PlaceMakers customer builds hope in Nepal
24 Sep 2014, Community & Sponsorship, Featured
Court Construction heads to rural Nepal to help build an education and training centre
First Steps Himalaya (FSH) is an NZ-based charity that believes every child deserves a good start in life – and loyal PlaceMakers customer Court Construction agrees. In fact, the company is so committed to the idea that it’s working to raise $60,000 to build an education and training centre to help make those good starts a reality.
HOW IT STARTED
The Auckland-based construction company directors, Cam and Tracey Court, have travelled quite a bit, but no country drew them in so much as Nepal.
“We went there for trekking a couple of times,” says Cam. “We just gravitated towards the country. Despite having nothing, it has some of the most amazingly friendly and generous people we’ve ever met.
“Given our love for the country and its people, we knew we wanted to come back and do something, but we weren’t sure what at the time.”
Keen to make a lasting difference, Cam and Tracey got in touch with FSH to determine how they could help.
THE PROJECT
FSH works in partnership with disadvantaged communities to promote early childhood development and quality education in schools. After liaising with Cam and Tracey, they decided that the most beneficial project they could partner on would be an earthbag education and training centre.
“The majority of teachers in rural Nepal are untrained and ill-equipped to provide child-friendly lessons,” says Cam. “We hope that, over time, this will become a leading training hub for early childhood education and school teachers from around the region.
“At the moment, lack of education results in a cycle of poverty with poorly educated children growing up to become parents who know no other way. We hope this type of project will help transform the lives of the children who benefit from better educated teachers, and their communities.”
WHY EARTHBAG BUILDING?
According to FSH, earthbag building is a unique, eco-friendly method of construction that’s well suited to community projects. They can be built simply and quickly, with readily available components and for a low cost.
In addition to being earthquake resistant, they can be constructed using local, natural materials, which lowers the high level of pollution commonly associated with the manufacture and transportation of bricks.
“This earthbag Education & Training Centre will be a real asset to this community and to assisting with turning disadvantaged kids into educationally advantaged young people” – Peter Hillary
HILLARY ENDORSEMENT
In an effort to ensure the project would be the right fit for the region, Cam contacted Peter Hillary, who, like his famous father, is a committed supporter of the Himalayan region.
“Nepal is one of the world’s poorest countries and education is fundamental to helping children get ahead. This earthbag Education & Training Centre will be a real asset to this community and to assisting with turning disadvantaged kids into educationally advantaged young people,” said Hillary. “We wish you all the best with your fundraising and look forward to updates on your earthbag build. Good on you guys!”
MAKING IT HAPPEN
Cam and Tracey are heading to Nepal at the end of March with 11 other volunteers, seven of whom are from their building firm.
FSH has secured the land and Court Construction completed the design, but $60,000 still needs to be raised.
“So far we’ve raised about $18,000 through fundraisers and generous donations from our suppliers,” says Cam. “We’re planning on hosting a number of other fundraisers – including trivia and movie nights – over the next six months to acheive our goal. Every $20 buys an earthbag, so every little bit helps!”
To keep up to date on the project’s progress, donate or attend a fundraising event, check out Court Construction’s Earthbag Build Nepal page on their website at www.courtconstruction.co.nz/nepal/ or follow them on facebook.
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