Working with local communities is an essential part of our approach.

The real experts on how a building should be designed are the people who will own and use it.

We work with communities to discuss, design and deliver each project.

New projects often start with a request from a community for a school or other facility.

Communities continue to be involved so we know that what we are doing is relevant to them. From initial design workshops to community action days to decide the colour of the walls.

We ensure that local men, women and young people have a say in the project.

Typically, the local community helps to clear the site and collect hundreds of tonnes of sand and stone to be turned into building blocks.

Working in partnership also makes sure projects run smoothly and encourages pride and ownership in the finished building.

To ensure the buildings are sustained, we train members of the community in basic maintenance. And of course we always keep in touch to see how things have taken off.

Video showing community involvement: