Weltwaerts-Projects

The additional measures were performed on behalf of AVI-Germany in charge of the "Weltwaertsprogram". VFAVR started 2009 to apply for additional measures of four projects open to volunteers and got the approval of the German Ministry of economic cooperation and development (BMZ) by end of 2009. Generally BMZ gives a grant of 75% to a project, the rest has to be contributed by the German NGO or/and the recipient NGO in the developing country. Three projects have been finishedby end of 2010, one is still ongoing till end of September 2011. Here are the three finished projects:

• Sadhana Forest: The project created the basis of long term - up to three years - training programs by building a real training centre and the much needed housing for the trainers and trainees - in total 16 huts each one giving adequate shelter and privacy to one person or a couple. The training programs are designed to impart the skills and knowledge in sustainable rural agriculture and dry tropical forestry, water amangement, energy harvesting and local marketing of the products. The additional measures supported also some of the running cost of the training courses.
  
  
  
  The new created training centre: upstairs the training takes place, below the large space is used for short term guests or other purposes.
  
  
  
   One of the new 16 huts for long term trainer and trainees.

• Aikiyam - Here 7 classrooms of this model village primary school needed a complete inner renovation to give more space, light, ventilation and access to new media. We are happy that donors of AVI-Germany and of VFAVR did contribute the reqired 25% and enabled the realisation of this project.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    To the left one sees the old classrooms, to the right the new ones with more space, bigger windows and therefore more light and ventilation.

• Lively Boutique-Bamboo-Mohanam-Training-centre:
  The project created a combined space for classes, workshops and displays for three cooperating projects: Lively Boutique Tailoring, Bamboo Design Centre and Mohanam Cultural Centre. Thanks to the donation of one individual and the engagement of Lively Boutique and AVI-Germany the private contribution of 25% was raised and the project made possible.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  At the left the new training hall shortly before completion, at the right a snap-shot of the inauguration ceremony on 11-1-2011.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  The following project shall be completed by end of September 2011:

• WellPaper:
  Centre of Cooperation and Production of 4 Self-Help Groups (SHG) of about 60 Village Women
  The women produce under the guidance of WellPaper useful articles and even jewellery from wastepaper. Wellpaper's function is to develop the products, to buy them and to do the marketing. This cooperation is a model for social and ecological enterprising and ensures the village women - organised in four SHGs -  a long-term income. The additional measure creates a common centre of cooperation and production which will be managed by the SHGs themselves. Auroville contributed the site free of cost. The Women contributed Rs. 2 Lakhs or about 7% of the total cost and the BMZ gave a grant of more than 75% because of the target group's contribution. Wellpaper takes care of the balance of the total cost, which shall be overrun by about € 3.500,- because of inflation and weak Euro. Therefore and because of its model character this project needs still private support.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  To the left one of the three workshops of the centre, to the left a wider view of the site at the edge of Kottakarai where besides three workshops also a storeroom and toilets are situated.