Child Rights Information and Documentation Centre (CRIDOC)
The problem
Chimvite Primary School, in Mpingu, Lilongwe Rural South West, had no library and no proper office for its teachers. The Head Teacher worked from a grass-thatched hut with no doors and no security. This meant the school could not accept or store donated books and other learning materials. Pupils had nowhere to study or borrow books, and no reading materials to take home. Unlike pupils in town, those at Chimvite had no access to basic learning materials, including textbooks. The community had already started moulding and burning bricks to start building an office structure, but had no funds to implement the project.
The solution
CRIDOC worked with the school and the community to support with contructing the building they were planning for years but never took off from the ground. The Chimvite Community Based Organisation and the School Management Committee moulded bricks and put up.
USAID, through the American Embassy, then funded the materials needed to complete it through CRIDOC: iron sheets and timber for the roof, cement for the floor, window panes, door frames, paint, lime, and labor costs. Once finished, the building would house a library and an office for teachers.
What my team and I achieved
Community sensitisation
Worked with the Chimvite Community Based Organisation and the School Management Committee to mould bricks and raise the structure to window-level within three months of starting in January 2011.
Partnership building
Liaised with local chiefs, the area’s Member of Parliament, and the School Management Committee, chaired by Mr Mailosi Lamitoni, to keep the project on track.
Securing funding
Negotiated USAID funding through the Ambassador’s Self-Help Project and managed the contract, signed on 2 December 2010, covering roofing, flooring and finishing materials.
Mobilising library materials
Successfully mobilised donated books and learning materials for the first time, with plans for the library to include Braille materials, children’s novels and games.
Library and teachers' office construction project in pictures
The Chairperson of the School Management Committee at Chimvite Primary school, Mr Mailosi Lamitoni, showcasing some of the bricks moulded by the community prior to the project launch.
Mrs. Diana Enzi, wife of US Senator Michael Enzi, cuts ribbon to officially opening of the Library and Teachers Office Block at Chimvite Primary School in Lilongwe Rural South West, constructed by CRIDOC.
US Chargé d’Affaires Ms Lisa Vickers shakes hands with member of Parliament for the area Ms Jean Sendeza while CRIDOC Director Dr George Mwika Kayange prepares to sign the grant agreement.
Guest of honour, Mrs. Enzi, donated assorted items to the library on behalf of the American people which were received by the Head teacher of the Chimvite Primary School (right).
