Project Name: Build IT

Purpose of Grant:
Helping with the development of schools in Zambia

Continent: Africa

Area of Support: Education

Applicant: Build IT

Amount: £10,000

Date of Grant: April 2008

Description:
A donation was given to Build IT in April 2008 to help fund the development of six schools, teacher’s accommodation, sanitation blocks and water facilities in the Mkushi District, Zambia. A report from Build IT received in April 2009 states that:

‘We have made excellent progress on the Zambia Schools Improvement programme.
New Classroom Blocks: Three classroom blocks and a science lab have been completed at Fiwila. In February 2009 they completed the construction of a two classroom block and offices at Butumpa and are on target to complete a two classroom block and office at St. Agness by July 2009. By December 2009 they hope to have completed a two classroom block at Kawama and a single classroom at Mikumbila. During the first quarter of 2010 they also hope to have completed the construction of two further classrooms on the outskirts of Kusaka.
Teachers Houses, latrines and water collection facilities are planned for Butempa and St Agness schools in the second half of 2009’.

During the construction of Fiwila Shool and the boys dormitory, hand operated mirco-cement roof tile machinery was introduced and successfully used for the production of the roof tiles. This has resulted in buildings being much cooler than they would have been had the traditional imported corrugated metal sheeting been used.

Further unplanned benefits have been achieved by establishing links with the Ministry of Education and the National Council for Construction (NCC Zambia).