School Infrastructure Development

From Telecenters to Connected Schools: A Strategic Evolution in Malawi's ICT Development. July 27 2024. Malawi has made a pivotal shift in its approach to digital inclusion by transitioning from the ICT Telecenter Project to the more targeted Connect a School initiative. This change marks a significant step towards sustainable and impactful technology integration in education and community development in one of the world’s least developed countries. Unsustainable: Telecentres! The ICT Telecenter Project aimed to provide community access to digital resources. However, several challenges made this model unsustainable: 1. High Operational Costs: Telecenters required significant financial resources for infrastructure, connectivity, and staffing. Many centers struggled with consistent funding, leading to irregular services and closures. 2. Limited Reach and Utilization: Located mostly in areas with less foot traffic, telecenters were often inaccessible to rural populations. 3. Maintenance and Technical Support Issues: Keeping telecenters operational demanded regular maintenance and technical support. Many centers faced prolonged downtimes because of a lack of technical expertise and resources for repairs, within their locality. 4. Dependence on MACRA funding: The sustainability of telecenters was heavily reliant on MACRA funding. When these funds were exhausted, many centers could not continue their operations. What do we do? In response to these challenges, the Connect-A-School(CAS) initiative was developed to create more sustainable and impactful digital inclusion. Here’s why this approach is more strategic policy shift; 1. Direct Impact on Education: Connecting schools ensures that ICT resources are integrated into the educational system, enhancing learning and preparing students for a digital future. Schools act as centers of community development, providing benefits to both students and the surrounding community. 2. Cost-Effective Implementation: CAS model is integrating new infrastructure, digitalisation curricula, broadband and equipment deployment per school. 3. Building Digital Literacy from a Young Age: By embedding ICT in schools, digital literacy becomes a part of students' education from an early age. 4. Schools as Community Hubs: Outside of school hours, the ICT facilities in schools can serve the broader community. This dual usage maximizes the impact of the resources, providing benefits beyond just the student population. Conclusion Malawi's transition from the Telecenter Project to the Connect a School initiative highlights a strategic evolution towards sustainable digital inclusion. By focusing on schools, the initiative not only enhances the educational framework but also ensures a more inclusive and lasting impact on the community. This model sets a valuable precedent for other least developed countries, demonstrating the critical role of education in driving technological advancement and community development.

Energy consumption soars 50% by 2030. A desert school in India stays cool without AC. 400 girls learn what nature already knew. In Jaisalmer's 45°C heat, this oval building defies physics. No cooling systems. No power bills. Just ancient wisdom shaped by New York architects and local artisans. Think about that. Traditional Desert Schools: ↳ AC units running 24/7 ↳ Monthly power bills: ₹200,000+ ↳ Breaks down in sandstorms ↳ Students suffer when grid fails Jaisalmer's Natural Reality: ↳ Zero artificial cooling ↳ Local sandstone insulation ↳ Traditional building techniques ↳ Cool classrooms year-round But here's what stopped me cold: While the world installs more AC units to fight rising heat—accelerating the very problem they solve—these 400 girls study comfortably in nature's own cooling system. Diana Kellogg Architects didn't import solutions. They asked local craftsmen who've built in deserts for centuries. The answer? Jaisalmer sandstone. Thick walls. Strategic curves. Techniques their grandfathers knew. The girls wear Sabyasachi-designed uniforms—elegant blue kurtis with violet trousers—donated free. Because empowerment shouldn't look like charity. What happens when tradition meets innovation: ↳ Construction cost: 70% less than modern schools ↳ Operating cost: Near zero ↳ Local artisans employed: Dozens ↳ Girls educated: 400 and growing The Multiplication Effect: 1 school built = 400 futures changed 10 schools copying = 4,000 girls empowered 100 desert communities adapting = energy crisis avoided At scale = cooling without warming the planet Traditional architecture fights climate. This school works with it. We're installing 10 new AC units every second globally. Meanwhile, a golden oval in the desert proves we already had the answer. Because when energy demand rises 50% by 2030, the solution isn't more power. It's remembering what we forgot. Follow me, Dr. Martha Boeckenfeld for proof that ancient wisdom beats modern waste. ♻️ Share if schools should teach sustainability by being sustainable.

