Onward and upward: The way forward for the boys' dormitory

June 2020

Our blog last month outlined the very beginning of our latest building project. Now we’re delighted to share the exciting progress made, where we already have interior walls and the start of an impressive roof!

Dormitories at St Matia Mulumba Primary School in Kyankoole were urgently required as the children, who were boarders, were sleeping in school classrooms and they had very basic washing and toilet facilities. As a priority, EVC Uganda funded and completed a dormitory for 150 girls in November 2018. Our next priority project was to construct a boys’ dormitory, and we were blessed to secure a major donation to enable this work.

In late April of this year, the contractor made a start; he mobilised his men, levelled the site and began setting out the building. Work has progressed at a fantastic rate and we are currently at the roofing phase which is 3 weeks ahead of schedule! 

 

Building work is getting started

Work begins on the foundations and walls of the building

 

The rains held off and the foundations were quickly dug and constructed in a few weeks (see previous blog). With sturdy foundations laid, the walls were erected to ring beam level. Good, solid local timber was purchased and used for the roof trusses. Work has also recently started on building the dormitory perimeter privacy wall and toilets. 

 

Prossy overlooking the building work

Prossy is happy with the quality of the work and materials

 

Daily supervision is carried out by our on-site project manager Prossy Nnalule and inspections are completed at major project milestones by the Diocesan building inspector, Fr Bonny Kalyesubula. 

 

Building work is inspected regularly

A site visit from Fr Boniface and Fr Bonny, ensuring high standards are met

 

Our next phase of work will involve the installation of red roof panels to match the other buildings on the school campus. Then it’s on to the finishing touches, such as smart exterior face bricks, laying the floor, plastering, electrical work and painting.

On completion of the building, we will install a rainwater collection system with a 10,000 litre tank to provide the dormitory with an additional supply of fresh clean water. 

 

Boys' dormitory sees walls and a roof

Now we can visualise what will soon be a fine and sturdy construction

 

Due to the lockdown, there have been no children in school, so the contractor has had a clear run at the project. He has installed perimeter fencing to keep local children and adults out of the construction site.

We look forward to fitting out the building with brand new beds and estimate completion of the project around the end of July or early August. Hopefully, it will be safe for the children to return to school around that time, as soon as lockdown conditions allow. 

It goes without saying that this will be a huge asset to the school and will greatly improve the health, confidence, attitude and well-being of the boys. Feeling well-rested, comfortable and with space for personal possessions will go a long way towards improving attention in class and will greatly facilitate evening study.

Keep an eye on our News Page for more updates in the coming weeks and months!

How can you help?

It costs £300 to sponsor a child ( £25 monthly standing order ) This provides a child with an education, accommodation, clothing and food and pays teaching and non teaching staff. You can also donate securely through KindLink.