EWB Challenge

The 2007 EWB Challenge focuses on the sustainable development of the Uluru Children's Home, located in Alampara in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The following information will assist the design teams to conceptualise the issues involved.

The East West Overseas Aid Foundation

The East West Overseas Aid Foundation (TEWOAF) is an Australian volunteer driven organisation, founded by Dr Natteri Chandran in 1992. TEWOAF aims to assist in easing the suffering of the poor and disadvantaged overseas through a range of initiatives in health care, child welfare and education. Its mission is to:

• Raise money to fund initiatives in these areas
• Empower disadvantaged communities in developing countries
• Embark on field work within chosen communities
• Promote knowledge about the needs of developing countries
• Encourage the sharing of resources, skills and expertise from around the world to enable it to assist those in need
• Collaborate with other indigenous organizations working to aid the underprivileged overseas

Since its establishment, TEWOAF has undertaken two major projects - the creation of the Uluru Health Care Centre and the Uluru Children's Home, both located in Alampara near Kadapakkam, a small fishing village in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. TEWOAF has also established community development programs concentrating on health, the environment and education in the region.

Uluru Children's Home

In India, there are a great number of abandoned and orphaned children. There is also an increasing problem of female infanticide with the birth rate for female children dropping at an alarming rate in some regions. In 2001, TEWOAF began the construction of Uluru Children's Home (UCH) with the aim of providing shelter to orphaned, abandoned and destitute female children.

Uluru Children's Home is located in Alampara in a remote area of Kancheepuram District, Tamil Nadu. The 3-acre grounds are surrounded by the backwaters of the Bay of Bengal and were once accessible only by boat before the establishment of a private road.

The first phase of construction work at Uluru Children's Home was completed in January 2002. The Home was initially purpose-build to house approximately 25 infants and children, as well as live-in staff. Children living at the home are typically aged from two to twelve years old. They are given food, clothing and shelter in a safe, caring environment. They also have access to health care and education, which are crucial in giving the children life prospects they would otherwise be denied. Uluru Children's Home provides more than just a permanent home. It gives the children a new direction for the rest of their lives.

In 2006 , the decision was made to admit male children as well as female due to the increased demand to accommodate children displaced by the December 2004 Tsunami. There are a number of staff employed to attend to the needs of the children. Most of the staff come from the local village.

Uluru Children's Home Computer Education Centre

In 2005, TEWOAF commenced work in partnership with EWB to build and resource the Computer Educational Centre at Uluru Children's Home. The Computer Centre will vastly improve the children's educational and employment opportunities and it provides the local community with access to vital medical, educational and employment information online.

The project is supported by The Victorian League for Commonwealth Friendship, South Australia. It is currently in its second phase, which will run to the end of January 2007. An EWB volunteer (electronics engineering graduate) is currently helping expand the current 6 node pilot network to a multi-function centre supporting 35 computers. They will be installed in 3 groups and connected to a standard Ethernet network. A single server will allow the computers to access the internet.

Children at UCH receive computer lessons several times a week, while children from surrounding areas also receive weekly tuition. The Centre has been a great success, with lessons for the wider community attracting large crowds at weekends.

Sustainable Development at Uluru Children's Home

In 2007 - 2008, the number of infants and children requiring care at Uluru Children's Home will rise to 80. There is a corresponding requirement to house more support staff on-site and to provide accommodation for visiting guests. In addition, there is a desire to expand the home's educational facilities, in order to provide services that reach out into the wider community.

The new facility requirements are as follows:

• Additional accommodation for children and support staff
• Accommodation for visiting volunteers and guests
• Playground and multi-purpose field - for athletics, cricket, hockey and soccer etc.
• Computer room and associated facilities
• Theatre/ hall - for gatherings, talks and performances Library - for books, audiovisual and electronic material and internet facilities
• Art school studio and gallery - for the display of local paintings, drawings and sculptures
• Administration offices