Shared Value

Extractive Industry Perspective

Mining for Development Conference April 2015

Venue: University Club of Western Australia - Day 2

Met these women participants rom
Nigeria and Ghana.

The opportunity to attend the Mining for Development Conference was generated from an invite from Professor Paul Flatau, Centre for Social Impact Alumni at UWA who was hosting the event. As a CSI member I was keen to attend because we had spent a number of decades in the Pilbara Region employed in the mining industry. Over this time I had observed first hand how mining  has evolved in terms of the industry realizing the benefits of such an approach.

What was exciting was on Day 2 of the conference was primarily made up of four panel forums each with a Facilitator and four Panel Members presenting case like studies from an International perspectives. 

The main take away from this conference for me was the interpretation of 'Shared Value' including Joanne Farrell (Keynote Speaker), Global Head of Health, Safety, Security Environment realizing benefits'. This focus was replicated throughout the day as panelist's shared their international endeavours at a political/community/industry perspective on Shared Value and the examples they put forward under this umbrella.

Final panel for the day:
Facilitator Michelle Andrews (Dept of Mines and Petroleum)
Panelists: Professor Marcia Langton
Chair of Indigenous Studies,
University of Melbourne.
Mark Griffin (UWA).
Dianne Aikung Hombhanje
Mineral resources Authority Papua New Guinea
Hon. Irene Muloni
Minister for Energy & Mineral Development Uganda.

Also sourced from a range of presentation is the following content which I viewed as useful to apply in other sector contexts connected to: Local, Regional, National and International establishment and applications of projects or service delivery.

"Some Engagement Essentials:

• Decision Chain - eg. Natural Resource Charter
• Scale - Project sector framework & policy, international standards
• Actors - Network of influencers' and decision makers, selectivity
• Time - Short & long term, early, opportunistic or demand based
• Space - formal, informal, mandatory and voluntary
• Data- intellectual rigour, analytics, evidence based propositions
• Message - messaging and innovation
• Independence - integrity and presence on the ground
• Structural - end game, organisation accountability
• Staying Power. (Sourced from presentation on the 2nd day of the Conference)."

Trust aspects of this sharing has been useful.

Viti

SHILA PANDEY -  BUILDING CAPACITY

Facilitator / Social Mobilizer

Hands with Hands Microcredit Projects in Nepal

Viti and Shila
Photo taken in November 2015 Chitwan District

I    I first met Shila in February 2011 when undertaking microcredit fieldwork on behalf of Hands with Hands  (HwH) in rural villages, Chitwan District, Nepal. Shila's role with this small NGO involves 'building capacity' through a range of training initiatives for members and villagers:
·        Microcredit introductory courses
·        Literacy training
·        Candle making
·        Agriculture training
·        Marketing
·        Carpet weaving and
·        Sewing
HwH’s staff is also supported through mentoring by HwH Co-founders: Kira Kay and Di Pendra KC. This has been crucial to Shila's development as her role has expanded.

Shila and Ramchandra KC participated with my fieldwork and were essential in providing cultural awareness in this context and translated the interviews conducted with Jutpani Microfinance Co-operative members. My above report provided an outsiders perspective on the following:

1.     What Nepali individuals and families perceived as important and beneficial in their lives with respect to HwH’s provision of microcredit
2.     How they felt about the loans and highlight what changes in their life could be attributed to the loan/s. (pg.25 Simmons, 2013)

Viti handing over a copy of her book to
Shila and Ramchandra
during her visit to Nepal in 2014.

"Reconnecting with Shila and Ramchandra is what makes pro bono activities so rewarding and meaningful. Their generosity and willingness throughout my fieldwork holds a place in my heart and are a timely reminder why local endeavours are so crucial to sustainability at a grass roots level. (Pg. 53 Simmons, V. A tree needs water to bear fruit: Enterprising women creating reservoirs for poverty alleviation) 

Book available read more...
20% of sales goes to HwH projects

The opportunity to attend Udya Savings & Credit Co-operative Ltd. Jutpani-4, Chitwan A.G.M (2014) is now being run by Board members. This was in contrast to when I attended their 2011 A.G.M. A wonderful example of what ‘Building Capacity’ within the Microfinance Co-operative looks like. It was so rewarding seeing this progress first hand and the bearing of fruit from all involved since 2011.

Jutpani Board Members November 2014

The following are a few photos taken on the day which was followed up with a walk around the village to look at and meet members operating their enterprises.