Climate change is increasingly disrupting children's education worldwide 🌎 In 2024, nearly 250 million children across 85 countries experienced interruptions in their education due to extreme weather events, according to a recent UNICEF report. Cyclones, flooding, heat waves, and droughts are no longer isolated phenomena; they have become systemic challenges impacting schools, children, and communities worldwide. The report highlights that one in seven school-aged children faced disruptions last year, underscoring the urgent need to address the intersection of climate change and education. Low- and middle-income countries bear the brunt of this crisis, with 74% of affected children living in these regions. From Pakistan, where floods destroyed over 400 schools, to Mozambique, where Cyclone Chido wiped out more than 330 schools, the consequences are profound. These events not only damage physical infrastructure but also disrupt the futures of millions of children. For instance, April's unprecedented heat wave across the Middle East and Asia interrupted schooling for over 118 million children, a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities tied to rising global temperatures. Children are particularly at risk due to their heightened sensitivity to climate extremes. As UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell notes, children’s bodies heat up faster, sweat less efficiently, and cool down more slowly than adults, making it difficult for them to concentrate in overheated classrooms. Additionally, access to education becomes impossible when paths to schools are flooded or when institutions are destroyed. These barriers exacerbate existing inequities, particularly in regions already struggling with access to quality education. This data is a call to action for governments, NGOs, and the private sector. Schools and education systems must be reimagined to withstand climate shocks. This means investing in resilient infrastructure, integrating early warning systems, and fostering global cooperation to prioritize education in climate adaptation strategies. As extreme weather events become more frequent, proactive measures will be critical in ensuring that education remains accessible, equitable, and sustainable for future generations. Source: Fast Company #sustainability #sustainable #business #esg #climatechange #environmental

No More Backbenchers! A simple shift in classroom seating—triggered by a Malayalam film—is sparking a real movement in Kerala schools. Today's article in The Times Of India reports this case of reel affecting change in real! Traditional rows of benches are built for passive listening. We've all grown up in school where one person talks, the rest receive. But learning doesn’t happen in a straight line—it happens in spirals, sparks, and shared stories. What if our classrooms reflected that? Flexible seating isn’t just a design choice—it’s a pedagogical statement. It tells children: “Your voice matters. Your way of learning is valid.” From U-shaped arrangements to open circles, bean bags, standing desks, and learning nooks, schools across the world are waking up to this truth: The way we seat children can shape the way they think, collaborate, and grow. Why does this matter? - It fosters small group collaboration and peer learning. - It enables pair work and student-led exploration. - It allows for quiet corners and reflective time. - It frees the teacher from the “front”—and places them in the center, as a facilitator. - It breaks down power hierarchies. Everyone is equal. No stigma about where you sit. As Dr. U Vivek notes in the article, “This new arrangement gives the teacher a bird’s eye view… but more importantly, it gives each child the space to be seen, heard, and understood.” Flexibility in seating reflects flexibility in thinking. In fact, school designers and architects like Rosan Bosch have long championed learning spaces that are modular and organic—environments that invite movement, creativity, and play. Her work with Vittra School in Sweden is a powerful reminder that space IS a teacher. Similarly, Danish Kurani's work in school design emphasises the need for voices of practitioners and students in the design process. He believes that new teaching methods can't be adopted without the change in the classroom design. Similarly, the STUDIO SCHOOLS TRUST in the UK, the Reggio Children (Reggio Emilia) approach in Italy, and Big Picture Learning schools in the U.S. all embrace flexible learning environments. These aren’t “alternative” anymore—they are becoming essential. If we want to create classrooms of curiosity, critical thinking, and compassion—let’s begin with the seating. It’s not about removing backbenchers. It’s about removing the very idea of front and back. And here’s the best part—this is the lowest-stakes ‘edtech’ upgrade we can make. No fancy gadgets, no big budgets. Seems like a no-brainer to me! Let’s stop teaching. Let’s start facilitating. Let’s redesign learning—one seat at a time.

