Named after the United Nations’ Declaration of Human Rights and its statement for the equality of access to shelter, Article 25 designs and builds schools, hospitals and homes in vulnerable communities worldwide.
Since its foundation in 2006, the charity has worked on over ninety projects in 34 countries. By engaging local beneficiaries in community participation workshops, communities are able to take ownership of their project right from the start.
The charity also connects a local workforce of skilled and unskilled workers to encourage skills sharing; in doing so Article 25 not only leaves behind excellent buildings, but also a society that has the ability to build for itself and create a positive future for generations to come.
Prasad, who has chaired Article 25’s board of trustees since 2015, will continue on the board until its next AGM in spring 2021, having recently been appointed chair of the UK Green Building Council.
Bennetts is taking up the leadership post as it embarks on its biggest project yet, the reconstruction of 676 homes that were devastated in Hurricane Maria on the island of Dominica. Working in partnership with engineering firm Clarkebond and funded by the World Bank the Housing Recovery Project, Article 25’s design team made its first site visit in late September.
Much like the wider charity sector, Article 25 is trying to tackle the latest fundraising challenges head on, as various income-generating events have been cancelled since lockdown. In addition to its annual art auction, 10x10, the charity is supported by a growing number of companies in the construction industry through long-term sponsorship as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility programmes, the charity invites others to sign up too.