Mentoring and Bintan Island, Indonesia
The impact of mentoring and community leaders of Bintan Island were at the center of day two of the Global Ambassadors Program in Singapore.
Heena Patel, executive director of The Island Foundation and a mentee, hosted Global Ambassador Program participants on a site visit to The Island Foundation, located in Bintan Island in Indonesia. The community-based nonprofit works in partnership with local leaders to create sustainable economic development and self-reliance among coastal villages in the Riau Archipelago.
“What I aspire to do is help build the capacity of leaders here who can help this community grow,” said Heena. There is untapped talent and a desire for a better life. What people need is access to 21st century skills and ideas, and an understanding of how to create more options in their own lives.”
The day included meetings with ten local women artisans who specialize in artwork made with recycled newspaper, where mentors and mentees shared ideas on product design, marketing and distribution. Mentors and mentees also engaged with women from subsistence farming and fishing communities, and participated in a cross-cultural cooking class.
Tomorrow’s events include a public forum with 125 business, community and media leaders in Singapore who will explore the role of women as drivers of economic growth in Southeast Asia. Follow the conversation on Twitter using #GlobalAmbassadors.
Check back here for blog updates as the week concludes Friday, and follow along on Twitter using the hashtag #GlobalAmbassadors, and like our Facebook page to stay connected.
Read the earlier Global Ambassadors Program Singapore post and a recap of Day 1.
Learn more about the Global Ambassadors Program.
Photography: David Hume Kennerly