Science lab construction nearly approved - Malawi
we have now submitted the last phase of the physics and science laboratory plans. We are now confident that the plans are about to be approved, as we have obtained all plans necessary, including the surveyors' plans. January will be the deadline for final construction approval. Which means we will be able to start building beginning of February, even though it will still be rainy season. We will start building anyway, so as to move forward as quickly as possible.
The construction is in three phases:
- February - March: foundations (which require much more work as it is a double story building: deeper foundations, steel structures, etc)
- April - May: raising of the walls and slab for the second floor
- June-July: roofing, windows, ceiling, plastering, electricity, water drainage, finishing touches, etc.
In Malawi where there are very few two-story buildings, constructing a double floor is not only twice as hard as building a single story, but four times as hard, because it is done so unfrequently. We have great builders but they have not done much of this type of construction. As we want to have a well built structure, we will take the time necessary. We cannot make costly mistakes that would hinder the development of the building. Our ambition is to come to terms with the reality of the immense construction and housing bureaucracy, the complexity of the approval phasing with all the architects and engineers plans, and all their revisions, and not forgetting the uncertainties of the climate.
Fortunately we are making huge strides and much progress each day, and moving forward. In the end it all comes through.
I am going back to Malawi next week, just to oversee this work. I was lucky to have Reed Morrissey's dad (Reed is on our board for Jacaranda) donating air miles for me to return to Malawi. Reed is in Malawi at the moment working at the school. He was awarded a Fulbright scholarship this year to come to work at Jacaranda. It is an honor for our school.
Other than that, all is well at Jacaranda and this year's pass rate was again amazing. We now have 10 more kids to send to college next year. By this time next year we will have 24 students from our school attending college. Everything paid for.
It is a blessing and a great feeling.
Mr Robert Burke from Shangai American School is arranging his next group of students visit for next year. They are planning to spend even more time at the school this coming year. Hope you can pay us a visit in the near future. We wait for your arrival.
Wishing you Happy Holidays.
Marie.
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