Being deaf, and without speech, Simon Mulungwe (pictured far right) has had few real opportunities in life. Deafness in Zambia, along with many other disabilities is not widely recognised, meaning integrating with society can be especially tough.

Simon hasn't let his disabilities hold him back and is extremely hard working and committed. Simon was first trained at Fiwila, Build IT International's first ever project and since then has gone from strength to strength.

Along with his friend, Enoch (who the two have developed a unique form of sign language), Simon was employed by an organization in Zambia's capital Lusaka, building an orphanage. The two earned Zkw 50,000 day (about £8), over twice the normal rate. All their expenses were paid.

More recently, Simon has been overseeing block and tile production at other Build It projects including Mikumbila in the first half of 2009, Kawama the last half of 2009 and Makangwe in 2010.

‘Their work was first class, hard working and with very few tiles not making the grade’ said Malcolm Alcock, our technical advisor.

Perhaps most fittingly, Simon has been overseeing work at Donata School for the Disabled as part of Build It's 2011 building programme. The schools will be specialised for the needs of physically and mentally disabled children in Zambia. Simon is pictured with other former Build It trainees Juliet Ngosa and Emeldah Chibale.

Visit our Donata School for the Disabled Project Page