This week, we had the privilege of learning about diverse Indigenous groups in Chile in various contexts. These included in the classroom, at traditional Mapunche community houses or Ruka, an Indigenous-led health centre and through our visit to the Ministry of Health. In many ways, the week was emotionally overwhelming and challenging, learning about the…Continue Reading Our Connected Worlds Week 3
Shannon Mihaere. Rangitane o Tamaki nui-a-rua. Ngāti Porou. Ngai Tai ki Tamaki. Waikato-Tainui. Mari Mari Kom pu che – Hello to all the people! First and foremost, I acknowledge the 11 indigenous groups here in Chile whose knowledge systems are of deep importance for the betterment of all peoples and deserves to be considered as…Continue Reading A centring of Mapuche worldviews in healthcare
The Indian entrepreneurial mindset exemplifies many ideal traits in successful innovators. It has also been interesting to reflect upon the similarities and differences between New Zealand and Indian entrepreneurs….Continue Reading South Indian Start-Ups: A Masterclass in the Entrepreneurial Mindset
I acknowledge that the land I stand on is the rightful territory of the Mapuche people. I recognise my position as manuhiri (a visitor) on this land, and write with the intention of honouring the tikanga (protocols) of the Mapuche people. I further recognise the long-lasting effects of colonisation for all Indigenous groups in Chile, and…Continue Reading Toitū te whenua, toitū te tangata
In the morning sun, a silver kite flashes its way through a blue sky. Catching the breezes above the islamo-saracenic architecture of Ahmedhabad, it flits and flutters at the end of its string. Down below, the old man stares soberly at his aerial art. At once a plaything, a cultural remnant and a celebrated image…Continue Reading Kites in the Dawn
Mari mari from Santiago! This week has felt both grounding and challenging as we visited Viña del Mar and Valparaíso, went hiking in Parque Natural Aguas de Ramón, went rafting in the Andes, learned about ethnicity and health care in Chile, visited the Memory and Human Rights Museum, and attended a field observation to learn…Continue Reading From Viña del Mar to the Andes
Embarking on my journey to India through the Prime Minister’s Scholarship has proven to be a rollercoaster of challenges and triumphs. From language barriers to divergent viewpoints, every obstacle has become a stepping stone towards personal growth and a deeper understanding of India and me. In this post, I want to share my struggles with…Continue Reading From Struggles to Strength: Exploring Community Spirit
I’ve recently started to enjoy paintings for their story telling; the medium is a portal to a perspective of a time unknown. Architecture, however, I’ve only ever enjoyed with a jaw drop of awe when confronting the beauty of creation. India was about to change all that. In Hampi and Ahmedabad, architecture’s story is breathing. …Continue Reading Sun-kissed stone
Ancient Rome had a saying that to cross the Rubicon River was to pass the point of no return. When Julius Caesar crossed the Rubicon River in 49 BC, a civil war began in Rome. The previous status quo is gone, and there is no way back. Since my last blog post, I have crossed…Continue Reading No Way Back
My visit to the Manav Gulzar Community Centre in India was an experience that deeply touched my heart and soul, reaffirming my belief that love is the answer to many of the problems the world now faces. Nestled in a vibrant slum neighbourhood, the centre stood as a symbol of hope, drawing us into its…Continue Reading Love is left behind