Shannoh began teaching classes to child soldiers and displaced orphans in 2002 on the beach. This later evolved to a tarp hut on the shore.The deal was, if you come to class and learn, you receive donated food and shelter in the hut for the night. This took a large number of kids off the streets and out of unfavorable job options. The school has grown immensely in the last ten years, they have purchased land and now all students are housed with foster families in the area.
The Earthship Recon mission assisted in the further planning for this project. Local architectural techniques were reviewed to help determine appropriate development for this coastal area. Access, availability and general on-site staging has occured. Collection and researching of local recyclable material began.
The Earthship Biotecture crew builds four class rooms (also called 'petals') in 10 days. Two petals completed (one with plumbing and power), and two more are started. An internship is set-up for local workers. We train 20 people in 10 days. They are paid by the school to complete any unfinished work once we leave. Next, an additional 4 petals are added to complete the "Flower".
The building's overall size is larger to accommodate the 35 children per class, a total of almost 200 students by the end of the build!
Using recycled materials, rebar and cement, we build vaults for the class rooms. There is a restroom with a flush toilet and sink. Water is supplied by a roof catchment system. The extreme rainy season experienced in this part of the Globe allows enough water to be stored for the rest of the year. There is a small power system in each room. This system has two lights and allows the teacher to have power for charging phones, or laptops.
The plan is ever evolving...
