In September 2002, Seeta Sharma joined IDCS as Country Manager from Save the Children UK’s office in West Bengal. Seeta is currently in the process of organising a series of three-day, state-level workshops in eight representative states. As opposed to focusing on gaps in provision and differences in methodology, the workshops use the method of appreciative inquiry to create a shared vision among stakeholders and enable IDCS to develop a transparent strategy and programmatic foothold within the region.

Seeta explains, "The appreciative inquiry method avoids confrontation over issues as it uses participants' best experiences to inform the development of a positive vision. The vision is then unpacked to identify the roles of the various stakeholders."

Each workshop involves approximately 30 people. Half of the participants will be professionals from NGOs, schools and government. The other half will be people directly affected by deafness including parents, deaf children and young deaf people.

Following the first round of workshops, the Country Manager will begin to develop our first partnerships and, building on the bonds established during the state-level workshops, the year will end with a national meeting of partners, NGOs, beneficiaries and government officials where the vision for IDCS will emerge reflecting, for the first time in India, the aspirations of deaf children, young deaf people and their parents.

The first workshop took place in Karnataka in April. Find out more about IDCS's first Stakeholder workshop.