Experiences of Indian Alumni IFPIAN International Fellowship Program India Alumni Network

Re-insertion Experiences of Indian Alumni (Professional) Introduction EXPERIENCE: CHALLENGES Lack of Relevance and Connect between the area of study and course enlisted Many fellows moved on to US/UK academic World – either pursuing doctoral or post-doctoral studies Those who did not start search before returning faced difficulty in finding opportunities Rise in aspirations also resulted in delays in accepting opportunities EXPERIENCE: OPPORTUNITIES Fellows who went back to their previous jobs have been able to apply the new learning and add value to the cause they were working for Some fellows have figured out ways of remaining connected to the grassroots – by starting their own NGOs (Meenu, Soni, Haldar Mahto) Increased mobility of Alumni – from their home states to other states which is a loss for the grassroots A better and bigger platform Have been able to apply our knowledge/learning in our current jobs

Re-insertion Experiences of Indian Alumni (Personal) OPPORTUNITIES Better confidence levels, self-perception Better sense of direction Ability to face challenges Experience very rich and transformational – exposure has made us think “out of the box” CHALLENGES No linkages established back home One continues to remain socially disadvantaged No support system to get a foothold back in the community Family pressures – for better salaries, better jobs For some women, families become priorities

Ideas for IFPIAN Carrying forward the vision of IFP through alumni activities. Building a support platform and other support systems for continued learning, capacity building and information exchange that impacts communities in a positive manner. Implementing the knowledge, expertise and experience of the IFP Fellows for social change

Ideas for IFPIAN Making Network connections for pursuing cross sectoral activities towards achieving social justice Strengthening linkages with other IFP Alumni Associations and supporting each other Ensuring active communication and creating & sharing a web of information within the network Making a self sustainable Actor in the Area of Social Development and Social Justice in India

Progress so far …….. IPF Alumni Meet December 2006 IFPIAN Formed Governing Body Elected for a term of two years (9 Members) Registration Process On (Under Society Registration Act) Membership- Life membership (Rs. 1000= $25) 4 Governing Body Meetings held in 2007 3 Regional Meets Held in (Chattisgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand) Rajasthan and (Uttaranchal, UP)- issues for action Poverty & Livelihoods, Access to Education, Health, Disability, Human Rights, Gender, Declining Sex Ratio, Conservation of Art and culture

Progress so far …….. Support IFP in outreach Support IFP in Orientation of fellow-elects IFP India Alumni e-group formed and active Alumni Directory Prepared and Circulated among all Alumni Monthly Circular being circulated since Jan 2008 IFPIAN Logo/Emblem Alumni Publication in Process

Challenges: Communication – inability to get responses Locational and Professional Diversity of Alumni Professional Commitments and Priorities of Alumni Communication – inability to get responses

Way Forward Form state wide thematic chapters of IFP Alumni Connect Alumni through social and professional networking sites like Facebook Website E-Newsletter Annual Alumni meet US and UK Chapters Formation of Advisory Board Help IFP with organising GLSJF 2008 in India Initiate a national campaign on access to education

Thanks.