The construction of a „Menschen für Menschen“ school
Menschen für Menschen commissions local construction companies to build school buildings. The contract is awarded following a tendering process. When selecting the construction company, attention is paid not only to the most favorable bid, but also to ensuring that criteria of quality assurance are met.
Most of the work on the construction sites is done by hand. The site is often difficult to access, making it impossible
The foundation of all school buildings is a stable base made of cement, steel, and stones.
The foundation is typically built high enough so that all buildings are slightly elevated above the ground surface. This prevents water from entering the room, even during heavy rainfall. Additionally, there is a gutter surrounding all buildings, allowing rainwater to drain away immediately. The overhanging roof ends over the gutters.
The walls and floors of all rooms are also made of cement, making the school floors easy to clean. All buildings are topped with a protective metal roof. Thanks to a special steel construction, the roofs are resilient even during strong winds and heavy rain showers. The well-thought-out and stable construction of the buildings ensures that Menschen für Menschen schools last for many decades. They are fire and earthquake resistant.
A special feature of Menschen für Menschen schools is the stable louvre windows (louvered windows), which consist of individual foldable glass panes. Each classroom is equipped with louvre windows on both sides, almost the entire length. The rooms look inviting, bright and airy from the outside. Louvre windows have two other practical advantages: they do not protrude into the classroom during ventilation, eliminating the risk of injury for the students.
Additionally, the individual panes are easily replaceable if, for example, one of the small panes is broken while playing.
well as boards.
A success story – Education makes it possible
Focus: Education, Project Area: Borena
Every day, I enjoy going to school. I attend the tenth grade at the Mekane Selam High School – it is the only secondary school in the area for miles around. When my motivation wanes at times, I think of Nelson Mandela. He spent 27 years in prison, yet remained strong and brave. Through his efforts, justice became possible in South Africa. I see my own role in the development of Ethiopia. Either as a civil engineer or as a doctor. It`s great that I have good opportunities for that. Just a year ago, we were taught in dark corrugated iron barracks.
But now, the new school buildings by Menschen für Menschen are completed. Learning is now easier – Woineschet Telahune, 16, student in Mekane Selam
Since the beginning of 2015, 2,547 pupils, 1,363 boys and 1,184 girls, have been taught in the new facilities at Walelegn HSS. In addition to the six classroom blocks, an administration block, a library and two blocks with drying latrines, each with four and eight cabines, were built. The old corrugated iron buildings are in the background.
Finally, we can study without interruption! There`s not as much dust anymore, and it`s nice and bright. The library is equipped with enough books for all students – Fanaye Birnanu, 17 years old, attends the 10th grade at Walelegn Higher Secondary School in Mekane Selam in the Borena project area.
The first man on the moon was Neil Armstrong. That`s how I want to be one day: to explore uncharted worlds, report back to others, and be famous and recognized – Mesaye Alelejn, 18, student at Walelegn Higher Secondary School in Mekane Selam