GENESIS

The name of the Foundation has been derived from Ubuntu, a traditional African philosophy often translated as “I am because we are,” but is used in a more philosophical sense to mean “the belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity.”  Ubantu Foundation was registered a social organization in October, 2018 under companies act, 2013. The organization in its current form has evolved in last five years out of the extensive community organization and research work undertaken by Sumit Singh, Director of Ubantu Foundation (henceforth referred to as Director) in Jodhpur and Goa.  The two successful initiatives namely smart colony – smart wad initiative and social intervention for establishing biodegradable sanitary pad making as a potential livelihood model for women self-help groups (SHGs) in Jodhpur and Goa have provided a solid background to the Foundation for future interventions. 

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The genesis of the organisation goes back to 2014 when the Director started working with district administration, local bodies, citizens, SHGs and other stakeholders to devise strategies for ensuring meaningful citizen participation in urban governance in Jodhpur district of Rajasthan. Through his persistent efforts, he succeeded in conceptualizing and executing Smart Colony – Smart Ward Initiative which was appreciated by Government of Rajasthan and recommended to all municipalities as a success story in April, 2016.

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In September 2016, he was invited by Urban Development department, Government of Goa to replicate the same in Goa. He successfully developed a smart colony in first month and since then he has been working with government there to help municipalities achieve objectives of Swachh Bharat Mission. In July 2017, he got to know about Jayashree, leader of a women enterprise making biodegradable sanitary pads in a village of Goa. Though the product was eco-friendly and at par with branded products in market, she was struggling to run the business. The Director worked with her for over an year to upgrade the quality and design of product and develop promotion & marketing strategies which has helped in establishing the business as a potential livelihood model for women self-help groups in Goa.

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Both the Smart Colony – Smart Ward Initiative and biodegradable sanitary pad story got appreciation from government and reputed social organisations in Goa and Rajasthan. The mission, vision and objectives of Ubantu Foundation have been discussed in the next section.