Child Rights Information and Documentation Centre (CRIDOC)
2011: School Library Construction — Chimvite Primary School, Malawi
I led this school library construction project for CRIDOC‘s School Outreach Programme. The programme built libraries and resource centres, and set up school clubs, in primary schools across Malawi. This project delivered a library and teachers’ office at Chimvite Primary School.
The problem
Chimvite Primary School, in Mpingu, Lilongwe Rural South West, had no library. The Head Teacher worked from a grass-thatched hut with no doors and no security. The school could not accept or store donated books and materials. Pupils had nowhere to study or borrow books, and no reading materials to take home. Unlike pupils in towns, Chimvite’s pupils lacked basic learning materials, including textbooks. The community had started making bricks, but ran out of money to build.
The solution: school library construction
CRIDOC partnered with the school and community to fund the stalled build. The Chimvite Community Based Organisation and School Management Committee made bricks and built the walls. USAID, through the American Embassy and CRIDOC, paid for iron sheets, timber for the roof, cement for the floor, window panes, door frames, paint, lime, and labour. The finished building holds both a library and a teachers’ office.
What my team and I achieved
Here’s what the school library construction work involved:
Community sensitisation
We worked with the Chimvite Community Based Organisation and School Management Committee. Together, we raised the structure to window-level within three months of starting in January 2011.
Partnership building
We worked with local chiefs, the area’s Member of Parliament, and the School Management Committee, chaired by Mr Mailosi Lamitoni, to keep the project moving.
Securing funding
We secured funding through USAID’s Ambassador’s Self-Help Program. We signed the contract on 2 December 2010, covering roofing, flooring and finishing materials.
Mobilising library materials
We brought in donated books and learning materials for the first time. These included 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).
