School of Politics and International Studies

India Summer School Opportunity

18 April 2008 |

The Development and Human Rights Institute (DHRI) is a not-for-profit organisation offering an insight into developmental and rights issues in India through a summer school and internship programme extending over two months (1 July-30 August 2008).

This is an opportunity for students to further their own professional development by contributing to the work of human rights organizations in India and at the same time taking back the invaluable experience of working in challenging cultural and social environments.

The summer school and internship programme has two components. The summer school comprises two weeks of seminars and networking with academics, social movement activists and individuals working for social justice in India. This will be followed by a six-week placement with an organisation where participants will be exposed to a range of perspectives on and experiences of such work. Throughout the programme, the DHRI team – all of whom have postgraduate qualifications in the social sciences – will guide and encourage participants to link the theoretical and background knowledge they have acquired through their degree course and the summer school with their internship experience, culminating in the production of a research report or ethnographic account that reflects upon and builds their understanding of the issues at stake.

In the long-term we aim to build global support and solidarity for issues in India as well as encourage friendships and partnerships among young activists, academics and lawyers across borders. We want you to be part of our endeavour to create a global network of activists to influence not only policy formulation but also the way policy is formulated. Rather than development taking the form of top-down policies imposed on the poor, our vision is of a development that listens to people, to their demands and their ideas of how these can be met, and makes them the focus of policy formation. Participants of the summer school and internship programme will be our ambassadors in the world, giving strength to subaltern Indian voices struggling to be heard in the oppressive structures of the contemporary global economy.

The cost of the summer school and internship programme is 450 GBP (Pounds Sterling). The deadline for applications is 1 May 2008. Applicants will be considered on their merits, and students from any country and from any academic discipline are welcome to apply.

May I invite you to view our website (www.dhri.org), Brendan Donegan. Co-Administrator DHRI. I can be contacted by email but I am currently based in India. Our UK contact is: Sameena Dalwai, sameenad@gmail.com, 07503 000642, 01782 245455.