-----Original Message----- From: Melvyn Fernandes Sent: 30 March 2012 09:52 Subject: [Goanet] UK Goan Oral Histories Project - Observations ============================================
Dear Melvyn, Being the PR Officer of the Histories of British-Goans Project, I am replying to a few of the observations you have made. The team put in considerable effort even before applying for the grant and were commended for our efforts in the face of stiff competition. Unfortunately a few members of the Community instead of congratulating us and volunteering for the Project have been lining up to throw stones. Coincidentally, it is the very same people doing so that have been the spokes in the wheels of other Community projects! To clarify a few of your misapprehensions: 1. You write: >I heard that the criteria for the Goan Oral Histories project was only for people over 80 years old< Response: Where did you hear this and did you make any attempts to check the facts? When the Project was announced we invited ANY East African Goan to volunteer to conduct interviews or be interviewed. Most of the respondents heard about the appeal through the Internet, were male and from Kenya. It was important to reach out to the others so in fresh appeals we announced that priority would be given to females, those from other parts of East Africa and, in order to get people not on the internet, those aged over 80. Even today if you go to http://www.britishgoanproject.com/register-to-be-interviewed/ you will find that there is no age restriction on applications. 2. You write: >video clips so far presented giving the visual impression of … when sound and vision was in its infancy< Response: We are using professional equipment as recommended by Heritage Lottery Fund. Moreover, the British Library has viewed the output and on the basis of it has agreed to archive the resource, the first time it has ever for a Community Oral History Archive. 3. You write < When announcements are made on Goan Voice UK on events relating to this project, it is noteworthy that very soon afterwards there is a footnote saying House Full. Is it because there are copyright issues or expenses prearranged for chosen participants to be in the public eye by the handlers of this small grant?< Response: The latest workshop for the 21st April as with the previous one for 13 April was also fully booked today, within 24 hours of being announced. Could it be because of the popularity of the project and the high standards of the presentations? Does not the fact that there have been on average 1000 views per video clip have some bearing? When the project was launched, we had announced: “The project will involve interviewing Goans and some non-Goans from colonial East Africa … But it is not the team that will be responsible for making it a success. As usual, it will be your support that will make it a success. So write to us to volunteer, or if you wish to be interviewed. Get your children involved. They will learn much about their own past and about their family histories. Free training will be made available for those who volunteer and their work will be viewed across the world. Register your interest by sending an email to [email protected] Did you register your interest? Before spouting on in public forums, may I suggest you approach any member of the team with your questions, attempt to get your facts right and then by all means go public after that should you feel the need to. You are only destroying your own credibility! Eddie Fernandes --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Protect Goa's natural beauty Support Goa's first Tiger Reserve Sign the petition at: http://www.goanet.org/petition/petition.php ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
