History

BUILD

Founded in the early 1970’s as part of the Worldwide Industrial/Rural Mission

Movement, BUILD works towards the betterment of the poor and marginalized

in India. Based in Mumbai, it is involved in struggles for justice and human

rights in areas of employment, housing and education.  The organization

aims to bring about a more just and creative society. BUILD now works in a

number of locations throughout India. After the Gujarat Earthquake in 2001

its experienced volunteers and staff members helped thousands of victims

overcome their trauma. Committed to minimizing money spent on overheads

and administrative costs, BUILD is effective at using its resources to maximum effect.

BUILD India

BUILD India is a sister organization of BUILD.  BUILD India utilizes the skills of

international Volunteers to support BUILD’s ongoing projects in the tsunami

affected villages of Karaikal and Nagapattinam district. BUILD India also

undertakes its own community projects utilizing a participation fee donated by

volunteers and through independent fundraising.

Start at Karaikal: Tsunami

Project background:

On 26th December 2004, an earthquake of huge magnitude created a powerful

Tsunami in the Andaman Sea, South-East Asia and coastal India. The wave

hit a number of different countries with disastrous consequences. In India tidal

waves, reportedly up to 10 meters high, penetrated as far as 3 kilometers

inland destroying everything in their path. In the state of Tamil Nadu, a total

of 258 coastal villages were affected. The waves killed over 10,000 people

and damaged 72, 500 houses leaving thousands of families homeless.

Days after the disaster BUILD sent an immediate response team to the

affected area to assist with the relief effort, distributing food and medicine

and constructing temporary shelters. The organization has since established

a work base in the area and is committed to the long-term rehabilitation of

effected villages.

BUILD India is now looking for motivated and enthusiastic international

volunteers to assist with their ongoing work. BUILD India work to date

in the tsunami affected area is concentrated in the fishing village Chandrapadi.

It is committed to asisst the complete reconstruction of the village and

restoration of the livelihoods of its inhabitants. A Kindergarten is going to be built,

and regular events such as sports tournaments for the villagers have been organized.

The work has however only just begun and there is a lot more still to do.