We Build: Ravindra rebuilds his life with in partnership with Habitat for Humanity

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FROM THE NATIONAL DIRECTOR’S DESK

Dear Friends,

As we present the August edition of We Build - our monthly newsletter - I couldn't be prouder to celebrate the incredible impact created by Habitat India. Our collective efforts have touched the hearts of countless families, making their dream of building a home a reality. Your contributions have been the driving force behind this transformation, and for that, I extend my heartfelt appreciation.

With our 76^th Independence Day just around the corner, it is the perfect time to reflect on the essence of freedom and what it truly means to have a place to call home. Our mission at Habitat for Humanity India has always been rooted in the belief that every family deserves a safe, secure and a decent home to thrive and prosper. As we celebrate the spirit of independence, let's remember that true liberation begins with a roof over one's head and a sense of belonging.

Globally, Habitat for Humanity is working on a Build and Influence approach. With 'Build and Influence,' we will continue building stronger, self-reliant communities so that we can influence others to build more with an aim to eliminate the housing deficit.

Together, we can create a ripple effect of hope and transformation that will echo for generations to come. It's about empowering families to be architects of their own future and shaping their communities for the better. Thank you for being a part of our family and for being the heart and soul of Habitat for Humanity India. Your compassion, kindness, and commitment are what make all of this possible.

Here's to a brighter future, hand in hand, one home at a time. Let's keep building, let's keep influencing, and let's keep changing lives!

With heartfelt gratitude,

James Samuel
National Director (Interim)
Habitat for Humanity India

Ravindra Valunj experiences a swirl of emotions as he talks about his new home. There is a sense of gratitude towards everyone who helped him realise his dream; a sense of fulfilment that he now has a decent home; a quiet sense of pride that he’s been able to build a home for his family that loves and supports each other. And lastly, a sense of humility and devotion to a higher power.

“I was so happy that I ate one extra bhakari when we moved into the new home,” he says with a smile. Ravindra has been living in Khed since his birth and has a small plot of farmland on which he cultivates rice. He also does daily wage labour work to sustain his family.

The entire roof of their old home was destroyed due to Cyclone Tauktae that hit the western region of India in May 2021. “We did not have the means to repair the roof. We did makeshift arrangements and somehow got by. One of our cows also died during that storm,” he says while talking about the disaster.

Habitat India is helping low-income families in Khed block located in Pune district in Maharashtra build strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter. As part of our initiative, we built 12 homes with the support from CP Kelco in the village of Awhat in Khed. Ravindra is one of the homeowners who built his home in partnership with Habitat India.

“It took three months to build the new home. I worked along with other workers. I could not help but take part in the construction process. Afterall, it was my home that I was building”, says Ravindra with excitement. He does not forget to mention how happy he is about the building material, windows, doors and the quality of construction.

Before moving into the new home Ravindra performed a puja. He points out to some of his new belongings such as furniture, TV and a clock that he received as gifts at the house-warming puja. Ravindra says that it is a mark of goodwill. “Whenever there is a puja anywhere, I always make it a point to give something as per our means. Even if it costs as little as Rs. 25,” he further adds.

The new home is now equipped with a toilet and a bath facility. Ravindra used some of the remaining bricks and construction material to build a small bench in the courtyard for people to gather and sit.

His younger daughter has just cleared her class 12 exams. “My daughter tells me that she wants to be independent, pursue higher education, seek job opportunities and take care of her wedding expenses by herself. I am hopeful that this home becomes the foundation of a better future for our family”, says Ravindra beaming with pride.

Habitat for Humanity India and CP Kelco Enhance Housing and School Sanitation Facilities

Habitat India has partnered with CP Kelco India to build safe and secure homes for 12 underprivileged families and improved sanitation facilities for 2 schools in Khed block located in Pune district, Maharashtra. The handover ceremony of the project took place in Awhat village in the presence of Mr. Suresh Kumar from CP Kelco, representatives from Habitat India and the local community.

This joint initiative represents a significant step towards addressing the pressing need for housing and enhancing living conditions of 12 families who were earlier living in vulnerable conditions. The project, which commenced in October 2022, has been completed within a year, successfully delivering all housing and sanitation units to the local community. Each house consists of a living room, a kitchen, a sanitation unit and a bathroom. The improved and hygienic school sanitation units will benefit a total of 586 students - 293 girls and 323 boys – in the villages of Awhat and Kadus.

"At CP Kelco India, we are privileged to stand alongside Habitat for Humanity India in their unwavering pursuit of sustainable change through shelter," expressed the spokesperson of CP Kelco India. "Through this partnership, we are investing in the future of communities, empowering families and students to unlock their full potential. We are happy that the families will move into their new homes before the start of the monsoon season where they will experience safety and security", he further added.

Habitat India and Aramco India Join Forces to Build
Sanitation Facilities

Habitat India, in partnership with Aramco Asia India Pvt Ltd (Aramco India), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Aramco, handed over sanitation units to 257 families and four Zilla Parishad Schools in the villages of Wada, Chas and Kadus, located in Khed block, Pune district.

The handover ceremony took place in the presence of Mr. Mohammed S. Al-Herbish, President of Aramco India, and was attended by representatives from both sides and local residents.

“Building household toilets is key to improve sanitation and hygiene. By having a toilet at our doorstep, all families will save on medical expenses and be protected from insect-borne diseases. It is a huge benefit that the toilets were constructed before the monsoons,” said Mina, who works as an Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) in Wada village.

Mohammed S. Al-Herbish said, “Access to adequate sanitation facilities is crucial for building sustainable communities and addressing health disparities. We are pleased to be part of this initiative in partnership with Habitat for Humanity India. By emphasizing the importance of hygiene and sanitation, the initiative not only benefits the families directly but also communities in a holistic manner.”

The Green Champions of Jayshree Periwal
International School

We are proud to introduce our incredible team of change-makers from Jayshree Periwal International School: Hyunchan Kim, Gaurika Shukla, Olivia Tak, and Siddhant Godha!

These amazing individuals joined forces with Habitat for Humanity igniting a powerful movement to raise awareness about climate action and inspire sustainable change. Throughout the campaign, they wholeheartedly promoted and advocated for a greener future.

Their dedication and passion have led them to emerge as the winners of the prestigious Colloquium!

But that's not all! As if their efforts weren't extraordinary enough, Hyunchan, Gaurika, Olivia, and Siddhant also composed a song on the Green Campaign. Their composition stands as a testament to their creativity and their ability to inspire others through the power of music. Click here to listen to the song on our Instagram page

Let's give a big round of applause to these young champions of change, whose voices have resonated far and wide, spreading the message of sustainability and environmental stewardship. Together, we can build a greener, more sustainable world for generations to come!

Fostering Collaborative Growth and Program Excellence

Our Programs Planning Workshop, held from 11^th to 14^th July 2023, was a dynamic blend of brainstorming, strategizing, creative ideation, and profound insights. It brought together all departments united by our shared vision to build a world where everyone has a decent place to live to review our current program strategies, challenges, and to celebrate our learnings. Together, we charted a clear path to create even more meaningful change in the lives of families we serve. As we continue this journey, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who passionately contribute to making a difference in the lives of countless families. Together, we are building a better world for all.