GLADE - Community Chests

from Maharashtra, Central India

from Zambia (Copper Belt)

'Community chests' are multi-resource activity packs which contain a collection of resources relating to one specific community in a particular part of the world. The collections are contained in chests (hence the name) and groups are able to borrow them for extended periods of time. There is a common format/organisation to the contents of each chest which have been selected to inform users about aspects of life in the distant community. While the contents reflect the distinctive character of the individual community, the suggested activities will encourage users to explore issues which are familiar to both the distant community and their own.

	background information about the community - geographical, location, size, historical notes etc
	a short video made in the community, by local people, illustrating aspects of daily life
	photo and slide sets to supplement the video and to give further visual information
	a collection of artefacts - items in common use within the community
	newspapers/magazines & other local publications illustrating aspects of life in the community eg public transport timetables, guide books
	information about educational facilities - schools & colleges, what pupils study, higher education etc.
	leisure and recreation in the community - examples of the games people play, spare time activities etc.
	community concerns - case studies of the issues important to the whole community &/or groups within it
	a selection of activities which encourage users to explore areas of common interest &/or concern
	an invitation to local groups to put together their own 'Community chest' - for use by others.

'Community Chests' are fun, informative and challenging. They should involve active participation and, most important of all, they should help people to recognise and value those things which they share and which unite rather than those which cause confrontation and division.

Zadgaon Chest

from Maharashtra, Central India

Mufulira Chest

from Zambia (Copper Belt)