Visit to a Co-operative member producing mustard oil next 
to her mustard seed crusher. Her other enterprise is  
developing baby pigs.

Shila and Viti walking through a mustard seed plantation

Erin Pope, Man Kumazi Lama, Viti and Ganu Lama
both members were interviewed in 2011 & 2014.

Over a number of years Co-founders of HwH have provided mentoring and training opportunities for staff/cooperative members which has provided a flow on affect to villages. More importantly, that once co-operatives are established those training needs are then determined by co-operative members.

Some of the training is also made available to men and youth in these villages.

Kira Kay Co-founder of HwH's and

Di Pendra KC (HwH Co-founder and guest) at
the opening of the New Commercial Bank in Bharatpur 
where Jutpani co-operative members (below) opened accounts.
A wonderful example of 'building capacity' over time
with the right philosophy, vision and approach. 

The recent and ongoing earthquakes in Nepal have been devastating. Direct feedback indicates local people involved in various HwH's projects - across Nepal - are safe. However, infrastructure and buildings associated with HwH's Children's Homes have been impacted.

A local partnership developed prior to the earthquake between Nripal (Architect) and Shila (Social Mobilizer) took on a new meaning when they made the decision to head to Gorkha village which was near the epicenter of the first large earthquake.

Gorkha Village after the earthquake

Their response was heartwarming to all those involved at an international level from the feedback, hear, photos and social media the collective impact they are generating at a local level – post earthquake.

I hold the view that partnerships like Nripal and Shila highlights the reminder that when we choose to become involved with an organisation  - immaterial in what capacity to contribute towards social change we need to ask the question, WHY do I wish to become involved? If your motivation is about the WE and not the I then the likelihood of it being a positive experience is far greater!

While on a meditation retreat with Shila in November 2014 I asked her what type of training she had undertaken as her role of responsibilities has grown.  The following is a snapshot of what she shared:

• 5 days Sustainability of Microfinance / Institutions through financial services
• 3 days attending Microfinance Summit in Nepal
• 8 days Triple P training
• Financial Mobilizer Training
• Self-Management Leadership training (HwH's Micro-finance program coordinating)
• 15 days of TOT training with Government and Private Sector 
• 4 days Accounting training

Shila and local Nepali trainer overseeing training opportunities
with Jutpani Microfinance members requested.

During my 2011 fieldwork I came up with the following musings:

Microcredit creates purpose

Purpose creates income

Income creates opportunity

Opportunity creates choices

Choices creates health and wellbeing

Health and wellbeing creates productive communities

Productive communities become self-determining (Viti 2011)

This remains my compass!

Shila learning the art of making apple pie at the 
meditation retreat at Nagarkot Farmhouse Resort.

Finally, when I asked Shila her thoughts about her expanded role this was her response:

I am social Mobilizer / Facilitator [which] means moving to community members or you can say mediates. When I want to share an idea and thought [and] if they easily get this - I am so happy. I want to help them increase their income and complete their basic needs.

I am inspired by the work of Nepali people like Shila and Nripal and the behind the scenes facilitating and mentoring Kira and Dipendra provide to those assisting - during this time of need. Over the coming weeks and months ahead they will be stretched and in that process discover a new found individual capacity and collective responsibility - post earthquake. Take special care!

You remain in our thoughts!

Viti Simmons - Director Bear Fruit 

Australian Ambassador for Hands with Hands 

EARTHQUAKE IN NEPAL

25th April 2015

Nripal Adhikary Architect (Bamboo Specialist) Nepal. 

During my trip to Hands with Hands projects in November 2014 with Kira Kay (International President), Nina Cejinar and Erin Pope we meet and spent time with Nripal. This post is a collection of material previously posted and new.

Kira was in Nepal when the earthquake struck and has since flown to Australia to organize appeals from a range of countries to assist with this devastating tragedy.

Previous post Nov 2015: We visited Nripal Adhikary's manufacturing facility and bamboo plantation.

Ramchandra met us at the next stop which was Nripal's place of business whom we met earlier at 'The Farm' linked to the Annapurna Childrens Home in Pokhara. Nripal is an architect and specializes in buildings linked to rammed earth and bamboo. He has spent time gaining knowledge in Germany, United States of America and Mongolia and has chosen to return to Nepal to apply these principles of architecture. The following images capture aspects of our visit.

