Over the last three months, Architects Without Frontiers (AWF), in conjunction with Bholu, an Australian based
company, have designed and funded 5 new Anganwadis in the slum communities of Ahmedabad. All named after
their sponsor, Bholu 3, Bholu 4, Bholu 5, 6 and 7 will provide over 150 children with a beautiful, safe, and hygienic
space to learn in. Architecturally, the buildings have been designed with ventilation, natural light, and ample
space in mind. Every anganwadi is constructed with a toilet and washroom as well as being connected to town
water and electricity.
AWF is supporting the Victorian Chapter of the AIA in their enormous efforts to involve architects in the rebuilding process after the Victorian Bushfires. We will post the updates released by the AIA on our website and pass on information about how AWF members can get involved.
Anyone wanting to make a donation can do so online at Australian Red Cross or by phone on 1800 811 700.
'Bholu 3' to give wings of freedom to kids - DNA Newspaper
Anganwadi, launched with foreign aid, will give education & health services to children
Aidila Razak. Ahmedabad
The Vadaj Tekra slum area of the city, a section surviving with inadequate means for long, was enlivened with excitement when the third anganwadi was inaugurated on Friday last. The anganwadi, which stands on land donated by a local resident, will provide pre-school education, health services and nutritious meals to more than 30 children in the area. Meals will also be provided to young and expectant mothers in the community.
The Vadaj Tekra slum area of the city, a section surviving with inadequate means for long, was enlivened with excitement when the third anganwadi was inaugurated on Friday last. The anganwadi, which stands on land donated by a local resident, will provide pre-school education, health services and nutritious meals to more than 30 children in the area. Meals will also be provided to young and expectant mothers in the community.
The establishment is built as part of the anganwadi project, which is jointly initiated by local NGO Manav Sadhna, Australian organisation Architect Without Borders and Sydney-based home ware company, Bholu.
The anganwadi, named Bholu 3, is designed by AWF volunteer Leeanne Marshall, who along with fellow Australian Harry Gardiner and other local builders, spent about two months to complete the project in record time.
Addressing parents, volunteers and other community members present on the day Marshall said, "I am grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of this community, and for the many things which I have learnt during my stay."
A number of AWF volunteers are making their way to Ahmedabad which means more anganwadis can be expected to crop up soon. Plans are in place to rebuild six existing anganwadis and renovate six more before the upcoming monsoon season.
"It is my dream to see the 86 anganwadis in the Tekra slum get reconstructed and renovated through the Anganwadi project. And I am sure we will be able to do this with the help of AWF volunteers," said Bholu founder, Jodie Fried, who also celebrated her birthday yesterday.
Bholu, which has received multiple awards for responsible business in Australia, was inspired by the sophisticated skills and craftsmanship of the women artisan in the region of Kutch.
Australian hand to bolster renovation work in city anganwadis - Indian Express, 3 December 2008
A Sydney architect has parlayed his design skills into helping a less fortunate community (Sam Crawford in Malawi). Kirsty De Garis. Belle, Oct-Nov 2008
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