Shantumbu Project Launched - September 2008

Build IT trustees have approved a new project in partnership with Zambian NGO, Shishemo Foundation.

A building skills training centre will be established by Build IT in the poor peri-urban community of Shantumbu, south of Lusaka. It will be managed by Shishemo Foundation and train youngsters from the local school who have very few employment opportunities. This training will link in wider community development activities in the area.

At least a dozen youngsters a year will receive a basic training in construction skills including tile and brick making. The centre aims to sell these building materials to generate income to meet its running costs.

As part of the training, three dilapidated school rooms will be rehabilitated and a teachers' house will be built using our new 'Cool House for Zambia' design.

David Bwalya, Chair of Shishemo Foundation, told us

' We are delighted that we can now get on with this much needed project to help the people of Shantumbu, especially the youth. We have been wishing and praying for this for a long time. Thank you to all your supporters in the UK. We will be sending you project updates very often.'

Update January 2009

Despite heavy rains work at Shantumbu has progressed well and renovation of three classrooms was completed in early January 2009.

The next step is to install soil block and micro-concrete tile making equipment and train two trainers. The first group of 11 trainees should start by April 2009.

As part of their training they will build the first ever Build IT International 'Cool House'.

Update June 2009

Block and tile making equipment was formally transferred to Shishemo Foundations project at Shantumbu, close to Lusaka in Zambia.

Trainees have been recruited and two trainers, Credence and Lastone will shortly arrive from Fiwila where they were trained by BII in 2007.

During July and August the 10 trainees will undergo a basic building skills course and assist in the construction of a teacher’s house for Shantumbu school. More building work should follow.

But the big idea is to produce and sell tiles and blocks into the Lusaka market where a lot of construction takes place. A business plan has been drawn up and, if funding, is secured, marketing will start by September.

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