Nripal - Explaining the values of rammed earth 

and bamboo as building materials in earthquake zones.

Treated bamboo

Local Employee.

Employee hand carving legs for chair -

part wood part treated bamboo.

The construction of Nripal's new storage showroom is under way and ongoing planting of bamboo. He continues to explore ways to utilize the materials above and continues to develop a range of furniture. 

Additional material:

Later on in our trip we had the opportunity to meet up with Nripal where he is constructing his home in the high country which also provides the opportunity for local employment and the development of skills working with these materials. It was a great opportunity to see and hear first hand his philosophy for building in an earthquake area utilising earth materials of rammed earth and bamboo. 

Other than the cement floor there is no chemicals in the construction components of his home. This is the fourth home Nripal has built since returning to Nepal to promote and innovate with such materials.

This was the plank we accessed to the top floor 
and the view was spectacular. 

Inside view of top floor roof and application
of bamboo that has been treated to strengthen.

View from Nripal's House

When speaking to Krishna an Architect from India (undertaking an internship with Nripal for 6 months) commented that originally they were going to use a window frame from the original house that has been demolished but it was not the right size for the meter box. So it had to be made from scratch by hand.

Krishna - Intern Architect from India

Craftsman constructing meter box 

What the photo's above show is only half of the house being built and it is the intent when completed to utilize it as a lodge.

One walked away with the knowing that this inspiring and visionary young architect has plans. Inspiring to see and spend time with Nripal. There are many hurdles for him to cross but I shall watch this space with a great deal of interest - as will others. 

The following Posts will provide a vignette of Hands with Hands feedback from Kira about Nepal and links where you can donate - from an Australian context.

As an Ambassador for Hands with Hands it enables me to shine a light on Hands with Hands response through this medium.

Lecture by 

Dr Pamela Hartigan 

Executive Director Skoll Centre of Social Entrepreneurship

University of Oxford England 

Professor Paul Flatau UWA and Professor Pamela Hartigan 

My notes from Professor Hartigan's and the following concepts ensured - for me - new learning's to my emerging interest in this space and the pending revision of my Self Published book. 

Generally speaking the definition of Social Entrepreneurship is about the , '...resourcefulness for social entrepreneurship with the mission to change society.

The entities associated with this are: Not for Profits, Social Business and Social Entrepreneurs. 

For profits are the interest of Social Investment and while I was in Nepal visiting Hands with Hands microcredit projects I shared this visit with Nina Cejinar who operates her own Social Investment business in Germany called Golden Deer. We are both associated with Hands with Hands  a small NGO in Nepal. Interestingly, Professor Hartigan spoke about Social Investment is to carry out a social mission to meet our basic human needs.  As part of this landscape new models need to be developed to produce new products. It is this environment that captivates me. 

Social Investment (SI) primarily generates social and financial outcomes. The view is held that we are in the Renaissance phase of these entities and that Social Entrepreneurs (SE) are about creating markets to address their mission. Blending these SI and SE creates social ventures. 

Examples provided at the lecture:

1. Bridges Ventures United Kingdom

2. Living Good  (Social Impact Story) in Uganda. 

3. Off Grid Electrical Tanzania - Proven Model 

3. Mail Couriers India - Social Enterprise

What these examples show are what Professor Hartigan highlighted in her lecture was these are market creations where markets do/did not exist. 

Another point raised was the terms we use around Developing and Developed nations. This was timely for me as I am revising my book and have used those terms so will make the necessary adjustment in my revised edition. Underpinning her view was that each country has there own disadvantaged and poor people so we can no longer dichotomies. 

Some of the participants who attended:

Further commentary I found very beneficial was Professor Hartigan's explanation that Microcredit has been around for four decades of creation and a lot of subsidy was necessary to get it going to create what she referred to as the whole ecosystem. Over that time a number of organisations have grown up around that.

Her view is that SI is still a poorly defined area and business models need to be tested to find out - which works - where - for whom - tested and refined. We are not there yet and Australia needs to find its own way by looking at the landscape and defining what is possible and what types of markets will lead the way in their national context and the importance of facilitating this.

Professor Hartigan was firm in her view that the UK Government have heavily invested in this space but by its share nature governments seek to protect the status quo. Innovation by its very nature is to disrupt what is done then transform the way we do things.

Her belief is that Entrepreneurship can not be taught but people need to be provided with the necessary tools. 

