Planning school in developing countries
Practical Action
Is the project set out clearly with manageable stages of construction and expansion?
Take in to consideration funding, the cycle of enrolment and capacity of students and
their requirements.
Incorporating income generating activities (IGAs) into the management structure and
therefore the business plan could allow for ultimate sustainability of the school. This may
include activities such as:
agro-processing and food production
water kiosk
tailoring
community hall, renting of school facilities
charge points
woodworking
beekeeping
tree nursery
For more information see Practical Action’s Technical Briefs on manufacture and production.
Risk management
A risk management strategy would ensure that you know what risks are involved in the project
so that the school objectives can be successfully achieved. Through outlining the risks you
will be able to identify, evaluate and decide how these risks might be mitigated.
The site
When selecting a site for a school you should take in to consideration that the school may
expand. An initial site analysis should be taken determining the opportunities and constraints
of the site. This should be followed by a thorough site survey once the land has been secured.
Land tenure
There are a few key issues to look at when purchasing land which will vary from country to
country depending on the rules and regulations in place:
Who will own the land? It is important to consider who owns the land, is it the
government, community groups or NGO?
Who is responsible for the transfer of title deeds? Is it a local chief or official?
Find out the local terms of ownership and look over the contractual papers.
Be aware of cultural and tribal differences. For community projects it would be
advisable to find a neutral territory to set up community facilities.
Find out the local rate per acreage and agree to the recommended rate. Attempts at
unreasonable negotiations may occur if you aren’t initially clear with rates.
How will you settle the payment? What is the procedure in the local area? It is best
not to handle cash as this will be a risk not only to you but to those that are being
compensated. Bank cheques may be preferable with a small stipend to cash the
cheque if travel to a bank is necessary.
Site analysis
Firstly study the site and analyze the basic features. Look at the environmental factors that
may affect the final design mainly:
sun angle making sure to take in to consideration the best aspect. This will vary
depending on country and localized climatic conditions.
slope
prevailing winds
pleasant and unpleasant views
existing trees and geological features
existing water courses and run off
Access to and from the site is also an important issue to take into consideration. If the school
is to be built in a rural area then issues of access will arise such as the delivering of
equipment to and from the site.
3