Let's Build NGO Expands Educational Infrastructure in Malawi's Dowa District
The project includes the construction of seven double classroom blocks and six pit latrines, specifically catering to schools like Mdika, Chakhaza, Simbi, and Chimwetsero CDSS.
DOWA, Malawi — "Let's Build," an international organization registered in Malawi in 2021, is set to initiate construction projects in November 2023 to further its mission of improving educational facilities, writes Vincent Gunde.
The organization, founded in Norway in April 2020 with the vision of "a classroom for everyone," has been operating in Malawi since 2022, concentrating its efforts on constructing classroom blocks in Community Day Secondary Schools (CDSS) within Lilongwe and Dowa districts.
Let's Build's latest undertaking, known as Batch 3, aims to construct 30 classroom blocks across 23 CDSSs, with 7 of these schools situated in the Dowa district.
The project includes the construction of seven double classroom blocks and six pit latrines, specifically catering to schools like Mdika, Chakhaza, Simbi, and Chimwetsero CDSS.
"Our organization has proven to be a trusted partner for communities, government bodies, and education stakeholders. We actively collaborate with local governments to enhance public secondary school infrastructures," stated Tisaiwale Chimphamba, Let's Build's Construction Projects Manager while introducing the project to the District Executive Committee (Dec) in Dowa.
Chimphamba highlighted the organization's commitment to using local contractors for the construction work in Dowa.
Currently, they are awaiting approval for VAT exemptions from the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA).
"In Dowa, six contractors have been selected to undertake this crucial task. We're currently in the process of applying for VAT exemptions, a key step in expediting our mission," noted Chimphamba.
The Let's Build project in Dowa district is expected to benefit around 3,600 beneficiaries.
It will be closely supervised by consultants registered with the National Construction Industry Council (NCIC) and will receive support from the District Council and School Management Committees (SMCs).
"Our commitment doesn't end with construction. Once completed, we hand over fully furnished classrooms, complete with desks and chairs, to the Local Government for long-term use. This approach has significantly increased enrollment in CDSSs," added Chimphamba.
Let's Build's earlier endeavours have already made a substantial impact. Batch one of construction, conducted from May to December 2022, produced twin classroom blocks, each accommodating 60 students, along with gender-segregated pit latrines equipped with Menstrual Hygiene Management facilities for persons with disabilities in Lilongwe Rural.
These structures were successfully handed over to the Ministry of Education in December 2022, benefitting CDSSs like Kabudula, Chiseka, Sendwe, Matapila, and Nselera.
Batch 2 construction encompassed 15 double classroom blocks and 16 pit latrines (eight for boys and eight for girls) across eight CDSSs in the Central West Education Division (CWED).
Beneficiary schools included Chadza, Chiwamba, Ndaula, Kalumbu, Chiunjiza, Mpando, Chikhutu, and Chitukula.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Peter Makoza, the District Director for Health and Social Services in Dowa, advised Let's Build to formalise its partnership with the council and Dowa CSO Network by registering and establishing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
This, he suggested, would foster cooperation, transparency, and accountability in their projects.
Dr. Makoza also encouraged all development partners working in the district to provide quarterly progress reports to the District Executive Committee (Dec), stressing the potential for collective transformation in Dowa through collaboration.
Let's Build's ongoing efforts exemplify its commitment to expanding educational infrastructure and access to quality education in Malawi.