Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
The main reason for conflict in the world today is that people identify themselves with limited characteristics such as race, religion, and nationality, forgetting their basic identity. Today, in the name of religion, there are wars happening throughout the world. The solution to this can only be found by recognising that in the midst of the diversity of cultures, the world is ONE FAMILY. In order for violence, injustice and poverty to be eliminated, we need to educate ourselves in the principles of Human Values. Let us create a world of tolerance, which leads to acceptance and ends in love Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Founder of IAHV
Page 2
Achievements in 2006/07
Achievements in 2006/07
Success of IAHV (UK) expansion with establishment of first Regional Branches in North London, Doncaster and Guernsey IAHV is extremely privileged to be selected to benefit from charitable donations from the 2007 Snow Ball organised by London Debutante Season, to be held on 10 December 2007 at Mandarin Oriental hotel on Hyde Park. Proceeds are to go to education of poor children in India. the the the the
BBC Radio and TV News has featured the highly successful work of IAHV in our support of helping 1500 prisoners and staff in the Kosovo Prison Project 54,750 income raised during the year Visit to the UK from head of Kashmir Orphanage Project, Dilraj Bedi, in July 2006 allowed us to hear at first hand their fantastic work in looking after 250 orphans of the October 2005 Earthquake in Pakistan Administered Kashmir which killed 73,000 people and injured 120,000. The creation of a focussed fund-raising Project to support the childrens projects in Kashmir New Youth Project established in Ivory Coast The launch of 3 new UK based Projects to provide Human Values related courses specifically designed for children, for students and for business executives (APEX) The launch of a programme to deliver service opportunities at home and abroad For more details, see website www.iahv.org.uk
Page 3
Contents
This is the 3rd Annual Report of the International Association for Human Values, UK Registered Charity number 1103261 for the year 2006/07 ending on 5th April 2007 This report summarises the efforts and successes of IAHV (UK) and places them in their national and global context. It has been an extremely productive year in consolidating previous efforts and taking the first steps to expansion in both activities and general awareness of IAHV and the essential role of Human Values in Society.
Contents
Introduction to IAHV ...................................................................... 5 IAHV (UK) 2006/07 in Focus ........................................................... 6 Declaration of Human Values .......................................................... 8 Text in full of the Universal Declaration of Human Values .................... 9 IAHV (UK) Project Overview 2006-07 ..............................................12 Establishing a Home for 250 Orphans in Kashmir ..............................23 Corporate Culture & Spirituality Conference, Brussels, November 2006 25 Human Values and their Relevance to Charitable Objectives ...............26 Human Values in UK Society 2006-07..............................................29 Financial Overview 2006-07 ...........................................................34
Contact: Sue Hindle Trustee, IAHV 25, Aveley Lane Farnham Surrey GU9 8PR +44 (0)252 721883 Email: info@iahv.org.uk www.iahv.org.uk
Page 4
Introduction to IAHV
Introduction to IAHV
The Need for Action Stresses within human communities are nearing critical point according to Ervin Laszlo, and poverty and hunger are on the rise. Among the specific challenges in the World today are: More than 900m people are classified as slum dwellers 6,000 children die every day for lack of clean water More than 2.6 billion people - 40% of the Worlds population - lack basic sanitation facilities (according to UNICEF) And climate change, caused by humans, is threatening to make thing a whole lot worse and very soon IAHV invites all to join us to work to restore and promote Human Values. Through IAHV we can all make a real difference to society and the lives of fellow human beings both at home and worldwide.
About Us The International Association for Human Values (IAHV) was founded in Geneva in 1997 by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the Dalai Lama and other world leaders, to foster globally a deeper understanding of the values that unite us as a human community. IAHV is an international volunteer based NGO in special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations. IAHVs UK Branch has been a UK registered charity since 2003, registration number 1103261.
Meanwhile, in developed countries such as the UK, we can see for ourselves the damaging effects of stress, the western life style and the dominance of self-interest and materialism.
