The proposed J. O. Chifundo School building plan is to provide a permanent building for this 12 year old school and thereby direct all tuition collected to curriculum/ teachers rather than escalating rental prices associated with the current facility. The Chifundo parent committee purchased land 8 years ago in hopes of this being possible.

Comparing  construction costs and methods in Zambia to the US is difficult due to the different economic climate, culture, and simpler approaches demanded for affordability in environment where many are jobless and barely getting by. View the first architectual drawing here. (320kb )

The proposed school structure would compare to a simple, single story, warehouse building constructed of concrete blocks, steel doors and frames, steel window frames, steel roof joists, and decking of compressed asbestos panels, all on a concrete foundation…basic construction with no bells or whistles. The concrete walls are plastered and painted as well as the doors and frames and window frames.

The steel window frames would be glazed, but would all face the interior Outdoor Seating Area or corridors. There are no windows in the exterior walls of any rooms because these walls make up the security perimeter of the entire facility. The only openings in this wall are for personnel traffic or vehicles and are all controlled by a heavy steel gate that is locked at night. In some cases broken glass may be placed on top of the perimeter wall to prevent someone from climbing over.

All interior spaces are lighted and the restrooms have fixtures comparable to those found in European countries. Classroom furnishings include tables, chairs, blackboards, bulletinboards and ceiling lights.

 

Cost? Let’s break it down Phase by Phase

It has been estimated that the entire building project is going to cost approximately $120,000 - $160,000, with phase 1 being estimated about $65,000.  This price has been determined through a bidding process, not to mention considerations given for inflation and a weak U.S. economy and Dollar.  The value of the U.S. Dollar compared to the Zambian Kwacha plays a considerable role in how much we will be able to accomplish with each dollar.

At this time the U.S. based committee has raised approximately 95% of what is needed to complete Phase 1.
View Phase 1 architectual drawing here. (792kb )

Phase 2 includes purchasing the adjoining property to allow for expansion. Projected cost: $15,000.

Phase 3 plans include 2 classrooms and additional teacher prep area and additional structural support for second floor. Projected cost: $50,000.

Phase 4 is a second floor consisting of a computer lab/library and a home economics classroom. Projected cost: $30,000.