AS a long-term response to the last devastating storm in Malawi, Hope Skills Training Centre is now a hub for Hope4Malawi’s ‘Building Safer Homes’ initiative. Local people are being equipped with the skills to build low-cost ‘model homes’ that are robust and can better withstand future weather events. They then pass on their skills to train others.
Hope4Malawi has developed the home specification, based on Malawian Government standards and the prototype 4x5 metre house for six and a smaller mud brick house are being built at the centre.
The first two-week ‘Building Safer Homes’ course took place at the centre in July, run by Neil Ambler, an engineer from the UK. Eight local builders learned about soil types, how to make bricks, correctly dig the foundations and complete the build to the required standard.
The builders completed the course on 14th August and received their Certificates. Everyone appreciated the knowledge they’d gained and the opportunity to make such a difference. These builders, along with Ben, who headed up Hope4Malawi’s build team at Hope Skills Centre, are now passing on their skills to 40 people selected by the chiefs from the local villages of Jana and Mabala. Together, they will build new houses for vulnerable people in the community who lost their homes during Tropical Storm Freddy.
Can you help a child in Malawi?
Thanks to the kind support of our partners, sponsors, fundraisers and volunteers, Hope4Malawi's school building, resourcing projects and student sponsorships continue to provide life-changing opportunities for children growing up in rural Malawi.
For further information and ways to get involved, please contact us.