i-genius
| Name | Jo Matthews |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Website | www.i-genius.org |
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Interned in the Business Development department of Oxfam International before working in Calcutta, India, with an organisation called 'Future Hope'. Recently completed an MA in Development Management, where I became specifically interested in the role of the media in development issues, having also studied at the London School of Journalism, media and development issues and the relationship between the two is something that really interests me. Am particularly interested in the often negative focus and cliched portrayal of Africa. Now working as Director of Marketing and Communications for i-genius, working towards the upcoming event in Thailand! Look forward to hearing from you!
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What do you think about when you go on holiday?!
posted on Thursday, July 05, 2007 10:49 AM
For many thousands of sun hungry British tourists every year, Spain’s Costa del Sol beckons enticingly like a blue and gold summer Mecca. So when I found myself there recently while keeping my sister company at a conference, it seemed a good opportunity to find out what really goes on in the heads of all those British holidaymakers as they work on their tans.
Fame and Fortune? Relationships? Career? Health? Family? Body image?
A short survey was handed out on the beach, around the pool, and in cafés and bars. In answer to the question ‘What do you think about when you go on holiday?’ holidaymakers were asked to tick up to four from a series of diverse options. As it turns out, people on the Costa del Sol were often thinking about how they could ‘change their job and do something more meaningful’. More so, indeed, than about ‘losing weight’, ‘becoming a celebrity’ or ‘spending more time with their family’.
You may be wondering why i-genius is concerning itself with the secret thoughts of British holidaymakers. Well, it is our view that going away can often be a time when people reassess their current situation and think about the things that are truly important to them, making decisions that can fundamentally alter their patterns of life and work. Many holidaymakers return home feeling ‘new people’, fired up with the energy and inspiration to turn vacation ideas into workaday action, and the passion and creativity to give something back to the communities they live in.
While holidays may often catalyse new thought streams relating to priorities in life and work, the fact remains that anyone can have a change of heart about what they are doing with their lives, at any time and in any place. And anyone can be a ‘social entrepreneur’. Although this terminology may seem cumbersome, when you break its meaning down to basics, it is all about life choices that are open to everyone, everywhere – not just on the beach in the Costa del Sol.
Comments
Timothy Ogene
Friday, July 13, 2007 02:29 PM
It is that "...something meaningful" that gives one true satisfaction.
Tom Fortes Mayer
Friday, July 27, 2007 08:35 AM
This post has really got me thinking. I have always known that holidays and travelling especially are a very powerful times when we can make major decisions about the direction our life is heading but i have never thought about how we at elemental could design around that idea. We could design soome motivational / inspirational audio programs that could make it more likely holidaymakers will come back social entrpreneurs, everyday leaders and active citizens- very interesting! Thanks for the vision seed. Consider it planted!
Hakim Lugemwa
Sunday, July 29, 2007 04:21 PM
I take only two weeks off in a year, but i think holidays are great but never get the time for them.
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