Human Values Based Approach to Projects IAHV adopts a unique human values based approach to addressing imbalances arising out of unsustainable economic, social and ecological trends in the World today. Human values are those attributes and qualities that are at the very heart of humanity, representing the highest expression of the human spirit. Whether directed to the traumatised or the deprived, whether for children or youths, IAHV projects seek to foster human values, including a spirit of cooperation, generosity and sharing, honesty and integrity, peace, contentment, and caring for the planet. Particularly important is the promotion of voluntary service, and IAHV provides opportunities for all to contribute something of value to society, and to experience both the personal and altruistic benefits of this.
Page 5
This has been a very successful year for IAHV (UK). Strong progress has been made with building our team of active volunteers, there is increased awareness of the role and purpose of IAHV and the successful beginnings of programmes to be taken forward and developed. On 28 March 2007, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar founder of IAHV, unveiled a proposed Universal Declaration of Human Values in Washington DC USA. This declaration was endorsed by the new United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon. Full details are in the next section of this report. It has been heartening to observe the increased trend towards a general public awareness of the importance of Human Values within society at large. These are explored elsewhere in this report. However the public outcry at the apparent racial attack on Shilpa Shetty on the Big Brother TV programme, the promotion of the concept of British Values, and the vastly improved awareness of the need to care for the planet in the light of global warming, these all go to show that the awareness of the need to nurture and respect essential Human Values is growing across society. IAHV (UK) in 2006-07
Page 6
If you would like to donate, please send a cheque payable to IAHV to Himanshu Shah, IAHV Treasurer, 35 Studley Court, 4 Jamestown Way, Virginia Quay, London E14 2DA. Email: himanshumadhura@gmail.com. Please note that with GiftAid, we can increase the value of your gift by 28p for every pound given.
Page 7
Page 8
SUMMARY
As proposed by His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Background
His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has developed a proposed Universal Declaration of Human Values which represents his vision for a fresh approach to fostering understanding and harmonious coexistence among different peoples and cultures. It is drafted in the form of a proposed resolution of the United Nations General Assembly. It is hoped that, in due course, member States will formally bring this document forward to the United Nations in accordance with normal General Assembly processes and channels, for discussion, adoption, and subsequent implementation. It is Sri Sris intention that this proposed Declaration serve as a tool to begin a global discussion of the crucial issues it raises.
Preamble
Given the increasing conflict and violence in the world today, much of which is attributable to religious and ethnic divisions, the preamble recognizes the paramount importance of fostering understanding and harmonious coexistence among different peoples. It expresses a determination to address the root causes of violence and conflict, and points out the need to address the spiritual aspect of human existence in order to achieve the purposes for which the United Nations was formed, including universal human rights as set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as well as the objectives of the Millennium Declaration. Article 1
Human Values
Human values are those attributes and qualities that are the very heart of humanity, representing the highest expression of the human spirit. They are innate in all people and include: (1) a deep caring for all life, which is the basis for all the other human values, ultimately manifesting as unconditional love; (2) nonviolence, which arises spontaneously from an awareness of the sacredness of all life; (3) compassion, characterized by the desire to eliminate suffering and misery for all life; (4) friendliness and cooperation, which blossom with the awareness that we belong to one world family; (5) generosity and sharing, qualities that grow with the awareness that true prosperity is the result of giving, not of hoarding; (6) a feeling of belonging and oneness with all life, which comes naturally with the awareness that we are all part of one universal spirit; (7) an eco-friendly attitude and caring for the planet, arising from the understanding that the earth is our mother, to be revered and cared for; (8) service to society, rooted in the awareness that we are here to contribute something of value to society, not to get something for ourselves; (9) a sense of commitment and responsibility, ultimately extending to all of society and all life; (10) peace and
Page 9
Page 10
Follow -Up
The General Assembly is called upon to monitor and review progress of member States in implementing the common commitments in this Declaration. The Secretary-General is requested to issue periodic progress reports as a basis for further action.
For copies of the complete Universal Declaration of Human Values, please contact the Office of His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Ajay Tejasvi, Washington Liaison Phone: 202.492.5522 Email: Ajay@srisri.org Web: www.srisri.org 2007, His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
March 28, 2007 His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar introducing the Universal Declaration of Human Values in Washington D.C. Photo by ART BALTROTSKY
Page 11
Voluntary Service to Society. Fundamental to IAHVs approach is the promotion of service to society. IAHV provides opportunities for all, through volunteer work, to contribute something of value to society, not just to get something for ourselves. As Dr Martin Luther King said: We are prone to judge success by the index of our salaries, or the size of our automobile, rather than by the quality of our service to mankind.
