Japan–India Legacy Build 4.0: A Global Platform for Collaboration
The fourth edition of the Japan–India Legacy Build in Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu, stood out as a strong example of international collaboration and leadership in action.
Led by Mr. Anthony Miller, long-time Habitat volunteer and member of the Asia Pacific Development Council, Habitat for Humanity International, along with Ms. Cecilia Melin, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity Japan, the build brought together volunteers, partners and community members in a shared effort to support the construction of homes for three families.
Over five days, volunteers from Japan and India worked alongside homeowners and Habitat India teams, contributing their time and skills while engaging in meaningful cultural exchange. The Legacy Build continues to serve as a platform for deepening partnerships and strengthening global engagement in the housing sector.
“We would like to thank the Habitat India team for the fantastic preparations that has gone into the build. Thanks to the volunteers that have joined us on this build. Together we hope to have more such builds in the future as well.”
— Mrs. Cecilia Melin, Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity Japan
“Carrying cement mix feels very different from carrying laptops on our backs and it reminds us of the value of this work.” — Ms. Momoko Matsumara, Volunteer and Team Leader, Japan
“Legacy Build 3.0 led by Mr. Anthony Miller and Ms. Cecilia Melin, held at Hakki-Pikki Colony in Anekal, Bengaluru, Karnataka was my first ever Volunteer Build. We built homes for three families during that build and it was an amazing and fulfilling experience. And this year, I am very excited to come back and take part in the Legacy Build 4.0, here in Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu.” — Anand Kumar Bolimera, National Director, Habitat for Humanity India
“We take this opportunity to thank the team of volunteers that have arrived here for Legacy Build 4.0. The kind of commitment that you have shown here today while building the homes is beautiful. Thanks to Anthony Miller and Cecilia Melin for leading this build and let us have a memorable one.” — Mr. Rajiv K Raman, Senior Director, Programmes, Habitat for Humanity India
Corporate Engagement in Action: Korean RE Volunteer Build
In Dahe village, Palghar, a team of 12 employees from Korean RE partnered with Habitat India to support the construction of a home for Mr. Devaram and Mrs. Darshana and their family.
Working alongside the community, the volunteers contributed directly to the building process while gaining a deeper understanding of how safe housing influences health, dignity and long-term well-being. Such engagements reflect how corporate volunteering can create both social impact and meaningful employee experiences.
“Having a safe and permanent home once felt like a distant dream. Thanks to Habitat for Humanity and the Korean RE team, my family will now have a place where we can live safely and with peace of mind.” — Mrs. Darshana, Future Homeowner, Dahe village, Palghar
Global Village Build: Engaging the Next Generation
In Anekal, Bengaluru, 12 students from Waseda University, Japan, volunteered to help build a home for Shilpa and her family. Shilpa’s home is being built through the generous support of Mr. John Wilcox and Mrs. Kavita Singh.
This engagement highlights the role of academic institutions in fostering global citizenship and social responsibility. By working alongside communities, students gain first-hand exposure to development challenges while contributing to meaningful change.
