Community Center

Description What is done in the programme or project and why, what results are pursued, who benefits from the activities and who are involved in the implementation.

The primary goal of the project is to provide a structure in the Dalit villlage of Haldipada in Odisha that will make it possible for the villagers to have access to year-round accommodation, training facilities and employment directly in the village itself.The village hall or community centre project's immediate objective is to enable the villagers' vocational training, employment and professional activity in their home village as well as provide year-round protection from possible flooding and torrential rain. A broader goal is to empower and improve the local Dalit families as well as the socioeconomic standing of female artisans affiliated to the RAWHAAN group, and to plan together with them a sustainable development programme for Haldipada. The structure which is the target of the project is needed as a location for work, training, meetings, storage and shelter. The workspace will allow the villagers to carry out their basketware handicrafts in a much better environment than outdoors or in confined interiors. The community centre space will make it possible to provide education, for example, and human working conditions throughout the year. In addition to the provision of the building, the application includes renovation of existing village buildings and their adaptation to the demanding local weather conditions. Grass roofs can not withstand heavy rains, which have increased dramatically in the last few years. Roof structures are under development that respect traditional building methods while also providing protection for mud walls. Drainage and rain water collection systems are also being built for the village.