ECO Projects
Rediscover, Reconnect, Revolutionize
The UNESCO-MGIEP Learning Labs project brought together ten children from the USA, Indonesia, South Africa, Norway, and India to discuss peace and sustainability through virtual platforms. These children, aged 13 to 14, collaborated to create a participatory video at a workshop in Delhi in 2017. The film focuses on transcending cultural boundaries and differences to achieve global peace. The children wrote, filmed, and edited the video themselves, highlighting the importance of unity and understanding in creating a peaceful world.
Candy Chaos: A Vision of Unity
The Candy Chaos project is more than just a video; it’s a workshop that transcends cultural boundaries and differences. Through the lens of their cameras, these children captured the essence of global peace, crafting a narrative that emphasizes the importance of understanding and solidarity. This participatory video, made in partnership with UNESCO-MGIEP, is a powerful showcase of what can be achieved when we build bridges instead of walls.
Synopsis:
As a part of the UNESCO-MGIEP Learning Labs project, which connects children from all over the world through virtual platforms to discuss peace and sustainability, this participatory video was created at the concluding workshop in Delhi in 2017. Ten children, aged 13-14, from the USA, Indonesia, South Africa, Norway, and India scripted, filmed, and assisted in editing their film on transcending cultural boundaries and differences to find global peace.
Empowering Voices, Bridging Borders
Chars are sandy landmasses that emerge from river meandering and erosion, creating uncertain, impoverished, and vulnerable patches of land. ECO conducted workshops with children on both sides of the India-Bangladesh border, training them to co-author a short film together. The script was created through shared consultations and experiences, resulting in a poignant narrative of life on the Chars from the children’s perspective. This project was part of IUCN’s 4-year initiative on shared water resources between India and Bangladesh, commissioned by the International Union of Conservation of Nature.
Narratives from the Heart of the Chars
This ECO’s project, part of the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) shared water resources initiative, brings these narratives to the forefront. Through shared consultations and experiences, children from these transient isles have woven a tapestry of tales that reflect their unique way of life. The result is a poignant film that offers a window into the soul of the Chars, told through the purest eyes of its children.
Synopsis:
Chars are sandy landmasses that emerge when the river meanders and the riverbank erosion submerges one part of the land and gives rise to another patch on it’s other side. These patches (Chars) of land embody it itself uncertainty, poverty, vulnerability, lack of governance and cross border resources sharing. ECO conducted workshops with children living on either sides of the India Bangladesh Border along the chars and trained them to co-author a short 14 min film jointly. The script was put together through joint consultations and sharing via skype everyday and each group included their experiences from their side of the border ending in a moving narrative of lives lived on the Chars – the children’s perspective. This was part of IUCN’s 4 year project on the shared water resources of India and Bangladesh.
*Commissioned by International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Empowering Youth, Enriching Perspectives
At Earthcare Outreach Trust (ECO), we believe in nurturing the potential of our youth, the future stewards of our planet. My Camera, My World, is more than just a film; it’s a perspective. This poignant documentary brings together children from disparate corners of India, each wielding a camera as their paintbrush to portray their world. Guided by the seasoned hands of Kavita Das Gupta and Krishnendu Bose, these young minds embark on a cinematic journey, discovering their voice and the power of collective storytelling.
Bridging Cultures Through the Lens
The film is a testament to the unifying power of film. Commissioned by the Public Service Broadcasting Trust, this project transcends geographical and cultural barriers. Children from diverse backgrounds, each with their unique perspectives and negotiation skills, collaborate to create a tapestry of narratives. Their lenses capture not just images, but hopes, dreams, and the shared human experience. This film is a celebration of their originality and the rich cultural mosaic that is India.
Synopsis:
Three different sets of children from various regions of India, each with their own unique cultural backgrounds and levels of negotiation skills, come together through the universal language of films in a heartwarming and original collaboration. This film, commissioned by Public Service Broadcasting Trust and facilitated by trainers Kavita Das Gupta and Krishnendu Bose, showcases the power of storytelling to bridge differences and unite diverse groups in a common artistic expression.
