‘Rural is cool’ – or – the transformative washing machine
Over the past decade, around the world there has been a rather suspicious attitude towards non-governmental organisations. Speaking with many kanthari graduates, we feel that the number of challenges is increasing, especially for “grassroot” initiatives in several countries in Africa as well as in Asia. NGOs are blamed for the misery countries are in, and laws are enacted that push especially small organizations to the edge of existence.
Corporations that were criticized by activists about their environmental practices, for example, liked to jump on this bandwagon. Social and environmental initiatives have been publicly described as corrupt, likely to divert the attention of their own opaque practices.
Corona, however, seems to reverse the negative picture. I recently read an article in which Indian Officials thanked the many social initiatives in the country for their effective support during the Corona crisis. Especially the “community-based organizations” are suddenly recognized for their goodwill and mistrust seems to have diminished. Is this a sign of a growing understanding that the world works better if everyone connects and works together, especially in times of crisis? Can Community Based Organizations from now on hope to be taken more seriously in their important work?
In this context, I would like to introduce a community-based organisation that is based in Nigeria.
The name of this organisation is Durian. Yes, you read that right: Durian, like the name of the tropical fruit that is well known for its incredible penetrating smell, that makes anyone who comes near, want to run as far away as they possibly can. However, the one who has the guts to try it will never forget its delicious taste.
So, Tony Joy chose “Durian” as the name for her organization, which works for the betterment of rural communities in Nigeria. But why that name?
“In my country, the term “rural” does not have a good image. We grew up believing that “rural” stands for dirt, stench and poverty. Yes, people in remote villages are generally poor and uneducated. And as mainly agriculture is practiced, it can also stink at times. But it is the cities that are drowning in garbage! In order to combat poverty, we must first change our attitude to rural. I say: rural is cool. It may smell like the Durian fruit, but once you dare, you will be surprised by the unexpected possibilities.”
Like many kantharis, Tony has a moving history. She is literally a “survivor.” Aged 13, she threw herself in front of a taxi in the hope to end her life. That didn’t work, because the taxi driver had amazing reflexes.
A year earlier, her father had died. She mourned so much that her mother threw her out of the house. In dreams, she still hears her mother’s voice: “You are waste”. Anyone who knows Tony, knows how calmly she speaks about the insults she endured during childhood. The question is, what made her so strong?
“I was still bothered by being called ‘waste’ as a teenager. But at some point, I accepted the term “waste” for me.” Tony believes that she has regained her self-confidence through creativity, music, poetry and design.
Even before she came to the kanthari Institute, she had been living on a dumpsite for a while, where, together with garbage collectors she transformed waste to little pieces of art. They sold the objects to survive.
“Waste can be transformed to something that has value. And that thought supported me.”
In 2017 she came to the kanthari Institute and, like all participants, was thrown into the process of concept transformation. We also call it the “washing machine”, an emotional roller coaster for many. During this time, their ideas for social change undergo a process of de-construction and re-construction. It is painful to critically question and possibly even reject beloved ideas. But when the washing machine process is complete, they often feel reborn. Then, they themselves become their idea, and that results in an uplifting phase for all involved.
I remember well went Tony was being twirled around in the washing machine. And while some of them were banging their doors furiously, suddenly bursting into tears or even laughing out of nowhere, she became more silent and thoughtful. Equipped with a life jacket, we saw her float in the Vellayani lake for many hours. And it was there when the idea of Durian, an initiative for village development was born.
To realize Durian, she had a certain community in mind. It was a village of unemployed young people, drunken men and hopeless women who could not provide proper education for their children. But this village had a treasure that no one really recognized. Bamboo grows everywhere. Bamboo is a grass that reproduces like weeds and grows just as fast. In many countries, bamboo is therefore also disregarded as an annoying weed. It is quickly overlooked what hidden value bamboo possesses.
Tony educated herself about bamboo and within a few years, turned a neglected community into a hotspot for bamboo products. Initially they started processing bamboo into jewelry and crockery, followed by furniture. Other planned items are bamboo canes for the blind, bamboo bicycles and even bamboo silk. All of these items will be produced in a multistory bamboo building to be constructed in the near future.
As if this wasn’t enough bamboo for you, then you can also soon taste caramelized bamboo shoots and of course bamboo sprout salad 😉
Currently, due to the Corona crisis, the Durian team is going through different washing machine cycle. The production has been temporarily stopped because now Durian works on distribution of food as well as soap made from cocoa pod.
Durian and its bamboo products have made the community known and its members who previously were ashamed of their origins, now say with pride, “Rural is cool”.
Tony today advises everyone to fully immerse themselves into their own washing machine process. “It’s worth being tossed and turned. It can easily lead to something completely new.”