‘Hoe kijkt coördinator Alex Ombler terug op het project?’
De partner vertelt... van 15 september 2023 door Alex Ombler
Elk jaar vragen we onze partner hoe het project is gegaan en welke lessen de partner heeft geleerd.
CONTEXT AND SUMMARY
* Describe the original plan/idea for the project. Has the project been executed as planned?
The original Project was the construction of two classrooms (one with founds from World Servants and the other with donations from other organizations in Panama). Donations from Panama never arrived, So only one classroom was build.
*Give a (short) general description of the implementation of the project.
The project has several phases:
1. Preparation of the construction site and building of the foundation and part of the floor.
2. Completion of the floor and construction of walls, columns and beams (teamwork between the Panamanian constructors and the World team).
3. Installation of the roof, plastering of walls and columns.
4. Installation of windows, door, ceiling, and electrical system.
5. Panting of the classroom. cleaning of the area, etc.
* How do you look back on the following topics? How was it arranged, what went well, what could be done better?
CONSTRUCTION
- Buildings worked on
One classroom at La Valdesa primary school
- Tasks to be done
What was pending and already done:
+ Roof installation.
+ Plastering of walls, mooring beams and columns.
+ Window installation.
What still pending:
+ Door installation.
+ Ceiling installation.
+ Finish installing the electrical system.
+ Clean the work area.
+ Paint the classroom.
PROGRAMS
- Children program
The children's program was held, however there were some days the attendance was low. Most of the children are students at the La Valdesa school. The teachers decided to send them in groups, so there were days when there were fewer students in the groups, but in general the attendance was good. On the last day, a great and fun party was held.
- Cultural and touristic outings
This year the cultural program required more outings than last year. Although some were challenge (killing an animal, having a birthday party), we were able to do them successfull. These outings included going to church. hiking, visiting a sloth sanctuary, visiting a rural area, riding a horse, swimming in the river and the beach, etc.
- Life Skills program
The team was able to have two meetings with the young people of a local church. Both meetings were very blessed. Approximately 15 young people participated in the life skills meetings.
COOPERATION AND INVOLVEMENT
- Leadership team World Servants
The leaders of the World Servants team were always approachable and friendly. Always taking care of the participants and focused on completing each of the scheduled activities.
- Local leaders / key persons
Local leaders were excited to have the team in their community. They were always willing to cooperate.
- Community
People from the community participated in activities such as: participants sleepover in different houses, helping wash the participants clothes, participants visiting families in the community, helping in the kitchen, etc.
- Beneficiaries
The beneficiaries, who are the educational community (students, parents and teachers), are very excited about the project, since it will have a great impact.
- (Local) authorities
The Ministry of Education gave us some help by lending a cement mixer. Sadly we received no help from other local authorities.
FACILITATION OF THE TEAM
- Accommodation
The team stayed in the classrooms. They were prepared with what was necessary to accommodate. There were two incidents with insect bites, which were minor, although they scared us at first.
Good showers and toilets. In general a good accommodation.
- Food
We tried to provide them with the best food we could.
- Transportation
We try to provide you with good transportation.
- Safety
Panama is a very stable country. The Valdesa community is very quiet.
LESSONS LEARNED
* Describe the lessons learned by the partner organization in organizing the project within this community. Were there any struggles, unexpected challenges, etc. How did you solve this?
The challenges were the usual ones for projects like this. We solved them with flexibility and teamwork.
* Feedback for World Servants to improve future projects
It would help us a lot if you would consider increasing funds for construction.