Round Table Discussion Cont...

TOPIC 3: Deepen our understanding - about Leadership

I have included images from my collection taken during my fieldwork across Australasia as an analogy to think deeper about the above feature of this discussion.

Professor Oliver's commentary highlighted that considerable research has been undertaken on the topic of Leadership. Her view is that,  'nothing is yet stable in this area and the need for Deepening our understanding - about Leadership' in the context of contributing to society. On reflection if each person present was asked what their perspective was on this I sense that their views and thoughts would have been contrasting and diverse. Just like the canopy of trees below.

Diversity of trees found in the Rumataka Ranges in New Zealand.
In the context of the above we can only imagine what lay
 beneath this canopy.
What do these trees teach us about Leadership and Responsibility
and what is it about this particular environment that allows
it to flourish and remain stable?

On the other hand, I sense that a consensus would have been reached on Professor Oliver's follow-up statement on, 'Leadership - needs to be reputable whatever you do'. 

As the Head of the Harry and Sylvia Hoffman Leadership and Responsibility program which applies the practise of,  'Focusing on responsibility alongside cultivating leadership' through personal responsibility by volunteering a minimum of 2 hours per week'. Leadership consists of the 'internal set of values and is associated with a strong conviction regarding goals and beliefs. 

Leadership and Responsibility for me is like two peas in a pod. Leaders applying their leadership skills in various forms while at the same time applying a collaborative process within their organisations, communities or service provision to ensure that the benefits enable, empower and are supported by the required resources. Each aligned with the other.

My curiosity with this particular tree in the Carnarvon Gorge
Queensland was, how did these two trunks merge?  
In the context of this discussion I now think more deeply about the 
lighter brown section of the trees trunk which resembles a natural 
cross pollination has occurred which has strengthened it base.

The synergy between two peas in a pod, cultivating leadership through personal responsibility and my interpretation of the above image - that a natural cross pollination may have occurred - opens up space to reflect and think more deeply about Leadership and Responsibility within our society. The question that emerges out of this discussion comes back to the research undertaken about Leadership and that nothing is yet stable in this area.

The trees in these images have taken years to develop and the environmental conditions have been consistent for them to flourish over a long period of time. If research, education and programs remain focused on cultivating leadership through personal responsibilities then the offshoot of that will strengthen and provide stability around Leadership - over time.  However, what the environment informs and reminds us that any changes to that consistency of focus or conditions will have consequences.

ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION Cont...

TOPIC 2 and TOPIC 1: Sharing Ideas and Capabilities 

Professor Amalya Oliver-Lumerman spoke about the importance of sharing ideas and capabilities in the context of processes that happen in communities. Underpinning this view was the necessity for open boundaries so knowledge that sits within these context can emerge and inform by being: 

1. Open ended and not captured within a time-frame.
2. Allow[ing] something to happen and trusting the process. 
3. Being bold and courageous in order to create social change. (Professor Oliver-Lumerman)

I have reflected on this and the following has emerged.

The 'community' context for sharing my ideas is linked to Microcredit (provision of small loans) in rural communities linked to a small Non Government Organisation (NGO) Hands with Hands (HwH), Nepal. An objective of HwH is, To support, encourage and educate individuals and organisations that then, in turn, create, initiate and put into action projects that help others. Website

Crucial to the establishment of HwH projects has been allowing space for processes to evolve rather than imposing a structure. Linked to this example is the long term importance of empowering individuals and communities towards self-sustainability. What has emerged from this approach was the importance of ongoing skills training for cooperative members who in turn determine what their skill needs are.

Jutpani cooperative training day March-April 2014 

Once members have decided that need the facilitator of the projects approaches HwH who in turn assesses and discusses when funding will be available. These funds are sourced from HwH's International networks who over time have shared ideas and capabilities to create activities that generate donations.

Advanced accountancy training held 
in Jutpani February 2015

Over time I have gained an awareness that the notion of sharing ideas and capabilities is easier to apply and achieve in a Pro Bono environment than a western organisational context. Generally speaking, western structures, time-frames implementation of goals and vision are applied strategically.  

My experiences have shown me that pro bono activities provides opportunities to 'create environments' often not available in our workplaces. Depending on the scale of such activities and with whom the partnership is developed, this 'way of being' is underpinned by an interest in an issue, and requires patience, time and income. Professor Oliver-Lumerman spoke about Leadership and Social Responsibility and a person being embedded. How right she is! 

