To design, build and renovate educational, health and community structures in underprivileged Indian communities to better the lives and conditions of children families and communities in need.
(1) To raise charitable donations to deliver our Mission.
(2) To value, recognise and support the communities in which we work regardless of race, religion or political affiliation.
(3) To enlist, train and manage Australian volunteers in the design and building of low-cost and environmentally sustainable facilities.
(4) To enhance and improve the lives of local Indian communities through the provision of educational, community and health facilities.
(5) To assist in the economic sustainability of disadvantaged communities through the training and employment of local builders and artisans.
(6) To train Australian design professionals to work in disadvantaged communities and to deliver the design and construction of low cost, culturally appropriate and environmentally sustainable structures.
(7) To educate and bring awareness to the Australian design community about designing with low cost technologies and strategies in disadvantaged communities, through our volunteers conducting lectures and workshops.
Our brief is to create a simple, unassuming and safe space for the children to learn in on a grass roots level at minimum cost.
The children sit on the floor so there is no need for tables and chairs. The learning aids are on the wall and generally no pens or paper are used. The basic learning needs are provided by our amazing teachers who teach aurally through songs, repetition and activities. The anganwadi’s focus on basic education, nutrition, hygiene and love.
We assess and focus on the follow elements:
Space - adequate for approximately 45 children between the ages of 2 and 6
Air flow & Ventilation - Cross flow of air and ventilation for heat.
Water Connection, Bathroom, Toilet & Wash area for personal hygiene and hygiene education
Electricity Connection and Natural Light - lots of windows for natural light and cross ventilation
Insulation - Considered roof design & materials for insulation, also to withstand heavy monsoonal rains.
External Area - Verandah or Canopy for learning outside during the summer, site/community permitting.
Internal design- Learning material/ tools to be painted on the walls. In consultation with the teachers.
Floor material to be cool and easily cleaned. Floor needs to be raised for potential flooding during monsoon.
Water Collection from monsoonal rains to be considered, site/community permitting..
Garden/ Planting for education of permaculture but also for use of shade, site/community permitting.
An important part of this process is consulting the community as to their needs. Each site will be in a different location, community and will be used for different needs. All ideas, designs and builds are to be approved by Manav Sadhna and the community before commencing.
Finally, the design and build of the anganwadi needs to be done using the Manav Sadhna three R philosophy, RECYCLE, REUSE and REDUCE and must incorporate fun and educational uses for the children. Using local resources, skills, materials and labour is essential to keeping this a sustainable community project. Less is more. The only boundary is one’s imagination!