VOLUNTEERING SPECIAL
Father Robert D ’ Costa , the director of Nandanvan , had visited Hamburg shortly before the announcement and given AWCH members updates on Paregaon Khurd and other projects . It didn ’ t take us long to realize that a project for Nandanvan would be perfect for a DG nomination .
A core team set out to develop and nominate the project “ Hazarwadi Open Well .” The 2018 grant of $ 4,500 was awarded for the construction of a concretelined open well with a pipeline and a pump . This well now provides an adequate water supply throughout the year , not only allowing for the irrigation of a second crop that can be sold , but also improving the hygienic conditions with clean water . That year we also organized a very successful fun ( d ) raising event (“ The Tree Thing ”) at the Museum for Arts and Crafts to raise money to plant trees in the area .
This successful beginning has spurred us on to nominate projects suggested by Nandanvan for other DGs .
• In 2019 , we nominated the project “ A Kindergarten for Tribal Children in Rural India .” We argued that to perpetuate the positive changes that watershed development has brought to the area , it is essential that children , especially girls , receive an education . Fundamental learning skills and habits for attending public school can be taught in kindergarten . The project was awarded the $ 5,500 DG donated by AW Surrey Hope . Our “ online ” information and fundraising evening in November 2020 provided funds to buy needed supplies for the kindergarten .
• In 2020 , we nominated the project “ Trees for Sustainability ” for a DG in the category “ Environment .” The $ 5,000 grant was awarded to buy 1,500 cashew trees to plant on 40 acres to secure a watershed in a neighboring region and to provide a second crop for cash income for 40 families , stopping the devastating migration for seasonal work .
• Our nomination “ Harvesting
A family in their small hut , demonstrating the need for a storage building .
Photo by Ulrike Henn
18 Special Theme : Volunteering