Meet Andy

Meet Andy Rutherford – founder of Fresh Eyes – People to People Travel.  For him, Fresh Eyes is the natural, next stage of his commitment to contribute to a more just, equal and democratic world.

Andy says “Over the last thirty years I have had the privilege of  working with women and men across Asia, Africa and Latin America who are at the forefront of working for social justice in their communities and countries. And from 1984 to 2011 I worked with community based organisations and social movements as Head of International Partnerships for five years at War on Want and then One World Action.

Building on a degree in Development Studies, I initially became a member of a joint UK-India research programme on the social effects of the Green Revolution and subsequently worked in  partnership with grassroots and women’s organisations across Asia, Africa and Latin America. First, directly with groups in India and then from the two UK based organisations mentioned above.

Following the closure of One World Action in 2011, I discussed with friends in South and South-East Asia “What to do next?” They shared my belief that we are living in a world that is more and more economically and socially interdependent . At the same time inequality and injustice is growing. What to do? We agreed that we could link people with community organisations and social movements who seek more solidarity and support. We believe that this will increase understanding and appreciation of  how people across the world are working for social justice in their communities, countries and internationally.

So with Fresh Eyes I encourage people to travel differently, for ‘guests’ and ‘hosts’ to meet and appreciate each other. Through this more thoughtful and socially responsible travel, I hope to sow seeds for new solidarity and links between people.

I do not know how this will develop as it will be generated by people travelling and meeting with fresh eyes.

Over to you.

Exciting!”