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American India Foundation pledges $550,000 for Gujarat relief

The American India Foundation has announced a grant of $550,000 to two non-governmental organisations working in the quake-ravaged areas of Gujarat.

A memorandum of understanding has been signed with the two organisations: Abhiyan and KalaRaksha, AIF said.

It planned to 'significantly expand' its assistance in Gujarat in the near future.

AIF's focus areas would include shelter reconstruction using new earthquake-resistant building techniques, livelihood regeneration, health and education.

The foundation plans to spend $500,000 in constructing 1,000 quake-resistant shelters in the Kutch district in association with Abhiyan.

"Our program with AIF focuses on the aspect of permanent shelter construction. These funds are meant for direct housing construction," Abhiyan's secretary Sushma Iyengar said.

AIF's second project with KalaRaksha integrates shelter reconstruction with livelihood regeneration.

The foundation is also contributing $50,000 to support KalaRaksha in re-building work areas-cum-residences for the families of 50 traditional artisans.

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