Cost Analysis in Construction ( Key Components) 1. Purpose of Cost Analysis • To estimate the total cost of a project before construction begins. • To compare estimated costs with actual costs during and after construction. • To identify areas where costs can be reduced without affecting quality. • To support decision-making for budgeting, financing, and tendering. 2. Key Components of Cost Analysis 1. Direct Costs – Costs directly related to construction work. • Materials (cement, steel, bricks, etc.) • Labour (workers, skilled masons, engineers, etc.) • Plant & Equipment (machinery, scaffolding, tools) 2. Indirect Costs (Overheads) – Costs not directly linked to site activities. • Site office expenses (electricity, water, security) • Head office overheads (administration, management, staff salaries) • Insurance, safety, and compliance costs 3. Preliminary Costs • Site setup, mobilization, permits, temporary works 4. Contingencies • Extra budget for unexpected costs (material price increases, delays, design changes) 5. Profit Margin • The contractor’s expected profit added to the project cost. 3. Methods Used in Cost Analysis • Rate Analysis – Breaking down the unit rate of each work item (e.g., 1m³ of concrete) into material, labour, and equipment costs. • Cost Estimation – Preparing an overall budget for the project using BOQ (Bill of Quantities). • Value Engineering – Finding cost-effective alternatives without reducing quality. • Life Cycle Costing – Considering not only construction cost but also long-term maintenance and operation costs. 4. Example Suppose a contractor is analyzing the cost of 1m³ of concrete: • Cement: Rs. 2,000 • Sand: Rs. 1,200 • Aggregate: Rs. 2,500 • Labour: Rs. 1,500 • Equipment: Rs. 800 Total Direct Cost = Rs. 8,000 • Overheads (10%) = Rs. 800 • Profit (15%) = Rs. 1,200 Final Rate = Rs. 10,000 per m³ ✅ In summary: Cost analysis in construction is about carefully studying all costs (direct, indirect, preliminary, contingency, and profit) to ensure the project is completed within budget, while maintaining quality and profitability.

🧑🎓 Why Infrastructure facilitating Safer commute to Schools are important? 'National Study on Safe Commute to School' report 2021 shows that nearly #30% children witnessed a road crash during their commute to school, with #6% personally involved in the crash. Ten schools audited by Raahgiri Foundation in #Gurugram reveals a concerning scenario regarding the safety and accessibility of school environments. Key findings include: 🚦 1. Lack of basic infrastructure: Absence of footpaths, pedestrian crossings, no signages and missing speed calming measures, exposing children to high speed vehicular traffic. Children as young as 7 years old were seen navigating such adverse traffic conditions on their own. 🗑️ 2. Waste Disposal near schools: Unmanaged waste near school premises creates hygiene issues making children vulnerable to diseases. 😷 3. Exposure to vehicular emissions: Prolonged exposure to vehicular emissions directly impacts the physical and mental health of the children. #RoadSafety #Childrensafety #Saferoads #Safercommutetoschools #safeschoolzones #Raahgiriforstudents #Raahgirifoundation #lowemissionschoolzones UNESCO

In these cold days in Kosovo, when children attend schools, most of which fail to meet even the minimum hygiene standards, another alarming issue is the polluted environment in which learning takes place. According to data from the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MASHT), there are 551 schools heated with stoves inside classrooms, 600 schools with central heating that uses coal or wood, and 102 others using oil for heating—each method more polluting than the other. Studies show that prolonged exposure to environments where wood and coal are burned severely impacts children’s health. These conditions lead to respiratory illnesses, eye, skin, and throat irritations, cardiovascular system issues, reduced lung capacity... Beyond health impacts, such environments may have long-term consequences on the well-being and future of children. Schools, which should be places of education and development for children, are instead turning into spaces where their health and future are compromised in countless ways.

Building Estimate, Costing & Evaluation Accurate building estimates, costing, and evaluation are crucial for successful construction projects. Here's a comprehensive overview: Building Estimate: Quantification of materials and labor - Calculation of costs based on quantities and rates - Preparation of detailed estimate reports Costing: - Direct costs (materials, labor, equipment) - Indirect costs (overheads, profits, contingencies) - Calculation of total project cost Evaluation: - Review of estimates and costs - Comparison with budget and industry benchmarks - Identification of areas for cost optimization Key Considerations: - Accuracy and reliability of estimates - Inflation and price fluctuations - Risk management and contingency planning - Value engineering and cost-saving opportunities Best Practices: Use standardized estimating software and templates - Engage experienced estimators and cost engineers - Conduct regular cost reviews and updates - Foster collaboration between project stakeholders By mastering building estimates, costing, and evaluation, you'll be better equipped to deliver successful construction projects on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.

