Trade Training Centre Receives Australian Government Support

The team coordinating the design and construction of the Trade Training Centre in Matipwili, Tanzania have been advised in the last week that the application for Australian Government support has been approved. Advice was received from the Acting Australian High Commissioner To Tanzania confirming a contribution of AUD30,000 towards the project. This is incredibly exciting and continues to add to the commitment already made by members of CEFPI, Scotch College and PLC in Perth, and the Matipwili community.

Students and teachers from Scotch and PLC spent 4 days in Matipwili during July fabricating roof trusses and making rammed earth blocks. Over 120 of the large format blocks were completed suing the 10 steel moulds developed in Perth and fabricated in Tanzania. Timber was purchased by the village to enable the 26 students were able to attack the task of fabricating the roof trusses whilst in the remote village for the time they could attend. The experience for all involved was an enriching one as they observed the completion of the concrete in-ground rainwater tank and floor slab by local contractors, driving the enthusiasm of the students to use their time in Matipwili in a positive way. View the progress via YouTube video here

Further construction work is now being planned to continue the completion of the floor slabs and the erection of the training modules using the large format blocks. Planning is underway towards another group of architects and teachers to spend time in the village during 2015 to continue the great work already commenced. The Australian Government contribution is required to be expended by May 2015 so the true spirit of the HOPE vision is fully engaged.

Support from interested CEFPI members to be a part of the 2015 project team is very welcome. Planning is identifying suitable timeframes around school holidays to ensure the opportunity for teachers to be involved. More information will be forthcoming over the coming month.

­Regards,

Philip Idle

Director/EIW Architects