School Construction
School Construction
Until the start of our school project in early 2011, the village of Mushapo did not have their own school. To spare the children their daily long walk to neighboring villages and in order that more children can get a good education, ADH made the realization of a school project in Mushapo its goal. The school project is meant to last: Several school buildings with bright spacious classrooms of solid, durable materials should guarantee a permanent school operation no matter what the weather conditions. In addition, important new jobs will be created in the rural area by building schools and the operation thereof.
Nov
2014
The end of the building freeze – A small victory over corruption
So far all attempts were unsuccessful: even the governor of the region of West Kasai was unable to deter chief Mungamba from claiming half of our building materials and lots of money. André organized a meeting with the Minister of Education, Mr. Maker Mwumba, who himself comes from Tshikapa and knows the situation on the ground quite well. He believes that especially in this region of the Congo, where many people are nomadic, schools are very much needed. The nomadic conditions have a negative effect on the level of education of the children, which is why he welcomed our involvement with enthusiasm. The Minister of Education was shocked by the behavior of Chef Mungamba, stepped in, and after a week all our confiscated materials were returned. Now at last we can continue. Shortly thereafter, the Minister informed himself about the situation - A man with vision!
Oct
2014
New impetus by the village community
After the traditional Grand Chief's call for an absurdly high bribe brought the work on our third building to a stand still, we got to explore new ways to tackle corruption and lack of vision for development. In the mean time the displeasure of the village population of Mushapo with the behavior of the Grand Chief became so strong, that even the villagers themselves tried in various ways to influence him. For example, the new head of our school parent committee urged chief Muyeji to call his supervisor (chief Mungamba) and tell him firmly about the atmosphere in the village, namely, that the school construction should proceed without delay. Meanwhile, the administrator of the Kamonia region visited our school in Mushapo. When he heard of this dispute and also saw that we lost about 70 bags of cement because they cured, he also promised to get on the Grand Chief’s case. It's great to see how the local population stands up and fights for what is right.
Sep
2014
Many helping hands - we hope for improvement
As the Grand Chief from Mungamba still doesn’t show any understanding and the building freeze continues, we try from all sides possible to change the situation to make the Grand Chief give in. Gilbert telephoned Chief Mungamba but he still insists on us paying bribes. Another attempt was launched by Andre, who called the Governor in Kananga who was amazed that the problem was still not resolved and promised to get in touch with chief Mungamba and try to influence him in our favor. In Kinshasa, Wolfgang had a successful meeting with the German Ambassador, Dr. Wolfgang Manig and Mr. Stumpf, responsible for development cooperation. Both showed great interest in our project and offered their support. In the meantime Jean tried in Tshikapa to advance the necessary registration of our property at the Cadastre. There too was outrage over the behavior of the Chief Mungamba. With this new tailwind we are encouraged that the deadlock will soon be dissolved.
May
2014
We are forced to an unexpected halt with the construction
After the framework of our new school building was completed, we wanted to use the well-preserved corrugated iron roof from the old clay buildings that had collapsed and use them to make a roof for our new school building. But then unexpected the traditional Grand Chief of Mungamba, came into play as he sensed an opportunity to demand bribes before we could build on. His reasoning for this is so absurd that it even displeases us to publish this. Also mediating talks could not bring him to the realization that with his demands he forces a freeze on the construction and thereby harms his region. We are now trying different ways to influence him so that we can re-start the construction work soon and finalize the new school building as quickly as possible.
Apr
2014
The third building is created - the roof is ready.
The construction phase of the third school building has begun on the site south of Mushapo. The roof is ready. The roof was made first, so that the rest of the construction work can go on uninterrupted during the rainy season. This building will have four new classrooms of brick.
Mar
2014
New plans for the next brick building
We are planning on how the next two brick buildings can be built most efficiently. We decide on two long buildings, each with 4 classrooms. The new buildings will, together with the existing brick building on our property, form a U-shape. Right away new bricks are manufactured for this project. The men dig clay from the new pit and the women take them to the warehouse, where the clay is pressed. As soon as the bricks are pressed and have dried, they are burned.
Feb
2014
Preparations for the construction in Mushapo
After his arrival in the Congo, Jos first spends a month in Kinshasa in order to make important preparations. He visits our friends and supporters and gathers new materials and tools for Mushapo. On the way there, in Tshikapa, he buys food for the next month. He is accompanied to Mushapo by a team from "Denys", so they can see our progress on the project for themselves. With their truck, the "Denys" Team also transported 2000 liters of drinking water, cement, and diesel for the generator. The generator needed some repairs, a new battery and other parts that are not so easy to find out there. A not functional generator means no light at night, no charging of batteries, and no telephone or internet communication for some time.
Jan
2014
Temporary school buildings damaged
This year's rainy season brings extremely strong storms with it. Some walls of the temporary school buildings (and other buildings) are destroyed. We can undo the damage again, but it means extra work. At least it urges us to proceed rapidly with the construction of other solid school buildings.
