The May 2010 JET Work Camp to India
Joint trip leaders Anna Radke and Megan Pankratz visited GP for the first time in March 2009 (Anna as the trip leader).
Chevuru Village Background
A total of 459 Dalits (formerly known as Untouchables), including 70 widows, live in thatched mud huts in Chevuru. Most of the adults in the village are unskilled agricultural laborers and are unable to find work outside the 3-month growing season each year. Because they earn barely enough wages to support their families, missing even one day of work to repair their fragile huts after heavy rain or floods can affect their ability to feed their children. Acquiring permanent housing will not The only allow these Dalit villagers to work more days of the year but will also raise their social status, giving them the confidence they need in order to stand up for their rights.
Fifty-one families in Chevuru were able to begin building permanent houses under a state government scheme that provides housing grants to people living below the poverty line. However, these grants are not enough to cover the remaining costs of the houses. These families have requested Longitude and ARV’s financial assistance to complete their homes, which have been sitting unfinished since last year. In order to put a roof on every home, we must raise US $1500 per house.
How You Can Help
Our group’s fundraising goal of $15,000 will subsidize the completion of 10 houses in Chevuru. Please help us meet this goal by either fully or partially sponsoring one family’s home. A contribution of any amount will bring piece of mind and security to a very deserving Dalit family!
THANK YOU TO OUR WONDERFUL DONORS
Laying the Foundations Making this House a Home
Pamela A Kavalam Nichole L. Knight
Noel M Claro
Melanie S Jamison
Michelle L Farkouh
K W Popp
Mary Zezima
Mary M Serra
Leah Elliott
Mr Lachlan J Young
THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY!
Another Crew of Volunteers to volunteer in Andhra Pradesh!
The May 2010 Work Camp will take place from April 28 – May 6 in Chevuru village, Andhra Pradesh State, India. Our international volunteer group will help the villagers and local masons construct much-needed concrete houses in this Dalit village. The group will also teach English to the village children and help organize a community meal in Chevuru. During the work camp, the volunteers will be reporting on their experiences on the Longitude Blog.
Joint Trip Leader
Anna Radke
Zachary Zezima
Adrienne Barbazza
Emily Covington
Joint Trip Leader
Megan Pankratz
INDIA PAGE LINKS:
Interested in Volunteering in India? Try the following links to learn more:
