"God's Own Country": Kanthari

Another day of gorgeous weather and motivating talks. We heard a lecture from Professor John Kurien on coastal zones and fishing. He has worked with fishing communities in Kerala, Cambodia, and Indonesia. He started by asking us all to write in one word what we thought of when we hear the phrase “coastal zone”. It was interesting to hear what everyone wrote down. Some of the words/phrases people wrote: beaches, erosion, access to clean water, biodiversity, and privatization of beaches. He then tried to tailor the lecture to cover all of those topics while discussing the fishing culture. There was then a lecture on the materials, methods, and technologies that COSTFORD uses. Bamboo came up frequently as a building material, as well as mud. Bamboo can be used as a way of strengthening the soil or in place of steel in the foundation. There are a lot of positives to using bamboo. It can be grown and harvested locally, its cheap, strong, and reduces the amount of stone and labor needed.

We then went to tour the campus of Kanthari. The organization started as the International Institute for Social Entrepreneurs and they work with mostly either blind or physically disabled students to inspire them to follow their dream, whatever it may be. Laurie Baker designed the building at Kanthari and COSTFORD built it. We were lucky enough to meet one of the cofounders of the organization: Sabriye Tenberken. She gave one of the most inspirational talks I have ever heard. A few people recorded her talking, so I will try to post that if I get it.

We then spent time at a palace where an art show was being held and a craft’s show for an hour or two.
And now for pictures.