#𝐋𝐎𝐆_𝐍𝐎_𝟏𝟕𝟐 𝐄𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 Estimation and Costing in building construction, where I focused on preparing detailed cost estimates and computing quantities of major structural components using standard techniques. This knowledge is essential for ensuring both budget accuracy and effective project planning. 📌 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝: 🧾 𝟏. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐧 𝐄𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞? ▪ A theoretical calculation of probable quantities and costs required to complete construction work ▪ Prepared using plans, specifications, and current market rates 🏗️ 𝟐. 𝐓𝐲𝐩𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 ▪ Approximate Estimate: Based on empirical formulas, used in early project stages Detailed Estimate: ▪ Based on itemized quantity measurements ▪ Includes an abstract of cost using standard rates 🧱 𝟑. 𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐈𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 ▪ Earthwork ▪ Foundation concrete ▪ Damp proof course (DPC) ▪ Brick masonry in foundation and superstructure ▪ RCC (Reinforced Cement Concrete) and RB work ▪ Doors and windows ▪ Flooring, roofing, plastering, whitewashing, painting, woodwork, ironwork 📐 𝟒. 𝐄𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐝𝐬 Separate (Individual) Wall Method: ▪ Long walls measured out-to-out, short walls in-to-in Centerline Method: ▪ Total centerline length of walls multiplied by relevant dimensions ▪ Efficient for repetitive layouts and symmetrical designs 📊 𝟓. 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐦 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐝: Estimation of: ▪ Brickwork volume for a wall (4m × 3m × 0.30m) ▪ Plastering area (both faces) Applied current rates (e.g., Brickwork @ Rs. 320/m³, Plastering @ Rs. 8.50/m²) 🧪 𝟔. 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐬: ▪ Earthwork in excavation ▪ Lime concrete in foundation ▪ Brickwork in cement/lime mortar ▪ 2.5 cm Cement Concrete DPC ▪ Internal wall plastering and whitewashing This hands-on study developed my proficiency in: ✅ Construction cost estimation ✅ Quantity take-off procedures ✅ Centerline and individual wall measurement methods ✅ Preparing abstracts of cost in prescribed formats #𝐄𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐀𝐧𝐝𝐂𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 #𝐂𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐥𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 #𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 #𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐲𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 #𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐄𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 #𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐌𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐝 #𝐒𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 #𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐁𝐮𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 #𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜𝐬 #𝐂𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 #𝐁𝐎𝐐 #𝐑𝐂𝐂 #𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐄𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

Factors affecting cost estimate for construction projects: ➡️ Project Scope and Design - Detailed Drawings and Specifications: Incomplete or preliminary designs can lead to inaccurate estimates. - Scope Changes: Any changes in the project scope can significantly impact the cost. Scope creep, if not managed properly, can lead to increased costs. ➡️ Material Costs: - Market Prices: Fluctuations in the prices of construction materials, influenced by supply and demand, geopolitical events, and economic conditions. - Material Quality and Type: The choice of materials, their quality, and specifications can affect costs. Premium materials or custom specifications typically increase costs. ➡️ Labor Costs: - Wage Rates: Labor costs are influenced by local wage rates, union agreements, and labor market conditions. - Skill Level: Higher-skilled labor typically commands higher wages, impacting the overall project cost. - Availability: The availability of skilled labor in the area can affect labor costs. A shortage of skilled workers can drive up wages. ➡️ Equipment Costs: - Type and Size of Equipment: The choice of equipment and its capacity affect rental and purchase costs. - Maintenance and Operation: Costs for operating, maintaining, and fueling equipment must be considered. - Availability: The availability of equipment and its rental rates can impact costs. ➡️ Location and Site Conditions - Geographic Location: Costs can vary significantly by region due to differences in labor rates, material availability, and regulatory requirements. - Site Conditions: Soil conditions, terrain, accessibility, and existing structures can affect construction costs. Poor soil conditions may require additional work for foundation support. ➡️ Regulatory and Compliance Requirements - Building Codes and Standards: Compliance with local building codes, safety standards, and environmental regulations can add to costs. - Permits and Fees: Costs associated with obtaining permits and meeting regulatory requirements can impact the budget. ➡️ Project Schedule - Duration and Timelines: Tight schedules may require more labor and equipment, increasing costs. Delays can also lead to additional costs due to extended rental periods and overtime. ➡️ Risk Factors - Unforeseen Conditions: Site conditions, such as hidden utilities, archaeological findings, or contaminated soil, can lead to unexpected costs. - Market Risks: Economic conditions, inflation rates, and supply chain disruptions can impact material and labor costs. ➡️ Design and Engineering Changes - Changes in Design: Any changes or modifications to the design during construction can result in additional costs. ➡️ Project Delivery Method - Contract Type: The type of contract (fixed-price, cost-plus, design-build) can affect the cost estimation and risk allocation. ➡️ Economic Conditions - General inflation rates can affect the cost of materials, labor, and equipment over time.