Now (see below) & Before (see above)
So I am sure it has been an entertaining read and the pictures are cool and I have learned quite a bit about managing a project in another country and had lots of laughs and some frustrations.
With the exception of Joseph, the almost 40 different people who worked/volunteered/helped finish the Ward 4 Social Center were all from Nhlangano & 90% of those actually from the neighborhood that I live in which is also where the Social Center is located.
There is lots to be proud of: the first is I brought it right in on budget although not on schedule. Even using the extra funds donated post the closing to help fund Joseph's artwork. Additional funding is coming to really finish the building. It seems as if the neighborhood is very appreciative & most seem very impressed with the work. I have helped Titi & Sabelo learn new management skills & Dennis has done what he does best and work hard to get it done. I joked to Titi that really all I did was spend money and issue orders and he had to do the dirty work of the management. And Sabelo got sit behind a computer doing accounting something he has a degree in.
This management team worked very hard together to make it all work.
BUT THE REAL REASON FOR ALL THIS IS SUMMED UP IN 2 PICTURES.
A fixed swing set for the kids & The fight against the spread HIV/AIDS
(This ribbon is painted on the kitchen which is on the adjacent separate building right next to the main one feature so prominently in most of the blog.)
The kids and people suffering from AIDS will benefit for years and hopefully decades cause of the work done on this center. It wasn't just me, even though I am at the center of it all but it was people from across the US & a couple in Europe giving money, it was the Peace Corps itself for having programs that allow us PCV's on the ground to pull off such projects. And it is the Nhlangano Town Council for being a strong and reliable partner. And finally it is the skilled craftsmen, young men who worked hard and the Caregiver Volunteers of my neighborhood who sweated it out in the hot summer heat to make what you have seen in the pictures something real on the ground.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year.
(And look for the Grand Opening post Soon)
Starting on June 24th, 2010 I departing from Los Angeles to Swaziland in Africa to begin my journey through the US Peace Corps. On Aug 23rd, I became an official PCV. The rest of what you read here is my adventure and job helping fight HIV AIDS for the next two years. As of Sept 25th, 2012 this blog is completes with 2 years of service. Hope you enjoy it. Thanks for reading.
My big project, Finishing the Ward 4 AMICAALL/Nhlangano Town Council Social Center, the PCPP
ITS FINISHED
Peace Corps Partnership Proposal (PCPP) with the Nhlangano Town Council (NTC)
http://swazilandreflections.blogspot.com/2011/01/my-big-project-finishing-ward-4.html
First application draft submitted Feb, 2011
Approved & Funding Begins on PC website May 17th
IT WAS COMPLETELY FUNDED on Sept 8th.
Construction started on Oct 24th.
All exterior construction done by Dec 20th.
Grand Opening Jan 5th, 2012
Round 2 of the Funding arrives in early January.
Interior Only Construction Restarts Jan 16th.
Construction all done Feb 16th (minus a million tiny To Do's)
Project Officially Closed May 4th, 2012
Let the children play, learn & be safe.
As of Aug 25th, 2012, I am no longer a PCV, I am now RPCV (Return Peace Corps Volunteer). This blog is my experience in Swaziland between June of 2010 & Aug of 2012. Enjoy.
Peace Corps Partnership Proposal (PCPP) with the Nhlangano Town Council (NTC)
http://swazilandreflections.blogspot.com/2011/01/my-big-project-finishing-ward-4.html
First application draft submitted Feb, 2011
Approved & Funding Begins on PC website May 17th
IT WAS COMPLETELY FUNDED on Sept 8th.
Construction started on Oct 24th.
All exterior construction done by Dec 20th.
Grand Opening Jan 5th, 2012
Round 2 of the Funding arrives in early January.
Interior Only Construction Restarts Jan 16th.
Construction all done Feb 16th (minus a million tiny To Do's)
Project Officially Closed May 4th, 2012
Let the children play, learn & be safe.
As of Aug 25th, 2012, I am no longer a PCV, I am now RPCV (Return Peace Corps Volunteer). This blog is my experience in Swaziland between June of 2010 & Aug of 2012. Enjoy.
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A Hearty AMEN and WOW! Well done. :)
ReplyDeleteI echo Charlie - Amen and Wow! Well done, indeed. And to think, I'll get to see it soon. Love, Dad
ReplyDeleteThe Center looks incredible! You should be so proud of yourself and your community!
ReplyDelete