ART AND DESIGN RESPONDS, founded by BDDW, is a new and loosely formed group of artists, designers, and creatives banding together to send disaster relief funds directly to the front lines. In the case of Nepal, we see the opportunity to directly fund rebuilding efforts in Kathmandu while offering urgent support to families coping with the aftermath of the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck the area on April 24th. Tyler’s colleague Nick Coyle is working on the ground with three great organizations that have been making sure all the money we raised is going straight to the places it is needed the most: helping to feed, educate and protect the youth of Nepal.
PLANETE ENFANTS is a grassroots organization that has been working in Nepal for over 10 years. They will be using the money we raised for the creation of nursery schools for very young children (2 to 5 years old) born of disadvantaged mothers in Kathmandu. These children are some of the most at risk in Nepal and since the earthquakes their situation has become even worse. Many of the young mother’s places of employment have been destroyed, forcing them and their children onto the streets. These new nursery schools will provide safe havens where the children will be welcomed, protected from violence, and educated; as well as offering the mothers an opportunity to gain access to jobs.
http://www.planete-enfants.org/en/
CHILDREACH NEPAL have been rebuilding schools and constructing semi-permanent classrooms in Sindhupalchowk. The goal of their earthquake relief is to help the children regain a sense of normalcy and protection through the return to everyday education. Each semi-permanent classrooms will be able to host 60 children at a time. In addition to an education, the students will get a warm meal, receive the support they need after the trauma of the earthquakes and be taught about the dangers of trafficking and other forms of child abuse.
HIMALAYAN CROSSROADS is currently managing two camps of internally displaced people in Kathmandu which comprise about 1500 people. They have been providing shelter, sanitation, medical care, and education. They will continue to support these communities as they make the difficult transition back to their villages. One of their continuing efforts will be in the rural village of Choukati. The community’s school collapsed and Himalayan Crossroads have set out to rebuild it. The bulk of our contribution to them will be directed to rebuilding this school, which they hope to have ready for next year.
http://www.himalayancrossroads.com/
Contact: info@artanddesignresponds.com