Religion and Development Lecturer : Henk ManschotThe class started with questions and arguments : human behaviour seriously endangers the continued existence of the life on the earth, is human development disconnected from sustainable development ?, world views are challenged to rethink their contribution to the concept of development?Ecological footprint : a measure of human behaviour on the concept of the earth to restore itself. Amartya Sen creates the Human Development Index (HID) in order to measure human capabilities on education, housing, food, health etc. Participants rethink the the effectiveness, indicators and methodology of Index in the present day. Should religious values be incorporated into the Index ? Should the Index also look at the local contents or values. Religious values belong to a private sphere, however religion can make substantial contribution for preventing and solving environmental damage. Amartya Sen Versus Muhammed YunusMohammed Yunus, who is Banglades...

Being in Indonesia for a week has already turned my world upside down. I came here with few expectations on my personal experience of cultural differences and diversity. Naturally I realized that I would have new and maybe even life changing experiences, since it would be my first time in a culture and environment that is so radically different from the one I grew up in. In addition, spending a month with people from Uganda, India and Indonesia would surely bring me new perspectives on global issues. There are two issues I would like to discuss regarding the topic stated in the title. Firstly, I will go into my personal experience with the perception of skin color and skin tone. Secondly, I’ll give a short introduction to one of the issues we are dealing with in class: human development and sustainable development.However, I had not foreseen the way the color of my skin would become an issue. It’s not the fact that the majority of the people around me has a different skin color what...

Before Summerschool 2010 I used to think that issues of pluralism are foreign to my country. What I am learning here is helping me to realize how my country is full of pluralistic experiences.Like political affiliation, minorities and ethnic groups. This includes for instance women and local migrants, Issues of environmental sustainable development are also familiar to my country.I believe that continuous discussions of pluralism at various levels have the potential to diffuse tension and conflict.Thanks to everyone who has made the summerschool 2010 possible.By Jacqueline (Uganda)------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A POEM ABOUT SUMMER SCHOOL 2010Summer school 2010What a great experience!A collection of youthful men and women from Holland, India, Indonesia and Uganda!Pluralism knowledge and practice it goes Rethinking Identity, Unity in Diversity, Human Development and Environmental sustainability, Human Rights and DevelopmentBravo...

Great, you have joined the Pluralism Summer School community! Most of the stuff you find here stems from last year's Summer School. Under 'Reflections' you can read how some of last year's participants look at their own work and life differently after returning from Yogya. This is the place to write down your own experiences and respond to any other entry. If you have troubles with the functionality, drop me a line: u.seela@hivos.nl