Providing Education in Rural India Euro-a-Day Project Education is a key focus area for IAHV. Internationally, IAHV over the last few years has established Over 65 schools with around 6000 pupils. Launched in the UK in June 2004, the main school supported by IAHV (UK) is at Udipura in Karnataka state, India. This school provides value based education to aroundr 1500, first generation literate, rural children, free of charge. Included are the costs building and equipping of the school, daily travel by bus, books, a hot midday meal, uniform, and medical and dental care. The school has proved so successful that it ranks very highly in the states league tables, exceeding the results of many of the schools in the educated city. The Euro-a-Day scheme encourages donations by regular standing order, on the basis that one euro a day would fund the education of one child for a day. Regular standing orders totalling just under 500 a month are now being collected. It is hoped that this initiative will continue to increase. A total of nearly 6,000 was collected for this purpose in 2006-07. Other schools supported within this programme provide an education to city slum, and tribal children. So far most of the schools that have been set up are in India but it is Page 12
Daniela on her IAHV fund-raising parachute jump in 2006: It was a great experience that once in a life time everyone needs to do!!! Volunteering therefore benefits both those doing the voluntary work as well as those in
Our vision is also to involve older children to raise awareness of human values by training them to give H.V focused assemblies to younger children in Primary Schools and where appropriate promote courses in schools. UK schools will appreciate this as it is relevant to their Citizenship syllabus.
School children in India A PowerPoint presentation about this project is available. Further work needs to be done in taking this project forward and getting more volunteers actively engaged in fundraising in the wider community. . If you would like to help, please contact Sue Hindle at 25, Aveley Lane, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 8PR.
Children enjoying their ART Excel Course One of the simplest examples of a practical application of Human Values in schools is that of friendliness. The children are specifically encouraged to make one new friend every day. The idea is that if they can learn to be friendly with all the children in their class and school, rather than remain in cliques, then the instances of bullying reduce. The social cohesion becomes much stronger, and the resultant adult society becomes stronger. Also, if a child can learn friendliness and tolerance in school, the chances are that they will develop into adults with these qualities, to the greater benefit of their families and communities. Since starting in November 2006 a project team of 15 volunteers, led by Su Bowerman and Fatema Jiwajee has: Planned 4 ART Excel courses, 2 of them involve inviting an international teacher to come and teach the course
UK Schools Human Values Project This new project started in November 2006 and addresses the need to instil human values in children from within their school environment so they know the importance of these values and become well established in them as adults. We aim to do this by promoting the ART Excel course - All Round Training in Excellence from the Art of Living Foundation and The Kind Hearts
Page 13
Ongoing Needs are: Funding for course expenses and to finance scholarships for those children whose parents cannot afford the full course fee. More volunteers who are free in the weekday daytime hours to be able to go and talk to schools. Ideally this help will come from participants who have taken the YES+ course and are willing to volunteer for this activity. More Youth Course teachers for ART Excel/YES and YES+ based in the UK to work solidly with the UK youth during term time as well as during the school holidays.
Youth Leadership and Volunteer Project for UK Univesity Students - Future Leaders Another new IAHV (UK) initiative in 2006-07 was the development and marketing of an innovative leadership and volunteer programme for UK University students and young professionals. Successful establishment of this programme, under the heading Future Leaders, was enthusiastically driven by Rashmi Desai. The programme emphasises how leadership and being a team player is about effectiveness in communication and efficiency in your work, and aims to help as part of switching the emphasis from working hard to working smart. The course used the Art of Living YES!+ course (Youth Empowerment Seminar Plus) for 18-30 year olds. YES!+ is a dynamic life-skills programme for university students and young professionals. The course is geared at empowering young people with the tools to eliminate stress, rid the system of negative emotions and develop strong teambuilding and leadership skills. A
Children attending one of the ART Excel Courses held in 2007 In 2007/08, 5 more ART Excel courses are planned with the aim of generating evidence to support the benefits derived from the course.
