BEGINNING THE PROCESS: STUDENT DESIGNS, Request for Proposals
In 2016 Phase 1 of the African Educate and Keene State College Architecture Department partnership headed by Architecture professors Peter Temple and Donna Paley was completed. The mission of phase 1 was to investigate and design a primary school at sites in the village of Bucundura, Uganda.
These designs were then used in 2018 as models in the request for proposals (RFP) which were sent to nine design and construction firms from Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda known for their experience building schools in East Africa. We asked for quotes to develop more detailed architectural and construction plans to build a school using best practices, sustainable design, and local materials and labor as much as possible. From six excellent proposals returned, we chose two firms: Active Social Architects (ASA) from Kigali, Rwanda for the design and construction documents, and SPACO Engineering Services from Mbarara, Uganda to work with them to build the school. It was the goal of the project to also provide an area for adult education, community events, and health clinics.
The building began in July 2019 with the successful digging of the well followed by the site work in December. Septic, restrooms, and water towers were completed in January 2020, and upper classroom foundations in February. By November we saw the support posts for our roof, and the walls of the classrooms begin to rise. The dream began to take shape! 2020 was a challenging year; yet the building continued. Congratulations to Robert, Peter, and the crew of SPACO, and Francesco, Silvia, Lydia and all of ASA, as we worked across international borders to finish our school.
On January 10th, 2022, sixty five students, 4 faculty, and support staff opened the St. Charles Lwanga school The dream became a reality! Thank you to all! Click Join our Vision
KSC Student work
Models of Site provided by students. Click here to see article on 2016 Student Projects
