Facilitators

No, we won't solve everything in 5 days. Our goal is to help you get started and create momentum. We aim to make you feel confident about using these tools and provide remote group support as you continue your journey after the residency.

You bring your tech challenges to the table, and we focus on co-creating solutions and training you on the tools you need. It's entirely hands-on, allowing you to implement solutions in real-time with no theory-only sessions.

We welcome participants with varying levels of expertise. The most important qualities are a willingness to learn, collaborate, and apply your skills. If you're comfortable using tools like Google Docs, Google Sheets, Gmail, and Google Drive in your daily work, our facilitators can guide you through the process.

Yes, all participants who complete the residency will receive a certificate.

While there are no strict prerequisites, we recommend that you come with an open mind and an eagerness for learning.

You'll join a community of fellow participants and have access to our facilitators for post-residency guidance and troubleshooting. This support will be remote only. The purpose of the residency is to build your confidence to learn to troubleshoot yourself, self-learn, and improve over time.

We focus on free, open-source tools and cost-effective strategies specifically designed for resource-constrained environments.

Yes! We've chosen low-maintenance, user-friendly tools and will share implementation strategies that don't require extensive technical expertise. It's similar to how we don't need an IT team to use Gmail, Google Drive, etc. If you still need help, our aikyam fellows and volunteers will offer remote assistance.

No. All the technology we use is high-quality Free and Open Source Software, along with a few other software options that are freely available to non-profit organisations.

Students can gain practical experience in applying their skills to real-world climate action projects, build a professional network in the non-profit sector, and potentially find internship or job opportunities. The residency also provides a unique addition to your resume, demonstrating your commitment to social and environmental causes.

This residency offers an opportunity to understand the unique challenges and needs of NGOs, directly from the organisations themselves. You'll learn how to apply your professional skills in this context, make valuable connections, and gain hands-on experience that can help you transition into roles within the social impact sector.

Yes! We encourage participants to stay connected through our collective. Some past participants have gone on to collaborate on projects, share job opportunities, and provide ongoing support to each other's initiatives.

1. aikyam space, located in Kochi's Panampilly Nagar, will be the venue for both your stay as well as the residency program. aikyam space is born from the idea that all changemakers have access to psychologically safe spaces, people and resources to amplify their impact. You can find details of the space and amenities here.

aikyam space is situated in Panampilly Nagar, a residential neighbourhood in the heart of Kochi city.

1. By Air: Cochin International Airport is 45 min-1 hour away. Take a taxi or the airport feeder bus to Aluva metro station, then metro to Kadavanthra station (900m from aikyam space).
2. By Train: Ernakulam Junction (1.2km) or Ernakulam North railway station (5.2km).
3. By Bus: The nearest mobility hub is at Vyttila (4km).
4. Local transport: Uber, Ola, and Yatri are available 24/7.

We encourage you to come a day before, and to leave a day after the residency is done. For instance, if you are coming for the Nov. 4-8 workshop, do reach aikyam space by Nov. 3, and plan your return for Nov. 9. This will give you the right headspace for the duration of the program, without having to worry about travel logistics.

The accommodation is on a shared basis with spacious bedrooms and attached bathrooms. Our cook, Jasentha, prepares breakfast, lunch, and dinner for all guests. The cuisine is mostly Kerala cuisine with occasional variations. While we can't accommodate specific dietary preferences, a large part of the menu is vegetarian.

You'll be engaged in the workshop from 9am to 5pm. Evenings are free for you to explore the city, spend time in our library, or enjoy our collection of indoor games and puzzles.

Expect pleasant weather in Kochi from November to January, with temperatures ranging between 23°C to 29°C. Pack comfortable, light clothing and don't forget to bring an umbrella, as rains are fairly common.