First Construction Phase

The First Construction Phase

August – December 2015

The first large building and simultaneously the heart of the new site is the assembly hall. Currently during the day it is used as a classroom, and after school it becomes a common room for the orphans. Seminars, meetings and celebrations are held here, too.

Apart from a few concrete pillars in the corners and walls, the assembly hall is completely open. This is ideal, since time is mostly spent outside due to the tropical heat. On two sides of the assembly hall there are two more buildings, which include an office, two storages, a sewing room, a playroom/ film room and a library. To reduce cost and overall square footage, all rooms are fairly small.  Emphasis was put in particular on the static of the building. The seismic safety was ensured by letting each of these three buildings swing on their own in the event of an earthquake.

This assembly hall is the first building of the complex and is thus extremely important for the children in Haiti. The roof collects rain water and can provide electricty. Especially the latter is urgently necessary for further construction on site. The roof can supply water and electricity, which of course is urgently necessary for further construction on site. We aren’t the only ones who ensure the progress on the construction site. The children enjoy working here to build their new home. The daily labour on the construction site is also an opportunity for some young adults to earn money for their school tuition fees during the holidays.

While construction of the other buildings on the site is still ongoing, the premises is also used for accommodating orphans and teaching school children.