MISSION
NILAM is dedicated to revitalising traditional knowledge resources as a prerequisite for healthy, equitable and sustainable communities.
The aim is to promote the creation of economically stable livelihoods, which ensure both human development and the preservation of the natural environment.
NILAM is committed to the empowerment of migrants, farmers, women, and differently abled children, and thus to the prosperity of society.
In order to promote the unfolding of the target groups’ individual and cultural identity, NILAM strives to develop environmentally friendly businesses and new jobs in traditional employment fields.
APPROACH
NILAM pursues a holistic and participatory approach that ensures sustainable development.
The promotion of indigenous knowledge resources and innovative entrepreneurial initiatives play a vital role in this regard.
Holistic
NILAM’s broad commitment unlocks various areas of life and beneficiary groups.
A high degree of networking between the individual initiatives, as well as mutual exchange, encourage the forming of sustainable communities in the long run.
NILAM’s multifold approach intends to cause a multiplication effect on the projects to be implemented.
Participatory
NILAM seeks to foster relationships characterised by reciprocal inspiration and common growth – between the donor community and the partner organisations, as well as between the latter and the local people.
In order to fulfill this purpose, NILAM also carries out study trips, volunteering and eco-tourism programs in India.
Indigenous Knowledge Resources
NILAM identifies culturally foreign values and ways of life as the main cause of uprooting, poverty, and the destruction of nature. The native people thereby not only lose their intact environment, but also their social structure, their mother tongue, culture, and tradition – and ultimately their identity and livelihood.
The cultures of South India and Sri Lanka have produced and safeguarded a precious treasure of knowledge and wisdom throughout their long history.
However, preserving tradition and protecting indigenous knowledge is not an end in itself. As these intangible assets demonstrate sustainable alternatives to modern methods, they contribute decisively to successful project implementation in all our focus areas.
The revival of deep-rooted traditional wisdom therefore reveals the essence of all activities of NILAM.
Social Entrepreneurship
NILAM is convinced that progress taking into account social and environmental compatibility can go hand in hand with monetary gains.
Innovation and entrepreneurial talent create sustainable solutions to the economic, social and environmental challenges of globalisation. They provide access to employment, quality goods, and healthcare to disadvantaged population groups.
Built on these convictions, NILAM supports social entrepreneurship and helps to develop solid business plans and market strategies.
NILAM wants to collaborate with partner organisations, self-help groups and cooperatives to produce sustainable textile and food products.
In the future, these selected ethnic goods will be marketed in Europe.
The profits hence generated will be ploughed back into various welfare projects.
Sita Crafts was created to promote craftsmanship and the making of eco-friendly textile products.
With practical training programs, as well as fair and secure jobs, Sita Crafts enhances the creative talent of economically and socially underprivileged women.