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Tamwed (Tamil Nadu/West Devon) was set up to offer long term support to people affected by the tsunami in South India and build links between communities in Tamil Nadu and the South West of England. The organisation’s founders had long standing professional and personal links with community groups in the area and had collaborated on projects over many years.

The coastal region of Tamil Nadu was badly affected by the tsunami with great loss of life, property and infrastructure. Some communities benefited from relief aid in the form of food and housing. However, it will take longer term programmes to restore the livelihoods of villagers who were dependant on fishing and farming and many years before people recover from the trauma of the tsunami.

Our partners in Tamil Nadu, CRUSADE (Centre for Rural Systems and Development) and Manushi, are registered voluntary development organisations which aim to increase the quality of life among poor and marginalised people in rural areas of Tamil Nadu. Respecting Gandhian principles, much of their work is focused on the welfare of women among some of the neediest groups in society.

Tamwed initially helped to fund the desalination of irrigation ponds flooded by salt water and the planting of crops which can be grown in soil affected by sea water. Since then we have supported the training of women in the production of traditional cloth items which are sold in the UK. Groups of women have also learned embroidery and tailoring to produce items for sale locally. We helped train community health workers and are supporting a trail of solar-powered lights. During 2007, a comprehensive needs analysis of our project areas was undertaken which highlighted many important issues among which were a lack of toilet facilities in most of the poorer areas. Tamwed and its partners are responding by building and testing different types of water-free toilets to see if they are appropriate for installing in new houses.

Tamwed is a registered charity. Funds raised through members’ subscriptions, events, donations and sales, contribute to projects in India which are developed with the input of beneficiary communities and follow the principles of sustainable development. Tamwed’s co-ordinator in Tamil Nadu monitors all our work and funding in India.

We hope you enjoy your visit here and feel inspired to help.

Oz Osborne
Tamwed
Gellings Park West
Harewood Rd
Calstock
Cornwall PL18 9QN

01822 832897
07866 451538