By Alex Hunter | Project Development Officer
Solo learns a new trade !
Solo is a farmer, of cassava and rice, and a shop keeper in Manambaro. Previously he worked for a while as a carpenter in Tulear, in the southwest of the country. When SEED started Project Sekoly in Manambaro and began building schools he joined the construction team. Whilst working with the team he learnt a new trade, masonry.
Solo was involved in all masonry aspects of the build, from putting down the foundations to rock weaving on the veranda and all other masonry tasks. Joining the SEED construction team and learning his new trade - he said - was a great benefit for him. He felt “very satisfied with the work,” and particularly enjoyed the team dynamic; as well as the increased wage. As Solo said, “this is the only path” for him and his future work.
Progress on the school building continues ...
The construction of school building one has been completed and successfully handed over to the school; with only the painting of the roof left to finish in October 2016. By the end of the year, both school buildings will be finished allowing 160 students to comfortably attend the High School.
The construction of school building two is ongoing. With the help of the construction team and the international pioneer volunteers, the school is now built and has its roof on. The rock weaving, a common local technique, has been finished on the school veranda. The task was given to previously unskilled workers from the construction team as a test; enabling them to broaden their range of skills and find work once the project finishes.
The pioneers enthusiastically helped with tasks ranging from digging the foundations to constructing the wooden benches. Continuing in October 2016 school building two will be completed; rendering the floor with concrete, painting, and constructing the internal features such as blackboards, teachers’ cupboards and shelves. All doors and windows will be attached and painted.
The first latrine block is all but finished with just painting the roof to go. Latrine two will be finished in October 2016; the steps will be constructed, doors will be added and it will have a healthy lick of paint to preserve the structure for years to come. The addition of a walled urinal outside will alleviate the bad odours you get when urine and faeces mix in the latrine vault and further encourage students to use the latrine. Since the construction of the latrines, open defecation has stopped; providing a healthier community within Manambaro town as well as the school itself.
Through the water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) lessons delivered at the school, there are signs of children catalysing positive behaviour change in the wider community. It’s fantastic to see that the WASH lessons learnt by the children are being picked up on by their parents at home.
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