Bio-diversity

Project Summary: One of the prominent objectives of OpenMind is to promote the welfare of psychologically distressed and vulnerable persons through Art and Nature Life Therapy. OpenMind s field of activities seeks to develop the social skills, capacity development, the re-adaptation and empowerment of young persons and adults who suffer from psychological distresses. By reason of their psychological conditions, they are excluded from the mainstream of social and economic activities with the result that they step further down in their incapacities with increased dependence on the family or society for their means of livelihood. The other main activities of OpenMind Centre are: Craft Workshops; Art-Therapy; Creative Workshops; Psychological Sessions; Psychotherapy; Therapy for Carers, especially parents. - The Hortitherapy Workshops are designed to benefit young adults as well as adults who are psychologically affected through the acquisitions of skills in sustainable agriculture. - The training in eco-friendly agriculture techniques would allow them to work in an environment conducive to the improvement of their welfare. Training approach will emphasize work skills and work habits in activities such as soil preparation, propagation of seeds, planting of seeds and seedlings, crops treatment, preparation and use of compost, care and maintenance of the beds as well as handling and storing crops. - These workshops will be held at Eb ne and will be conducted under the supervision of therapists/ facilitators. The workshops sessions will be held every day. - Garden crops under cultivation will be seasonal and perennial aromatic herbs, organic vegetables and fruits. Endemic plants, local breeds and flowers will be privileged. The produce harvested will be used in the community, especially to the neighbourhood. Organic vegetables will be put on sale (Panier Bio) every Friday and Saturday to the community in the Solidarity Shop of OpenMind Centre at Quatre-Bornes. The expected outcome of the Programme is: Provision of therapeutic treatment to persons with psychological disorders through Hortitherapy using organic agriculture. Capacity Development. Provision of training in organic agriculture. Empowerment of the psychologically distressed persons. The development of the social skills and the re-adaptation of youngsters and adults excluded from any form of economic activities with the result that they steep further down in their incapacities with increased dependence on the family or society for their means of livelihood. The regain by the beneficiaries of self confidence and attainment of a satisfactory degree of empowerment process that is measurable albeit over time. The beneficial effect of Hortitherapy on the mental state of the beneficiaries has been acknowledged by parents and attending doctors as well. The setting up of the workshops would have the double functions of not only assisting in the recovery of the beneficiary in the medical sense but also where possible restoring the employability of the persons and thereby giving them their autonomy and self determination. Improving their autonomy and their quality of life. Alleviating their distress through therapeutic support; Providing a source of Income to beneficiaries, and reducing poverty for the relatives. Sale of Eco-Agricultural Produce in the Solidarity Shop at Quatre-Bornes. Process for Eco Certification. Development of an Approach and a Methodology for enhancing capability among persons suffering from psychological disorders. Items: Staff 1. Project Coordinator for Hortitherapy Project at Eb ne. 2. Watchman Equipment/Materials: 4. Water Tank 5. Specialized Garden Tools 6. Shelter for Beneficiaries & Store for tools 7. Installation Works for Water Tank & Water Pump 8. Electricity Installation for the shelter and water Pump 9. Security Gate for the premises 10. Composter 11. Organic Pest Controls 12. Plants & Seeds Others: 13. Transport Facilities for Beneficiaries - Fuel Costs for the mini-bus 14. Land Preparation & Fencing 15. Inspection & Monitoring for Eco Certification Other sources of funding: Income from the selling of Products at La Boutique Solidaire Le Badamier of OpenMind Centre at Quatre-Bornes. Marketing & sale of organic products to hotel, restaurant and Ecole H teli re situated at Eb ne. Co-Financing Project Proposal submitted to a company under the CSR Scheme for the Organic Certification component by FORENA. Funds received under CSR Schemes & grants from 9 institutions/ companies. 1.2 Organizational Background and Capacity to implement the project OpenMind was founded in April 2010. It conducts its activities at the OpenMind Centre which has been active since 6 September 2010 at 6, Malartic Street, Rose-Hill and as from 28 August 2012 at Quatre-Bornes. The OpenAir Project will start in November 2012. OpenMind is a Non-Governmental Organisation registered with the Registrar of Associations and bears the registration number 11603. It has been granted CSR accreditation and bears National CSR Accreditation number: N/1525. OpenMind focuses on the plight of people suffering from psychological disorders. Their very mental condition drives them out of social and economic activities, nips them out of their social environment and often tears them away from their families and relatives, and ultimately condemns them to isolation and seclusion. The centrepiece of the project is the psychological well being of children, young persons and adul

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