THE
MLAMBE
PROJECT
THE MLAMBE PROJECT
THE HEADTEACHER'S OFFICE/ COMPUTER ROOM
The Headteacher's office, shown in the images below, was built in April 2014. It is now used as both an office and a solar-powered computer room.
This was our first earthbag building and during the process, we taught eight members of the local community how to assemble a structure using the earthbag building technique. This initial structure was overseen by our co-founders Jamie Proctor and Aidan Mosley with additional help provided by volunteer Tom Morris. Conversion of the building into a multi-functional office and computer room was overseen by our current co-programmes manager Saalim Koomar and volunteer Lucy Ifould in November 2014.
Completed structure!
Computer skills lessons for Mlambe school's teachers
Power and the internet implemented at Mlambe school within a week!
THE FOOTBALL PITCH
During our time at Mlambe school, we also set ourselves the task of creating a football pitch for the local community. Malawians are football mad and will discuss and play the game at every available opportunity.
The whole area needed to be hoed up and the organic matter removed before being ‘ploughed’, flattened and raked. Thanks to the help of the local community, and with the use of some alternative ploughing techniques which were not previously referred to in the risk assessment, we were able to finish this project in 5 days!.
The opening game was played between Mlambe and local rivals Nanthomba (where NGO 'HELP! Malawi' have done some incredible work). A late Mlambe winner sealed a 2-1 victory! Let’s hope they can make the pitch a fortress for years to come.
Special mentions must go to Sam Martin for his help and commitment constructing the pitch and to Tim Herbert, from Brighton College Prep School, who donated 50 football kits to the school.
Keep the blue flag flying high!
A huge thanks to Brighton College Prep School!
A donated first aid kit being put to good use on the football field
THE FIRST SCHOOL BLOCK
Our first earthbag school block was completed in October 2014. After piloting the technique with the Headteacher's House, this was a great opportunity to assemble structures of a much larger scale. The contruction of the first school block was integral to our whole project as it encompassed the real beginnings of what our co-founders Jamie and Aidan envisioned in terms of improving Mlambe school's infrastructure. The distinct lack of infrastructure previously meant that students had to learn outside, sometimes in terrible conditions (particularly during the 'rains' of November- March). Therefore this was now our chance to begin markedly and tangibly improving educative conditions at the school for both teachers and students alike.
Aidan oversaw the construction of this block through to the end under the watchful eyes of our two local project managers Steven and Geoffrey and we are immensely proud of the results which can be found below.
Previously lessons were taught outside
Mlambe school's previous standing in the regional infrastructure ratings
Collecting sand is not for the faint-hearted!
Steven and Geoffrey- Local Project Managers
Home-made scaffolding holding up nicely!
Our experts starting the render
Master plasterer finishing off the render
Our experts standing proudly in the finished building
Lessons indoors!
The finished school block
One down, two to go!
The Toilets (Bettina's Bog)
The previous toilets at Mlambe school were in terrible condition, with just one toilet for 300 children. This had a serious impact on hygiene and, after the first school block was our next priority.
This is another of Aidan Mosley's builds which started in July 2014. The toilet block was finished in November 2014 and is now, without doubt, the best toilet block in the whole district! There are now 4 toilets for the boys and 4 for the girls under a proper corrugate roof which has proven to withstand very harsh weather, including the floods of January 2015. A huge thanks to donor Bettina Walker for this new toilet block- the students are certainly thankful!
Hoeing the ground for the cement mixture
Preparing the trusses for the roof
One of our fantastic experts
The experts again standing proudly next to their finished work
Not just an expert in earthbag building!
Bettina's Bog!
Renovation of Old School Block
The old school block made up the entirety of Mlambe school when co-founders Jamie and Aidan visited the site for the first time. The school block was in a terrible condition. There were cracks covering the walls and floor, a large bat-infestation and therefore an awful smell and very little lighting due to tiny windows. Frankly, this situation had to change with these two classrooms supposed to provide an education for 300 students. Obviously it was important for us to start building new school blocks to ensure provision for a whole primary school of 8 year groups but we also saw huge importance in renovating this existing building as well.
Saalim Koomar and Lucy Ifould alongside Local Project Managers Steven and Geoffrey oversaw the renovation of this block in November 2014 and the classrooms are now positive environments for which teaching and learning can take place without any disturbance from bats!
Very little lighting
Cracks covering the walls and ceiling
Poor learning conditions
One of the new look classrooms!
Steven and Geoffrey putting together a new form of sustainable, eco-friendly lighting
A simple solution of chlorine, water and sunlight to create a 55 watt light bulb!
Students lining up for assembly in front of their new-look school block!