We are on the second day of our school construction/reconstruction project. Understandably, some of the enthusiasm of Day 1 has worn off but it was a very productive work day. We’ve focused our efforts on renovating the existing classrooms, restoring an out-building that was being used as a classroom and building a playground.
I started out working on the out-building but now I seem to have become the chief construction engineer of the playground. It is an interesting project because I’m flying by the seat of my pants and people are looking at what is going on with a quizzical eye as if to say, “what the heck is going on here?”
Meanwhile, the locals concentrating on building the new additional classrooms. We donated the money for all of the materials and they are “going to town” trying to get this building built before the school year resumes after Tet (the New Year).
If this project is any example, it makes you realize that people want to improve their lives, they are willing to make the effort, it’s oftentimes a matter of lack of capital. This community had a fundraising effort but all they could raise was enough money to construct the basic pillars, which is what we saw when we first got to the site. We are providing the money to finish the structure and the community is turning out to make the project happen. This is why CRS chose this site for us. We have experience people in our group who have done many overseas constructions projects. They say that they have never seen this level of community involvement.
The construction site of the additional classrooms. Pillars are in place but we are starting to construct the foundation.
The out-building that was being used as a classroom. The floor was termite infested. We ripped it out and are salvaging the building so that is will remain useful.