Mangalore, Apr 20: As part of a critical service learning project initiated by Fulbright Specialist from the United States Dr Lorna Gonsalves using a Creative Peaceful Resistance (CPR) approach, the opening of ‘Reflection Park’ and unveiling of a painted mural in the premises of School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya at Valencia here on Monday.
With domestic workers as the focus group, the critical service learning project uses a unique approach known as CPR which uses the form of art as a channel for creatively and peacefully protesting against injustice.
Briefing mediapersons after inaugurating the park, Dr Lorna Gonsalves said that the critical service learning project would involve bringing domestic workers to the campus and also interacting with employers, towards sensitizing them to the plight of the domestic workers.
An association for domestic workers had been formed, which will help identify those being discriminated or denied of their rights and seeking legal help. Meanwhile, an employers’ association will also be formed to help involve more employers in the project. The project will also seek to involve the Mayor, police department and lawyers in the city, she informed.
Part of the project, the reflection park was set up as a site for prompting, reflection and promoting dialogues and inspiring collective action guided by the CPR approach. This approach will also be used by students involved in the project to inform, engage and transform communities. A mural depicting the plight of domestic workers in the park was painted by a group of artists from ISIRI Art who were also present on the occasion.
Students from School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya involved in the Fulbright project used creative expression to spread awareness about the project at a programme organised in the campus prior to the inauguration of the park. The students conducted a mime show, song and a tableau to express the plight and suffering of domestic workers in the country.
Principal of Roshni Nilaya Dr Sophia Fernandes welcomed the gathering and briefed about the Creative Peaceful Resistance approach and the Reflection park in the campus.
Dr Jacintha D’Souza, Colin D’Souza, Joe Gonsalves and Irene Gonsalves, Dr Jenis Mary, Dr Rameela Shekhar, Juliet CJ and several others were present on the occasion.
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