Page 14
Students on the March 2007 Course The UKs first YES!+ Course was run under the banner of IAHV UK in association with the Art of Living Foundation from 22nd-28th March 2007. Over 20 young people came together in Central London for this processrich course. The students who attended this course will be eligible during the Summer Holiday 2007 to participate as volunteers on IAHV humanitarian projects in various parts of the World. Malindi Blight and Kanchan Adik are now taking over as joint Project Coordinators for the Future Leaders Programme. All who would like to participate are invited to contact Malindi or Kanchan Adik at: Kanchan.Adik28@lawcol.co.uk
Successful UK Launch of course for Business People APEX Course In July 2006 the first of 4 APEX courses for business people were launched within General Electric (GE). This Human Values related course specifically for business is an established course elsewhere in the world but not hitherto in the UK. Its success can be
Page 15
UNICEF reported that the earthquake claimed the lives of 73,000 people and left over 120,000 injured. More than 3 million people, half of whom are children, were directly affected. 75% of health facilities were damaged. Some 8,000 schools collapsed, 17,000 students and 900 teachers were killed. An estimated 1.7 million people lacked access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation as water supply systems and sanitation facilities in both rural and urban areas were seriously damaged. In PAK the destruction was high, and it was reported that 95% (or 3,685 out of 3,879) of the educational institutions in the three most affected districts of PAK were shattered to some degree. According to Government estimates, 18,000 students and 900 teachers were killed and almost 8,000 schools were fully or partially destroyed. Dubbed the childrens catastrophe, as 50% of the victims were under 18, the earthquake interrupted the education of approximately 1 million children. Sadly, the number of orphans (children without fathers in the context of Pakistan) rose from a pre-quake figure of 51,500 children to around 81,000 in the affected areas. Within 48 hours of the earthquake, IAHV volunteers began relief operations in a number of towns and villages. In Nagapattinam, IAHV trauma programmes brought relief to 25,000 persons. IAHV organised some special camps for children, and over 500 children participated in the villages of Pandu Bridge, Tarara and Chandrakot. In Srinagar another 300 children participated. Rapid mobilisation of volunteers was possible because the volunteers came from The Art of Living Foundation, which has been active in PAK for over 5 years, when over 1,000 youths had participated in Youth Leadership Training Programmes (YLTP).
Children at the Orphanage in Kashmir In June 2006 we had the pleasure of a visit to the UK by the Head of the IAHV Kashmir Project Dilraj Bedi, who spoke to the group. What was initially a Trauma Relief project in response to immediate needs following the earthquake, has now evolved into a fully blown long term project, helping to support the ongoing needs of an Orphanage and School for 300 children. Funding has been driven by the new North London IAHV Branch under the dynamic leadership of the Project Coordinator Sanjib Mukherjee Background On the morning of 8 October, 2005, an earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale struck several South Asian countries, totally devastating parts of northern Pakistan, India and Afghanistan, according to UNICEF: http://www.unicef.org/pakistan/consolidated_r eport_to_march06.pdf. The epicentre of the earthquake was located 95km northeast of Islamabad near
Page 16
Ivory Coast Youth Project sponsored by IAHV (UK) In July and August 2006, in areas recently ravaged by civil war and violence, IAHV (UK) sponsored the launch of a programme designed to bring hope, peace and empowerment to the young of the region, to work together to improve themselves, their environment and communities. With the support of local dignitaries, the 2 YLTP (Youth Leadership Training Programme) courses were taught in Duekoue and the rebel town of Bouake. Also, a trauma relief course was given to the people of Guiglo, a place particularly ravaged by the traumas of war as the rebels entered the country from Liberia. All courses were taught by the international Art of Living teacher Deepali Patel, assisted by local teacher Phillippe Torella and their assistant Jacques.
Page 17
Page 18
Once inmates undergo the Prison Programme, some of the common benefits observed are: Measurable and sustained reductions in violence, anger, rebelliousness, depression, fear and feelings of isolation Measurable and sustained reductions in smoking, drinking and alcohol abuse Reduction in reoffending/ recidivism (i.e. the continual return of former inmates to prison) Measurable and sustained improvements in undertaking the daily breath practice, co-operation with higher authorities, cooperation with peers, teamwork, participation in rehabilitation and other training, capacity to cope positively with normal stress stimuli, feelings of calmness and feelings of security.
