Education

Education is essential to the sustainability of our clinics. Our facilities are designed with this goal in mind. Our educational program consists of two core elements:

1. Community education
2. Practitioner training

Our projects include a community development approach supported by the values of ecological sustainability, social justice and human rights. It is for this reason that we concentrate our efforts in remote areas where the most deprived and disadvantaged people often live.

This is important as we live in a society where life is controlled by power structures that are controlled by dominant groups. In this sense, our development projects are also about empowerment – we consult the community in all stages of the building process.

Community development gives disadvantaged people the opportunity to voice their needs and desires. This guides them to take steps toward higher fulfilment and empowerment. With our planet facing a major environmental crisis, community development embraces the ecological principles of:

• Sustainability
• Diversity
• Organic and balanced development

Such principles have become ever more important when faced with global warming. Our building projects are designed to environmentally sustainable principles. Our first clinic in India will be built with local renewable resources and powered by solar and wind generators.

Education is a central feature of the Traditional Healthcare project in Datom. Lack of knowledge relating to health care, and shortage of health practitioners in the region sees a great need for wellness education.

This community is confronting the very real adverse effects of climate change: failing monsoon rains, falling water tables and food insecurity, with many farmers dealing with increasing reliance on costly fuels, fertilisers and pesticides.

By incorporating education programs into the business model of the project, Traditional Healthcare aims to address many of the problems faced by the local community, as well as provide a sustainable income stream.

Training

Practitioner training will be provided in all facilities. The educational programs will be different for each location. Programs will include:

• Acupuncture training (basic and advanced)
• First Aid
• Herbal medicine
• Hygiene
• Massage
• Mid-wifery
• Medicinal herb cultivation
• Permaculture