EMPOWER THROUGH ARCHITECTURE: JOIN MY INDONESIAN JOURNEY!
Cidokom, Bogor Regency West Java, Indonesia
Hello! I'm Faheem Kathawala, a second-year Architecture student at the University of Bath.
This August, I’ve been given a rare and meaningful opportunity to use my skills to help build something that truly matters. I’ll be traveling to Cidokom, a rural village in Indonesia, to take part in a 4-week, hands-on community build hosted by CAUKIN Studio and CERCONDESO. Together, we’ll design and construct a Gubuk Sawah, a traditional open-air pavilion that will serve as a vibrant space for learning, empowerment, and joy for local women and children.
Born and raised in Udaipur, Rajasthan, I’ve always felt driven to give back to my community. Whether it’s volunteering with Animal Aid NGO or organizing local cleanliness drives, I’ve tried to make a difference in small but meaningful ways. This workshop presents a powerful opportunity to take that passion to a global scale bringing together my architectural education and my commitment to social impact.
But I can’t do this alone. I’m reaching out for your support to help bring this vision to life and uplift communities that deserve better futures. Your help can truly make a difference!
(pic: Blueprints of the community centre)
The Gubuk Sawah will stand at the heart of CERCONDESO's community center, a space with no doors or walls, just openness. This reflects the spirit of the people it serves. It's a place where children from underprivileged villages can come to learn, play, and dream, and women who have long been silenced can gather, speak, and begin to shape their futures. The community can grow together, supported by a structure built with love and intention.
It's more than just timber and tools - it's a foundation for hope, where the community can come together, support one another, and build a brighter future. With its open and inclusive design, the Gubuk Sawah embodies the values of community, resilience, and empowerment that CERCONDESO strives to promote.
(Pic: A Past workshop conducted by CAUKIN Studio in Indonesia)
When I first heard about this project, I was moved. In many parts of rural Indonesia, access to education is still a privilege, not a right. There are children who walk for miles, just to sit on a floor and learn.
(Photo of A Past workshop conducted by CAUKIN Studio in Indonesia)
There are women who have spent their whole lives working but have never been given a voice in shaping their own communities. This build creates more than a space - it creates opportunity. As a young architect, I dream of designing spaces that heal, uplift, and include.
(Photo of A Past workshop conducted by CAUKIN Studio in Indonesia)
(Photos of A Past workshop conducted by CAUKIN Studio in Indonesia)
The Center for Rural Community Development and Social Entrepreneurship (CERCONDESO) has been a driving force for positive change in rural areas. As our local partner, they've created educational opportunities for kids and offered scholarships to students who thought university was out of reach. Their commitment to education has opened doors to new possibilities and futures.
CERCONDESO also empowers local women through skill-building, entrepreneurship, and leadership development. By equipping them with the tools and confidence they need, they're helping women break free from poverty and invisibility. This holistic approach has fostered hope and resilience, enabling individuals and communities to thrive.
The Gubuk Sawah is CERCONDESO's next big step. This community centre will be a safe space, a starting point, and a place for individuals to rise above their circumstances. It'll be a hub of activity where children can learn, women can find support, and the community can build a brighter future together.
(Photo of A Past workshop conducted by CAUKIN Studio in Indonesia)
A design and construction studio committed to improving living spaces, fostering diversity, and promoting gender inclusivity in the built environment. They provide creative, practical, and accessible design solutions across various sectors while emphasizing sustainability and social impact.
Your support isn’t just funding a trip. It’s helping children believe in a better tomorrow, and women find their voice - in a space we’ll build together, with all our strength and heart!
Risks and Challenges
Every meaningful project comes with its own set of challenges. Here are a few I anticipate and how I plan to address them:
Travel & Visa Delays: I’ve started early research and planning to ensure timely approvals and backup options.
Weather in Indonesia: The CAUKIN team is experienced with unpredictable weather, and we have contingency days built into the build schedule.
Health & Safety: All participants receive safety training and use protective gear on-site.
Budget Changes: A small buffer is included in my budget to cover any unexpected travel or material costs.
Language & Culture: Local facilitators from CERCONDESO will assist with community communication, and I’m committed to learning and respecting local customs.
Post-Project Use: CERCONDESO will manage and actively use the space for ongoing education and empowerment programs.
Fueladream Online Ventures Pvt Ltd account details are as below:
BANK NAME: HDFC Bank Limited.
BRANCH: Koramangala( Main Branch). City: Bengaluru - 560095.
ACCOUNT NUMBER: 50200013106778
IFSC CODE: HDFC0000053
Please draw a cheque in favor of "Fueladream Online Ventures Pvt Ltd", and deposit the cheque into the Fueladream Online Ventures Pvt Ltd HDFC Bank account (any branch across INDIA). After you deposit the cheque, please send an email to prasad@fueladream.com AND getintouch@fueladream.com with the following funder information:
1) Name of Funder:
2) Full address with Pin code:
3) Telephone/Mobile no and Email ID:
4) Cheque number:
5) Amount funded:
6) Whose campaign are you funding. (Name of the person OR campaign number/ID):
After the funds are received and the above details are verified, the fund amount will be transferred to the respective campaign. This can take 1-3 working days.
The workshop is hosted by CAUKIN Studio, in partnership with CERCONDESO (a community-led organization in Indonesia). CERCONDESO will continue using the space for their programs after the build is complete.
How will I know my contribution made a difference?
I’ll be sharing regular updates, photos, and stories from the site, so you can follow along and see the real impact your support is creating.
Fueladream primarily accepts donations in INR. If you’re outside India and would like to support, feel free to message me directly and we can make it work out.
Any extra funds will go toward enhancing the project on-site, such as additional educational materials, better building materials, or supporting CERCONDESO’s programs directly.
Other registered users can send their comments/ queries directly to the campaign owner as a message.
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