There is also in-depth research being conducted, mainly in the prisons in the USA. The results are striking: 80% of the inmates report a full nights sleep as a result of the Programme. 60% of the inmates report that they are less prone to act aggressively towards staff, and they attribute this change to the Programme. In housing units where the Prison Programme has been offered, staff report large increases in inmate co-operation. 75% of the staff that observe the Programme, or have heard about it, request that we conduct a Programme for them and their families.
Page 19
BBC Interview about Kosovo Prisons During January 2007, the BBC Foreign Correspondent Humphrey Hawksley visited Kosovo and interviewed the Director of prisons, staff and former prisoners. On Saturday 20 January, the BBC Radio 4 Programme 'From Our Own Correspondent' featured a 5 minute report by Humphrey Hawksley about the IAHV UK supported work using the Art of Living based courses in Kosovo prisons. There is also a BBC TV interview which was transmitted in February 2007. The report provided an excellent reference to the way in which this IAHV supported work had led to a huge reduction in prisoners inflicting self-harm and suicides, from around 300 incidents in 2004, to only 22 in 2006. Prison Challenge in Kosovo The programme helps prisoners in rehabilitation, and to reduce violence and drug dependencies. PrisonSMART teaches life skills that enable individuals to accept responsibility for their past actions and to handle future conflict and stressful situations successfully. The challenges in Kosovo prisons are particularly acute, with the racial tensions and the recent history of war and brutality. Here, Serbs, Albanians, Moslems and Christians, political and criminal prisoners, many with a history of enmity, are forced together under harsh conditions.
Kosovo Prison Staff after attending the PrisonSMART course Ago Kolic, Director of Peja prison reports Our staff members have been impressed by the effectiveness of this programme. They have reported an experience of deep peace, contentment, self-esteem and empowerment. Their reports show the potential of the PrisonSMART programme to bring positive transformation. The programme brings practical ways to get rid of toxins and to maintain a state of inner well being on a day to day basis. Next Stage The opportunity is to promote what has been achieved in Kosovo so that others elsewhere in the World can also benefit.
Page 20
IAHV North London Branch The IAHV North London Branch has been established with a committee and several of their members now take an active role in the running of IAHV. The Branch has adopted a number of specific projects and are enthusiastically bringing them to fruition. Amongst these is the Kashmir project to support an orphanage and school there, in the wake of the 2005 earthquake. There are also a number of specific local volunteer initiatives such as conservation work with the London Wildlife trust, regular collections at London tube stations and an official block entry in the British 10K sponsored run. If you would like to help, please contact Sanjib Mukherjee at Sanjib.Mukherjee@iahv.org.uk
IAHV in Doncaster In Doncaster, funds for the Kashmir Orphanage Project were raised by the local Art of Living group. An interesting event was a sponsored lunch for staff at the hospital. Two volunteers cooked Indian food for 25 people, and in just over an hour they raised 165. People are still talking about it and it is intended to repeat this and similar initiatives.
IAHV Guernsey Branch The Island of Guernsey has an active group of volunteers and continues enthusiastically to support IAHV through diverse and fun ways. During the year, talks were given to various groups in the Island, e.g. at the Spiritual Centre and Thyroid Support Group. 6,500 has been raised for IAHV UK by activities including: IAHV in Norwich In Norwich, a group of enthusiastic students in the Developmental Studies Department created a 'Positive Development Week' of inspiring lectures by outside speakers for students, staff and the public to bring inspiration and hope back to those who want to make a difference but are discouraged by
Page 21
IAHV in Newcastle on Tyne In Newcastle on Tyne, Kathy Cunningham, a local secondary school teacher has successfully developed a project entitled Kind Hearts to inspire kindness and human values in school children. It is allied with stress management and self-awareness programmes and has had a noticeable beneficial effect on well-being, exam success, social awareness and responsibility within the school. This project is being developed with a view to it being promoted under IAHV in Newcastle, the North East generally and then potentially across the UK.