Partners: PSBT
Trainer: Kavita Das Gupta/Krishnendu Bose
Make a Difference
At Earthcare Outreach Trust (ECO), we believe that every individual has the power to make a difference. Our unwavering commitment to environmental conservation has been fueled by the passion and dedication of our young volunteers, many of whom have gone on to become renowned conservationists. With the Volunteer program, they are not just giving back to the planet—they’re becoming part of a legacy of change-makers.
Experience Transformation: The ‘Hub of Change’
Discover the transformative journey of our volunteers in the “Hub of Change,” a compelling video produced in collaboration with WWF-India. This participatory workshop brought together voices from across the spectrum to share the profound impact volunteering has had on their lives. From nurturing biodiversity to fostering sustainable communities, the volunteers are at the heart of our mission, driving real-world impact and inspiring a new generation of environmental stewards.
Synopsis:
WWF India’s volunteers were crucial to the organization’s success, with many renowned conservationists having started as volunteers. To encourage more young people to join the Volunteer program, WWF-India and ECO held a participatory workshop to create a video showcasing the positive impact volunteers have had on their lives. The resulting video, titled “Hub of Change,” captures the transformation experienced by volunteers through their work with WWF India.
Mahua – The Tree of Life
- The Story of an Unknown Island
- Sundarban – Forest Beautiful
Mahua – The Tree of Life & The Story of an Unknown Island was selected to be showcased at the 7th CMS Vatavaran Festival in 2014 in New Delhi.
Partners: WWF – India
Trainer: Krishnendu Bose/Kavita Das Gupta/Dharma Singh.
Sanitation Through the Lens of Youth
In collaboration with the National School Sanitation Initiative (NSSI) and supported by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Ministry of Urban Development, and the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), along with GIZ, India, our initiative empowers children to express their vision of sanitation. Through participatory videos crafted by young minds in Delhi, Shimla, and Raipur, we witness their unique perspectives unfold in titles like “The Mayor’s Long Drive”, “People Shocked-Sweepers Rocked”, and “Breaking Boundaries”. ECO worked with 40 children in Delhi, Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) & Raipur (Chhattisgarh) and facilitated school children to transform their vision into their own short videos.
Guidance and Growth
The expertise of seasoned trainers like Kavita Dasgupta and Krishnendu Bose guides the journey of these young filmmakers. At ECO, we provide a nurturing environment where children can grow, learn, and express themselves creatively. Our trainers are more than teachers; they are mentors who inspire and facilitate a process of discovery and expression. Be a part of this visionary program that shapes the future of communication and community engagement.
Synopsis:
The National School Sanitation Initiative (NSSI) is a collaborative program between the Ministry of Human Resource Development, the Ministry of Urban Development, and the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), supported by GIZ, India, aimed at promoting good sanitation practices among children. ECO partnered in this initiative to help children express their vision of sanitation through participatory videos. They worked with 40 children in Delhi, Shimla, and Raipur, facilitating them to create their own short videos showcasing their vision. Some of the video titles include “The Mayor’s Long Drive”, “People Shocked-Sweepers Rocked”, and “Breaking Boundaries”. Trainers Kavita Das Gupta and Krishnendu Bose, along with others, helped in guiding the children in this process.
Trainers: Kavita Das Gupta/ Krishnendu Bose
Trainers in Association: Swati Khanna, Polumi Pal, Nandan Singh Latwal, Lalit Saini
Baheliya’s Trap: A Story of Hope and Resilience
Baheliya’s Trap (Baheliya ka Jaal) is a film that delves into the lives of the Baheliya children, whose heritage is entwined with the forests of Central India. Once stigmatized for their ancestral practices, these children are now on a journey of education and self-discovery. The film, supported by the Ministry of Environment and Forest as part of the Pardhi Project, highlights their struggles against societal labels and their pursuit of dreams, offering a narrative that resonates with hope and resilience.
One of a Kind Project
Led by the passionate Kavita Das Gupta and Krishnendu Bose, this project is more than a film—it’s a movement. By giving a voice to the Baheliya community, we aim to dismantle prejudices and build bridges toward understanding and acceptance. Join us in this endeavor to support these children as they navigate the dichotomy of their world, and be a part of the ripple effect that fosters a greener, more inclusive future.