I became embedded in Hands with Hands after undertaking fieldwork on their behalf in January/February 2011.  The women and communities that I have 'shared experiences' with in Chitwan District and Pokhara and the sharing of ideas and capabilities of HwH's international network has created an environment where one can deepen their understanding of the elements that make up and connect Leadership to Social Responsibility.

In the five years I have been connected to this organisation it would be fair to say that building upon my understanding of Nepali culture has been the key to letting go of many of my assumptions and holding onto structures. My fieldwork in the Microcredit environment is where my light bulb moments and deeper learning's have come from.

My following musing in the field, Chitwan District, Nepal 2011.

Microcredit creates purpose

Purpose creates income

Income creates opportunity

Opportunity creates choices

Choices creates health and wellbeing

Health and wellbeing creates productive communities

Productive communities become self-determining.

Access to water required the 

sharing of ideas and capabilities in a community setting.

Education [new classroom built by the Kevin Rohan Foundation]

is essential for the development of sharing of ideas and capabilities.

 Enterprise generates an income to alleviate poverty
by producing mustard oil from mustard seeds.

Leadership Jutpani Microfinance Cooperative 

Board Members at A.G.M November 2014.

These women have shared their ideas and built their capacity in a cooperative community context.

ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION

with Professor Amalya Lumerman-Oliver 

Hebrew University, Israel

was the inaugural guest in residence 

of Leadership WA.

My original post about this valued visit appears to have been lost so I will set the scene for the discussion TOPICS that emerged from my perspective. Having the opportunity to look at Leadership and Responsibility with a sociological lens was a treat and not an opportunity that I have experienced before. My undergraduate degree was a double major in Sociology and Womens Studies so a treat from my perspective.

Professor Oliver oversees the Hoffman Leadership and Responsibility Fellowship Program [3 years]. Harry Hoffman is the Chairman of Ardross Group of Companies in Perth and his wife Sylvia has since retired from active involvement. Their program 'Focus[es] on responsibility alongside cultivating leadership, the program requires all Hoffman fellows to express their personal responsibility by contributing to society through volunteering...' 

I particularly liked the Professors commentary around - as Leaders - we need to be reputable whatever we do.

TOPIC 1: Leadership and Responsibility

TOPIC 2: Sharing Ideas and Capabilities
TOPIC 3: Deepen our understanding - about Leadership

 John Curtin Leadership Academy (JCLA)

Community Project Fair - Perth

16 February 2015

It is good to be back sharing. My absence has been about 'Life Happens' and I now have a clear path forward to continue. Thank you for your patience!

Stage 1: JCLA Community Project Fair

Today I am engaging with this years JCLA participants about the Hands with Hands Community Project submission for Semester One 2015.

This opportunity is open to Not-for-Profit (NFP) organisations to submit a community project proposal with the JCLA program held during semester one and two. Students are required to apply and part of their leadership journey requires undertaking a team community project of their choice. 

The fair provides a forum for NFP's to sell their community project to participants. My submission is linked to my role as Ambassador for Hands with Hands in Nepal. It provides participants an opportunity to gain first hand experience in the Development field and the need for innovation.

Boxed up and ready to go.

Stage 2: Venue Point Walter Facility

Each NFP was allocated a table to set up their display material in readiness for their 'speed dating' concept whereby organisations are given 2 minutes to sell their community project to two participants before they move onto the next community project. It certainly makes one communicate in a concise way but also captivate those listening.

Case studies were the main focus of my presentations.

Set up and ready to go - approximately

16 NFP's participated.

Stage 3:  Organisations will be informed if their community project is one of the five that have been successful in the coming days. I will keep you posted...


Stage 4:
I received feedback from the coordinators of this years JCLA community project that the Hands with Hands proposal I put forward was not one of the five community projects chosen S.1-2015. It is my understanding those chosen were locally based projects and I wish the organisations and groups all the very best for their forthcoming partnerships.

I would encourage NFP's to consider this opportunity if not already done so. I found it a wonderful experience working with students from different streams of study in S.1-2014.

Therefore, my next project associated with Hands with Hands will be the revision of my self-published book in March 2013. During my recent trip to Nepal I was able to gather further data from previous and new contributors. I look forward to developing the framework for this in the coming months.

One door closes another opens - Round table discussion with Professor Amalya Oliver-Lumerman.