IAHV (UK) Website www.iahv.org.uk Launched early in 2005, this links to the IAHV international site, www.iahv.org, and aims to provide latest available information about IAHV and our project work. Website Coordinator is Gordon Herrald. If you have any updates, please contact Gordon on Gordon.herrald@iahv.org.uk
Page 22
Context and the Earthquake Dilraj had originally gone to Kashmir in 2003 and, as someone from India, had found it difficult to do voluntary work in Pakistan Administered Kashmir (PAK). Everything changed, however, with the devastating earthquake which struck Kashmir on 8 Oct 2005. The whole situation evolved in phases. IAHV volunteers were on the ground as quickly as 11 October. Initial help from IAHV with food and blankets and basics lasted for 3 weeks. Then IAHV volunteers provided courses to help reduce trauma. Then it was realised there were many abandoned children.
10 Children becomes 250 The children had lice and scabies and were undernourished. The arrived in a poor state, and were aged from 3 to 12. Not only were there child victims of the earthquake, there were also child victims of the local political violence. Dilraj explained that the children of Militants are typically disowned by relatives who do not want to be associated with them, after their parents were killed. Other children had been orphaned by actions of these Militants in the case of one child his whole family was blown up by a bomb from a militant and only he had survived.
Page 23
Opposition Comes and Goes Good results attract unwanted interest and Dilraj said that word appeared to have gone around that a lady from India was trying to convert Muslim boys. A delegation arrived unannounced to try to rectify this perceived problem. By pure chance, the delegation arrived at 2pm on a Friday when all the Muslim boys at the orphanage were at prayer. By arriving at this particular time, there could not have been a clearer demonstration that the Muslim faith was being respected. The delegation retreated and left the orphanage and school alone.
Dinner after at Tulsi Restaurant, Wembley Around 20 of us joined Dilraj afterwards for an Indian vegetarian dinner. Dilraj provided such an inspiration, it was really wonderful to hear from her.
Dilaj needs 33 per month per child Diraj said that it costs around 33 per month ie just over 1 per day for each child to be housed and fed. All are invited to contribute something towards this cost, as it was very clear that Dilraj and her team of volunteers need additional funding in order for their excellent work to continue.
Page 24
Delegates at the 2006 CCS Conference Particularly interesting was Professor Ervin Laszlo from Hungary about his book The Chaos Point. His theme is that the world and civilisation as it is cannot be sustained, and that as a result it will hit a crisis point in or around 2012 and then either spiral down to chaos and crisis, or else will embrace change and move up to new era. Ethics, integrity, and a united front to address important global concerns are now an urgent need. A Director of World Bank, Sanjay Pradhan, promoted The Global Integrity Alliance, whereby corporations and organisations which actively promote values and integrity could unite together to form a strong common front. CCS 2007 at the European Parliament The Conference is due to take place again in 2007, and is also invited to the European Parliament.
Page 25
A practical example of this can be seen from the showcase workshops sponsored by IAHV in the UK, and in 7 Prisons in Kosovo over 2005. A brochure on work in Kosovo prisons quoted HH Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the founder of IAHV: The main reason for conflict in the world today is that people identify themselves with limited characteristics such as race, religion, and nationality, forgetting their basic identity. Today, in the name of religion, there are wars happening throughout the world. The solution to this can only be found by recognising that in the midst of the diversity of cultures, the world is ONE FAMILY. In order for violence, injustice and poverty to be eliminated, we need to educate ourselves in the principles of Human Values. Let us create a world of tolerance, which leads to acceptance and ends in love This puts very succinctly the case for Human Values in conflict resolution, reconciliation and the promotion of religious and racial harmony with equality and harmony in diversity. But does it work in practice? YES. There is an unusual and unique approach adopted in all the workshops and courses promoted by IAHV, which very specifically fosters these Human Values in individuals, in the most difficult of circumstances. Over 2005 these workshops were conducted in 7 very unpleasant prisons in Kosovo. Each contained a very potent and toxic mix of racial tension, criminal activity, domestic and social instability due to the war, as well as injury and disablement. The courses were taught to the uniformed officers, the civil administrators and the prisoners themselves. A report on the IAHV work in Kosovo prisons stated: The results of these courses were a reduction of conflict and anger in any conflict resolution setting, and especially in the stressful conditions of the prisons. Albanian, Roma and Serbian nationals benefited
1) The advancement of Human Rights, conflict resolution or reconciliation or the promotion of religious or racial harmony or equality and diversity. The work of IAHV is particularly directed to this goal. It is central to the approach that all races, creeds and cultures share a common humanity, with these shared values at the core. Relations break down when the awareness of these values breaks down and focus is given to the outward differences, of race religion or caste. Also, Human Values come before Human Rights. Where Human Values flourish, Human Rights are automatically respected. Where Human Values are weak or broken down, breaches of Human Rights occur. Supporting and promoting Human Values is therefore an essential step in the work of protecting Human Rights The above is far more than an intellectual argument. The courses and workshops promoted by IAHV bring about a real practical improvement in racial and religious harmony.