Synopsis:
The film Baheliya’s Trap (Baheliya ka Jaal) explores the struggle of children from the Baheliya tribe, a nomadic forest tribe in Central India often labeled as ‘criminal’ due to their involvement in poaching and illegal wildlife trade. Some children from the tribe are now attending school, torn between their traditional upbringing and aspirations for a better future. The film, a part of the Pardhi Project supported by the Ministry of Environment and Forest, sheds light on the challenges faced by these children as they navigate societal stigma and their own dreams. Trainer Kavita Das Gupta and Krishnendu Bose are leading the project to give voice to the Baheliya’s plight in this trap they find themselves in.
Partners: Ministry of Environment and Forest
Trainer: Kavita Das Gupta/Krishnendu Bose
Awards: Selection in The Golden Elephant, 18th ICFFI, Hyderabad.
Empowering Local Youth Through Participatory Video
Embark on a transformative journey with the Kaziranga Project, a collaboration between Earthcare Outreach Trust and local youth. Set against the breathtaking landscapes of Kaziranga National Park, this initiative brings together 12 diverse participants, including representatives from the Mising tribe and the Karbi Anglong area. Hailing from esteemed institutions such as JDSG College, CNB College, Model College, and Kaliabor College, they unite under the forest department’s aegis. Through inclusive storytelling, they bridge cultures and ignite change, showcasing the profound impact of their collective efforts.
Uniting Voices for Change
The Kaziranga Project isn’t just about capturing stunning visuals against the backdrop of Kaziranga National Park. It’s a rallying cry for conservation and cultural exchange. By equipping local youth with participatory video skills, the project aims to amplify their voices. Through storytelling, they shed light on environmental challenges, celebrate indigenous knowledge, and advocate for sustainable practices. The ultimate goal? To ignite a movement that transcends borders, fostering empathy, understanding, and action for the preservation of our planet.
Synopsis:
The Kaziranga Project partners with the Earthcare Outreach Trust team to engage local youth using participatory video to embark on a transformative journey. Among the breathtaking landscapes of Kaziranga National Park, 12 diverse participants, including representatives from the Mising tribe and the Karbi Anglong area, from four esteemed institutions – JDSG College, CNB College, Model College, and Kaliabor College come together. Under the aegis of the forest department, they aim to bridge cultures and ignite change, showcasing the profound impact of inclusive storytelling.
Education: A Joyful Revolution
The students of Adharshila Learning Center, nestled in the vibrant heart of South Madhya Pradesh’s tribal region, have created a thought-provoking short film, Why shouldn’t education be fun and interesting? Through this project, they step beyond the familiar, reaching out to children from mainstream public schools in a nearby city to explore new perspectives on learning.
Breaking Barriers, Building Futures
This film project aims to ignite dialogue on rethinking education by bringing together diverse student voices. By highlighting the experiences and aspirations of children from tribal and urban settings, it seeks to inspire educators, policymakers, and communities to explore new, dynamic ways of making learning a joyous and inclusive journey for every child.
Synopsis:
Children from the Adharshila Learning Center, located in the heart of tribal South Madhya Pradesh, have made a short video titled ‘Why shouldn’t education be fun and interesting?’ In true ECO style, they push boundaries by stepping outside the world of their own school and comfort zone to engage in dialogue with children from mainstream public schools in a small city just a stone’s throw away.
Empowering Young Minds for a Sustainable Future
The PVR Water Conservation Project is an innovative initiative that brought together children from both public and NGO-run schools, fostering collaboration, creativity, and awareness around the critical issue of water conservation. In this unique project, 10 students from each school—one from a public school and one from an informal NGO-run school—were selected to work together.
Collaborative Learning & Social Impact
By offering a platform for learning and sharing, the project encouraged students to explore and understand the challenges surrounding water conservation, while also developing skills in filmmaking, teamwork, and environmental advocacy.
Synopsis:
10 students from different schools were selected for a water conservation project and together they made 10 short films. This collaborative effort blended the lived experiences of students from underprivileged communities with the knowledge and resources provided by their counterparts in public schools.
The PVR Water Conservation Project not only empowered these young minds to create change but also provided them with the tools to share their voices and ideas with a larger audience. Together, they are leading the way for a more sustainable and water-conscious future.
▶️ Watch The Project: Dil Se Dekho.
▶️ Watch The Project: Tree Friends, True Friends.
▶️ Watch The Project: Ye To Hona Hi Tha.
