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Design Program for New Community Library for Traditional Crafts
On-site -- Sumrasar, near Kutch, India
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Ashoka Fellow: Judy Frater Website: KALA RAKSHA Judy Frater believes that the traditional craftsperson is the best designer to make the work of the craftsperson economically viable to consumers and a larger market. Through practical and relevant education on technology and marketing, Judy is building the expertise of the craftsperson to make a significant contribution to the sustainability of the craft tradition. |
Description of Volunteer Opportunity
Kala Raksha Trust is a grassroots social enterprise that is dedicated to holistic preservation of traditional arts. Founded on artisan initiative in the desert region of Kutch, Kala Raksha's artisan design committees create exquisite contemporary work based in their indigenous traditions. Artisan Pricing Committees establish fair wages. Finally, artisans participate in sale of their work, linking them directly to their market.
Kala Raksha produces some of the most exquisitely hand embroidered and patch worked products made in Kutch. Using only natural fibers and wherever possible natural dyes, the Trust makes a wide range of garments, accessories and home furnishings.
Income generation is the beginning of comprehensive development. Kala Raksha artisans also attend integrated Preventive Health Care and Basic Education Programs. In 2005, our education initiative blossomed into Kala Raksha Vidhyalaya, the first institution of design for traditional artisans.
Honoree of the 2001 International Responsible Tourism Showcase, Kala Raksha Centre is located in Sumrasar Sheikh, 25 km north of Bhuj. Here, the museum, production unit, shop and guest house inhabit structures that adapt traditional architecture to contemporary function. A model for community development, the Centre is locally managed and operates with solar power.
Learn more at www.kala-raksha.org
Kala Raksha needs a volunteer who could set up a robust program for their new community library in Sumrasar.
Dates: Immediately
Required Skills and Experience:
Working knowledge of Gujarati or Hindi would be very helpful.
Compensation: No
Housing: Yes
The volunteer could stay at the Kala Raksha guesthouse in Sumrasar Village, where the Center is located.
Contact:
Contact
Judy Frater
How to Volunteer for this Opportunity
If you are interested in this opportunity, please complete the Ashoka Volunteer Form and send it directly to , copied to Beth Inabinett at , with Volunteer in the subject line.
If you are traveling abroad, we recommend you use the following Volunteer Checklist to clarify the details of your volunteer arrangement.