Seisal, East Timor
Until recently, 360 children attended Seisal Primary School where there were only two usable classrooms. Even with teachers working two or three shifts over 12 hours, the students only received one or two hours of schooling each day.
In 2014, the Rural Schools Development Program constructed two new buildings at Seisal, which provide a total of 6 classrooms and a teacher's room. The project also included the refurbishment of the toilets which were previously unusable and the installation of a tank and hand washing facilities. Much to the children's delight we also built a beautiful new basketball and volleyball court which was the centre of the official opening celebrations on October 10, 2014. Total project cost was US$108,000.
The RSDP's pro-bono architect Richard Briggs, modified the traditional school building design, resulting in great improvements at minimal extra cost. The windows are larger to catch more light and air and are covered with mesh, rather than glass (which is more expensive, breaks quickly and then is not replaced). The ceilings are higher and the veranda larger to provide more shade and to protect the classrooms during the rain. Our builder, Elvino believes in what the program is doing and has delivered buildings of a great quality which exceeds the price we paid.
The opening celebrations included speeches, dancing and singing and were followed by a magnificent feast cooked by the local Timorese ladies. It was a wonderful day with guests joining in basketball and skipping with the Timorese children.
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