of issues related to the development of education, science and technology in the developing countries. To disseminate news and information regarding science, technological development and health care in the Third World. To stimulate discussion on issues such as appropriateness and choice of technology for development; promotion of co-operation between developing and developed countries for technological development: the role of expatriate scientists in the development of the Third World and other related issues such as technology transfer etc.

METHODS

The Forum is run by overseas scientists and development economists working or studying in the United Kingdom. We publish an international quarterly magazine called ‘The Epoch’. Articles in the magazine are contributed by scientists both from the UK and developing countries, The magazine also contains news and book reviews,

Meetings are held the last Thursday of each month. At present they are confined to Glasgow. They include a talk by a specialist, discussions and exchange of ideas and film shows on development issues.

SUCCESSES

The Forum was formed in 1983 and has so far published five issues of The Epoch. It sells the magazine to scientists in the UK and to educational and scientific institutions in the developing countries through bookshops and annual subscriptions. A number of universities and colleges now’ subscribe to the magazine.

FAILURES

Because of lack of funds we have not been able so far to publicise the magazine properly and to introduce it to a wider readership.

FUTURE PLANS

We intend to hold meetings and conferences at national level and to attract both UK scientists and those from developing countries working or studying in the UK.

HELP NEEDED

We need more people to subscribe to the magazine and need volunteers who can sell the magazine in educational institutions and to introduce it to their local bookshops. We also need more volunteers with interest in the development of science, technology and health care in the Third World to work for the magazine.

Pueblito Canada Incorporated
191 College Street
Toronto
Ontario M5T 1P9
Canada
Tel: (416) 593-4813

AIMS

To support grass root development projects in Latin America which strengthen the family unit and encourage individual and community self-sufficiency. To offer material, educational and emotional support to abandoned children, To teach Canadians about the causes and effects of child abandonment in Latin America

METHODS

Using funds raised in Canada, Pueblito assists indigenous projects in Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic, including: vocational training for illiterate and semi-literate adults; literacy programs; health centres; leadership training courses; villages for abandoned children.

Pueblito in Canada works in partnership with groups in Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic. We run staff and volunteer exchanges between these countries and an integral aspect of the organization is the flow of ideas between them.

SUCCESSES

In less than two years, personnel from more than 200 voluntary and government agencies in the Dominican Republic have received leadership training. 80 per cent of graduates in the Vocational Training Centre in the Dominican Republic have found jobs. 150 children live at two children’s villages in Costa Rica. Pueblito Development Education materials were used by 10,000 Canadian children in 1983-84. These are some of the achievements Pueblito has carried out while keeping its administrative costs at less than 8 per cent of the total budget.

FAILURES

A shortage of personnel has made it difficult for Pueblito to work in rural areas. Some projects have not attained self-sufficiency.

FUTURE PLANS

Pueblito’s current plans call for a consolidation of its Canadian funding base and a children’s village in the Dominican Republic, Once these are successfully underway, Pueblito will consider forming partnerships in other Latin American countries.

HELP NEEDED

Volunteers can help with publicity in Canada; office work; and as teachers and/or animators in Latin America.

Aid for India
51 Roman Road
London, E2 OHU
Tel: 01 981-1255

AIMS

To promote the development of self-help social, medical and educational projects among the Ex-Untouchables (Harijan) community in Maharashtra, India, To overcome the damaging physical and psychological effects due to the prejudices of the caste system. To encourage the uplift of the community through such Buddhist spiritual practices as the development of self-respect and co-operation for others. To improve the conditions of as many people of the repressed classes as possible

METHODS

Funds are raised by volunteer canvassers. In India. Aid for India fleldworkers live and liase with the local communities to determine the most suitable necessary action. Local health workers, teachers and social workers are then employed and trained.

SUCCESSES

We have been covenanted £2 million over the next seven years. for social, medical and educational projects. We have opened an educational resource centre in Maharashtra where high-school children can live and study. We have also established kindergartens, sports clubs and co-operative right-livelihood businesses, So far, medical work concentrates on primary health care and education for mothers and children under five and to encourage a long-term improvement in the health of the community. Meditation/Buddhism classes are held: a retreat centre has been built in the country to enable an escape from the slums to a more healthy environment for some of the year.

FAILURES

External bureaucratic delays have held up the buildings for a medical/community centre. We have not raised sufficient funds for meditation/Buddhist activities, which are highly valued by the community itself.

FUTURE PLANS

To consolidate existing projects, to expand to other slum localities of India,

HELP NEEDED

We would welcome contact and support from all sympathetic people.