August 2007: CHINAR launches first Skills Training Center

We at CHINAR are happy to report that we have now started the third phase of our earthquake rehabilitation work by opening a skills training center in Saidpora, Uri in Kashmir. Currently, we are working with youth affected by the 2005 earthquake and training them in crewel chain-stitch work, a traditional craft of Kashmir. Once their training is complete, we will facilitate product sales and also provide assistance in product design and business management. Our goal is simple – we wish to empower these women and men with skills that allow them to become active participants in the economic and social reconstruction of their lives and communities.

We will expand this project gradually to involve widows and older orphans and will set up similar centers in other parts of Kashmir.

The second phase of our Earthquake relief project was completed over the summer and we built 80 sanitation units for the residents of these two villages.

April 2007: Earthquake Relief Update

We are happy to report that the second phase of our rehabilitation work in earthquake stricken Saidpora and Balakote Patti is near completion. We have built 80 sanitation units for the residents of these two villages. Each unit consists of a toilet and a separate shower. Of these, 60 have been completed and the remaining 20 are being fitted with water tanks and pipes. The cost of constructing each unit was approximately $450. In addition to this we have also helped in bringing a dependable water supply to the villages by harnessing the water from two nearby natural springs. As per our earlier tactic, the villagers were required to assist in the construction process.

August 2006: CHINAR Phase II Earthquake Rehabilitation Plan

Having provided critically needed shelters in Phase I of our earthquake rehabilitation plan, we are now focusing on its second phase. This plan was formulated after consultation with the villagers and making an assessment of their long-term needs.

Assessment: The villages do not have any running water and 10 months after the disaster, no toilettes have been built by the government or any other agency. One of the schools is still operating from a tent and an open shed. With cold climate approaching, it is important for the children to have a weatherproof school structure, a decent supply of books, stationery etc as well as an environment that is conducive to learning.

Keeping all this in mind, we have decided to focus on sanitation, water supply and rebuilding of schools for the two villages.

Toilettes: These will be built to UNICEF specifications using a combination of CGI sheets and bricks etc. As was the case with the shelters, the villagers will provide the labor and we will supply the materials and technical assistance.

Water Supply: There is a natural spring nearby and the plan is to harness that water by building a reservoir and supply it to the villages by laying down pipes.

School Building: This will be built with CGI and plywood sheets similar to the shelters. The building will have 2 classrooms, a library, a common room and 2 toilettes and a bath. We will also provide drinking water (tanks, pipes) and furnishings.

School Supplies: We will provide stationery, school bags, uniforms (summer and winter), shoes, books for library and hygiene kits.

After we finish the above projects, our long-term goal for the area is to focus on livelihood building with particular emphasis on women, especially widows. This is in keeping with our main program goals for the future.

January 1, 2006: We are happy to report that we completed the first phase of our earthquake relief and rehabilitation plan by mid December, 2005. The construction of all 55 shelters was completed on time and according to specifications. The residents of Saidpora and Balakote Patti were able to move in and enjoy the warmth and comfort of these shelters before the region experienced a heavy snowfall that cut off access to these and many other affected areas.

We will commence phase 2 – long-term rehabilitation phase - of our plan in a couple of months. Many thanks to our donors for their continued generosity.

November 2005: After visiting several villages in the affected areas in Indian Kashmir, Child Nurture and Relief has adopted the village of Saidpora near Uri and are focusing our relief and rehabilitation efforts on this village and a neighboring hamlet Balakot Patti. Our primary concern is the children of these villages. Since they remain in grave danger of succumbing to the approaching winter conditions we have made shelter our top priority. After consultation with the people of these villages, we are providing the following

• Shelters to 55 families living in the two villages. Each shelter is approximately 10x26 ft. and has two rooms and a kitchen. It is being built of CGI and plywood sheets and material salvaged from the rubble of the destroyed homes.
• Educational, hygiene and activity kits for children
• Warm clothes for children

We are working closely with the local population who, in spite of the great tragedy that has befallen them, have put their grief aside and are eagerly helping in the construction process. Their fortitude and resilience is inspiring.

Our well thought out design and specifications for these shelters has caught the eye of several government and other agencies and they have also started using them.

We chose not to provide winterized tents or community halls. Based on our past experience, we know that for the majority of the earthquake victims, the possibility of having a permanent home before the onset of next year’s winter is very remote as many of these villagers have lost their livelihoods. The help they will get from the local government is minimal ($2500 has been promised by the government, when the cost of clearing the rubble alone comes to about $700 per home). We are providing them with shelters that can be built quickly (in 2-3 days) and are at the same time long lasting (up to 5 years). Each shelter costs about $900.

We have engineers in our Kashmir team who are personally supervising the construction process. Our team is also supervising the procurement and delivery of the goods. No cash is being disbursed. So far more than 42 shelters have been completed.

In addition to this we will bring as many earthquake orphans to CHINAR facility in Srinagar as possible.

With the support of generous donors from all walks of life, we have been able to raise over $50,000. You too can support us - by writing a check to Child Nurture and Relief (with ERF in the memo section) or by donating online at http://www.chinar.org/qdonate.htm (with an e-mail to info@chinar.org with ERF in the subject line). All donations to CHINAR are tax deductible. As you can see for yourself, your money is being put to good use.

Child Nurture and Relief
21029 Roaming Shores Ter.
Ashburn, VA 20147
703-858-9983
info@chinar.org