Page 26
3) Advancement of Education. Value Based Education is given to children with the intention of teaching personal and social responsibility to create good citizens. One of the simplest examples of a practical application of Human Values in this context is that of friendliness. The children are specifically encouraged to make one new friend every day. If they can learn to be friendly with all the children in their class and school and not just to form into cliques, then the instances of bullying reduce, and the social cohesion is much stronger, and the resultant adult society becomes stronger. Also if a child can learn friendliness and tolerance in school, the chances are that they will develop into adults with these qualities, to
2) The advancement of citizenship or community development. The last paragraph above shows how community development is assisted. Attention is also drawn to 2 case studies
Page 27
4) The advancement of health and the saving of lives. The workshops promoted by IAHV as well as the voluntary aid provided have brought about considerable benefits in crisis situations such as: In Sri Lanka and India after the Tsunami In Gujurat and Kashmir after the Earthquakes In New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina In New York after 9/11 2001 In Jakarta after the earthquake.
5) The Prevention and Relief of Poverty. The various projects for sustainable and organic agriculture, education, training and self-help groups all go to reduce poverty.
Page 28
Growing Charitable Donations The whole idea of volunteering, providing service for the benefit of other members of humanity, or donating money, is a key pillar of IAHV. It was therefore very welcome to see that giving time or money philanthropy became very popular in 2006-07. It is clearly now cool to be philanthropic. IAHV needs charitable donations in order to support our projects across the World. Increasing awareness of charitable donations is good news for IAHV (UK), as it should encourage people to give more. The more money we receive, the more we can do to help people in need. Because all our work is done by volunteers, this enables IAHV to achieve so much more for every 1 that is donated. And if you use Gift Aid, this allows IAHV to increase the value of your donation by 28p for every pound donated, as a result of a tax refund from the government.
$37bn donation pledged by Warren Buffet, the Worlds 2nd richest man, to a charity foundation established by the World's richest man Major charitable giving is becoming fashionable. The climate for it has been significantly improved. Warren Buffett, who is worth an estimated $44bn, according to Forbes magazine - and the Worlds second
Page 29
British Values in the News A debate about British Values hit the headlines around May 2006 as a response to the London terrorist bombings of underground trains and buses in July 2005, and again in January 2007 following a Government review of how schools teach citizenship. In May 2006, the BBC reported that, in response to the Al Quada terrorist London bombings of July 2005, ministers wanted to review the current citizenship classes in schools, in an attempt to make society more unified. For the original article, see: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/4772059 .stm,
Page 30
Interestingly, the government acknowledges that For most of us this is automatic and ingrained in the habits of our everyday lives. However, it sees that when respect for self, others and the community breaks down, antisocial behaviour takes hold. Particularly important is the recognition that this is fundamental to making society work: Understanding and adopting a code of behaviour is what makes society work as a whole and is why the government is so committed to working with the public to promote a new culture of respect.
