Vision

Vision of So Hath – 100 Hands’ Foundation for Building Artisans is to encourage, train and promote building artisan as entrepreneurs who are equipped to provide eco-sensitive construction solutions in the contemporary arena.    

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History

After the devastating earthquake in 2001, re-construction of dwellings was a major task in hand, for which human resource of varied skill sets were the need of the hour. An in-flux of artisans, mostly masons and helpers, from Madhya Pradesh and surrounding areas of Kutch region made themselves available to join the rehabilitation drive initiated by Hunnarshala Foundation. This was the time when many traditional artisans worked in tandem with the artisan empowerment team of Hunnarshala Foundation (presently, “Sankalan” A Centre for Alternative Learning).

 

“Sankalan” while working with artisans experienced the potential of these artisans. They have an understanding of eco- friendly materials and techniques as traditional wisdom, since each generation of artisan passes on the knowledge to the next, which saves it from extinction. But due to the use of modern material and construction techniques the traditional practice is becoming obsolete and the practitioners are left with no choice but to adapt to the modern methods.  

 

Sankalan having a mandate to promote eco- sensitive construction practices while working with local artisans has continuously tried to find building solutions through research and development activities and transferred the know-how to the artisan guild, which is then introduced in projects. Sankalan ensures that enough work opportunities are created for the artisan guilds. Efforts to narrow the gap between the artisans and professionals are a continuous process so that a relationship is nurtured that helps both fraternities to understand, learn, share and acknowledge each other.

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Present

The projects in which the artisans participate are platforms for them to perform, learn and demonstrate skills. Fair trade practice, skill up gradation and hand holding has helped few enterprising artisans to set up So Hath - 100 Hands Foundation for Building Artisans, which is a section - 8 company under the Companies Act of India 2013. Its a organisation led by artisans to provide employment opportunities to fellow artisans to live a dignified life.