PROJECTS

Project areas: Health, Education, Environment

Located in the heart of New Delhi, the Nizamuddin Basti heritage project combines conservation with a major socio economic effort that is implemented through a community-centered, collaborative approach. This project in Hazarat Nizamuddin Basti, Sunder Nursery and the World Heritage Site of Humayun’s Tomb protects these monuments and rehabilitates open spaces in the Basti to restore their intrinsic cultural, historical and spiritual significance.

The project aims to improve environmental conditions and strengthen essential urban services like education, health and sanitation while also empowering residents of the Basti (which means neighborhood) with new livelihoods and opportunities. For example, initiatives in education include early childhood care to facilitate the development of children and their transition to school. The vocational training program for young people provides a Career Development Center to help youth gain employment in formal industries. Youths trained under this project now give tourists guided tours of the architecture and history of their neighborhood.

The center also teaches traditional arts and practical skills through programs such as the Embroidery and Tailoring Program, the English Language Program for Employability and Life Skills Education. Women trained in traditional paper-cutting methods are now manufacturing and selling their wares at local and regional markets.