The UK Government Respect Agenda Also relevant to Human Values, is the UK governments Respect agenda. Criticism in the media about poor implementation and perceived failure of ASBOs to work, mean that this policy has not been seen as successful. Nevertheless, essentially, the governments respect Agenda is about Human Values. It is a recognition that Human Values are lacking in parts of society. See the Governments own statement about Respect Agenda at: http://www.respect.gov.uk/article.aspx?id=90 54 updated 5/1/07 Why is Respect about Human Values? Because the words the government is using to describe Respect are so similar to the words that IAHV is using to describe Human Values. The UK government says of Respect:
British Values - Where does Britain Stand on Racism in 2007? In January 2007, both racism and British Values were suddenly and unexpectedly thrown to the top of the agenda by the antics in the highly artificial but nevertheless influencial house of the Channel 4 reality show Celebrity Big Brother (CBB). From a Human Values perspective, this was an excellent short sharp wake up call concerning the issues of racism and values. Instead of the usual TV coverage of town centre, racially motivated rioting and people getting physically hurt, what we saw here was a debate in the media about what constituted racism. What is really representative of Britain today? - Is it 4 relatively uninformed t white English people making cheap racist type comments about the cultured and sophisticated Indian Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty, 31, who apparently speaks 8 languages? Or is it better characterised by the 33,000 people who took exception to this behaviour and took the trouble to complain to OFCOM about racist bullying on CBB?
Its about showing tolerance, acceptance and common decency towards the people around us our family, friends and peers,
Page 31
In 2006 the message that global warming is happening become mainstream, IAHVs position that eco-friendliness and caring for the planet are key human values finds support from by Al Gore in his statement that climate change is a moral issue.
Schools in England should teach "core British values" alongside cultural diversity
Page 32
Enabling as many people as possible to volunteer on a regular basis. Enabling as many people as possible give to good causes in a regular and tax efficient way.
Page 33
Financial Overview
Financial Overview 2006-07
The following is an extract from the audited 2006-07 Accounts.
Statement of Income and Expenditure IAHV (UK) for year ended 5th April 2007 Income Gifts and Donations Income Apex Course Euro A Day IAHV Infrastructure Kashmir Africa One World Family Fund/Silver Jubilee Yes Course Youth Projects Interest Total Income Less Cost of Generating Funds Net Incoming Resources available for charitable purposes Charitable Expenditure Grants Paid Euro A Day Project Kashmir Orphanage Project Disaster Relief - Jakarta Earthquake Africa Ivory Coast Youth Project Kosovo Prison Project One World Family Fund/Silver Jubilee Total Grants Paid Management and Administration Total Management and Administration Total Charitable Expenditure
17,496 6,708 14,989 5,567 7,446 475 1,820 249 54,750 -7,238 47,512
6,708 3,020 2,018 5,018 728 3,146 20,638 630 630 21,268
Total available funds carried forward for future Charitable Expenditure Total Funds brought forward from previous year Total available funds carried forward for future Charitable Expenditure
Page 34
Financial Overview
Notes to the Finances
Commentary
IAHV (UK)s revenue received of just over 54,829 in 2006-07 is lower than our 96,925 revenue in 2005-06. There are various reason for this. 2006-07 did not see the series of major climatic/ natural disasters of the previous 2 years, resulting in no major appeals being launched. Also the year started at the close of a very successful fundraising appeal, which had boosted the figures for the previous year. Expenses for the year were also very low however, as we had relied on the materials purchased in previous periods. These have been exhausted now and further investment in this direction is anticipated shortly with a new body of materials for general and corporate promotions. A significant amount of money had to be held on reserve across the year end as a contingency pending the outcome of the decision of the Tax authorities as to whether course income would be tax exempt as a primary purpose. A favourable ruling has now been received, but it may take a little while yet to unravel the various complexities
Gift Aid Tax reclaims As a charity we have the opportunity to reclaim 28 pence for every one pound sterling from all private UK tax paying donors. We received 1,931 in gift aid tax reclaims from the Inland Revenue with more to be claimed We still need to do much to raise awareness about the importance of reclaiming gift aid from UK tax payers as funds continue to be raised without the submission of gift aid forms.
Virtually All Your Donations will go to a specified cause An asset of IAHV over other organisations in fundraising is the assurance we can give to donors, that virtually all the money given goes direct to the nominated causes. Nothing is deducted in the UK. Very little is taken in India for overheads and expenses. Those who carry out the jobs are, for the very large part, volunteers.
Trustees Currently the trustees of IAHV (UK) are: Sue Hindle, Jenny Pruess, Radhe Chellaram and Gitanjali Bedi.
Page 35