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Charity of the Year Competition

This week Tamwed have been invited to participate in the Charity of the Year Competition on http://optimistworld.com/Charities.aspx which if we are successful could bring in a very welcome cash donation. To ensure that we move on into the second round of the competition, please go to the site, register (takes only one minute) and vote for us before Thursday 23th April at 6pm.

Optimist World is all about the good things that are happening – good news, charities, corporate social responsibility, the environment, eco travel, sports and you can even add your own inspiring stories. Check out the site, you may really like it. Messaging, Facebook or Twitter friends? Please forward this information to all your friends and families and anyone who you think could spare a minute to vote for us – we need your and your friends’ votes and, if you have time, some nice comments too !!

New Newsletter for March 2009

New ONLINE Shop for all your Tamwed items

Great Gifts that are a pleasure to give, wonderful to receive and provide help for those who are trying to help themselves - magic! To go to the shop click here

Tamwed hosted part of a visit to the UK by Jothi Ramalingam, our project co-ordinator in India. Jothi was joined by Ivan Nutbrown, the co-ordinator of Action Village India, a London-based organisation we work closely with. Supporters were able to hear about the projects that Tamwed has assisted and make plans for the next 12 months. A training programme for members of smaller Tamil Nadu NGOs has been arranged in Chennai for December. This will cover community project and community business development, management and monitoring as well as climate change. Workshops will be led by the South India Producers Association and other specialists. The climate change sessions will cover the effects forecast for South India and how NGOs can work with partners from all sectors to ensure that members of all communities are prepared for the social, economic and environmental upheaval that is inevitable. We are grateful to Osborne Samuel (www.osbornesamuel.com) for part-sponsoring this training.

The photograph shows Jothi with Tamwed supporters at a meal hosted by the Evans family who have visited some of our projects in Tamil Nadu.

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 ‘kalamkari’ cloth items which are sold in the UK. Groups of women have also learned embroidery and tailoring to produce items for sale locally. As a result of an appeal we funded much-needed medical equipment for use in clinics dealing with trauma and stress caused by the tsunami.

During 2007, a comprehensive needs analysis was undertaken which highlighted important issues such as a lack of toilet facilities and the high incidence of preventable diseases in most of the poorer areas. This year we are helping to build 100 toilet units as well as supporting the work of community health workers. We encourage cultural exchanges and deliver workshops and presentations about India in schools and for community organisations.

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

Registered Charity No: 1113533