UPDATES ON GHARONDA PROJECT AFTER 15TH JULY
Ashok Shah
Dear Sir/Madam,
We, Team Mission5, are a bunch of youngsters who are on a mission to transform lives with Rs. 5/- and exhibit the potential of youth to effect change. We are currently working on an orphanage reconstruction project called 'Gharonda', meaning small nest, in Bangalore. We started this project on 4th April 2011, to mark the completion of 4 years of our organization [2nd February 2007-2011]. For the first time, we took up such a big project which budgeted up to 8 lakh, and for an initiative which believed in working with Rs. 5/-, this was a huge challenge.
We received invaluable support and mentoring from Bangaloreans in the initial days. In the beginning, Team Mission5 went all over Bangalore city, to raise funds or collect construction materials required for the project. While some welcomed and greeted us, others asked us to clean their backyards, but nonetheless, we received a good response.
Gradually, we started receiving support from other places such as Mumbai, Pune, Varanasi, Kolhapur and so on. Soon we received support and guidance from our patrons in Australia and Indian students from the US.
With few newspaper reports on 'Gharonda' project, people from all walks of life, especially youth from across the country responded saying they're immensely inspired and motivated to work for the needy, like us. Further support and encouragement from our patrons helped Team Mission5 fight all challenges, and successfully complete 80% of the project.
Below we provide the details of project 'Gharonda':
Total area = 1800 sqft.
This area is divided into 2 parts: 1200 sqft and 600 sqft.
1200 sqft: Consists of 2 dormitories, 1 kitchen, 1 store room, corridor and 3/4th dining hall.
600 sqft: Consists of 4 toilets, 4 bathrooms, 1 office room, 1 computer room, 1 water tank, small place to wash and dry clothes, and 1/4th dining hall.
As of August 2011, we have finished the construction of 1st part (1200 sqft) including plastering and flooring; ventilators and doors have been fitted in the dormitories, kitchen and corridor. We have also finished construction of 4 toilets, 4 bathrooms, 1 office room, and a computer room in the 2nd part, i.e. 600 sq ft area.
UPDATES ON GHARONDA PROJECT AFETR 8TH Sept
Doors made
up of recycled wood being carried to be fitted in the new structure. Interestingly, these doors were abandoned by a lot of others, but just about fitted in our purpose of using as much (as possible) recycled materials for construction of 'Gharonda'.
Shortage of labourers and mansions have been one of the biggest challenges for our project. Nevertheless, spirited bunch of children and Mission5 volunteers would not give up. Children themselves started working on the field and motivated by this, two labourers and two mansions agreed to work for the project. Thereafter, Mission5 volunteers started learning some basic skills from the mansions so that they could continue to do some work in the case of shortage of skilled manpower. Our mantra: “Hum Honge Kamiyab”
Work in progress in the 600sqft area, 2nd part according to our plan map. Today we have completed 4 bathrooms and 5 toilets in this part, and it's ready for the final plastering, flooring and painting.
A landmark day for 'Gharonda' project, when the 2nd part (600 sqft area) received concrete roofing. We must say, seeing this a feeling of immense hope was blooming in all of us - children, orphanage family and Mission5 volunteers.
Plastering, flooring completed for the dormitories in the 1st part (1200 sqft area) is completed. Further, shelf
fitting for the two dormitories, kitchen, corridor, and store room is also done.
Our 'Gharonda' is eagerly awaiting completion. Few tasks remaining are painting, plumbing and plastering for
bathrooms, toilets, computer room and office. "We are all very excited to see our
new home, Gharonda," says Prema, the smallest of all kids at the orphanage.
The estimated cost for this is Rs. 1,50,000/-
The break-up of the same is given below:
Electricity work:
Requirements: wires, sockets, meter boards, casing pipes for entire orphanage = Rs. 10,000/-
Fitting charges = Rs. 3,000/-
3. Plastering charges for 600 sqft: Lime paste = Rs. 1,080/- + Cement = Rs. 3,000/-
4. Labour charges (includes mistries' and labourers' payment on daily basis = Rs. 400/day per
mistry and Rs. 250/day per labourer) = Rs. 13,000/-
5. Door fitting for toilets and bathrooms:
Frames and fittings for 13 doors = Rs. 12,000/- + Cost of 13 doors = Rs. 15,000/-
6. Windows and ventilators:
Total 15 ventilators for the entire orphanage and 4 windows (includes toilet, bathroom
ventilators, wielding cost, grill material cost, glass cost, labour charges) = Rs. 10,000/-
7. Sheet roof for dining hall = Rs. 40,000/-
8. Painting for entire orphanage = Rs. 40,000/-
Team Mission5 requests all our friends, patrons and well-wishers to support us in cash or in-kind. You can support us by providing any of the materials listed above, and join hands in the speedy completion of the project. We need to raise the mentioned amount as soon as possible.
With the reopening of schools, it is becoming increasingly inconvenient for the kids to carry out their daily routine and study in the orphanage. Also, the ongoing monsoon rains has only added to their inconvenience.
Let's join hands to complete this much-awaited project and fulfill the dreams of these little wonders. Team Mission5 requests you to contribute liberally for this project. Your small contribution can bring a big difference in the lives of these needy children.
Warm regards,
Team Mission5
www.mission5.blogspot.com
YOUTH IS A GREAT FORCE.