The Halcrow Foundation funds projects that are run by charities in Africa, Asia and the UK. As the Covid-19 outbreak reaches more countries around the world, our charity partners are adapting how they work to protect the communities they support.
Build It International is a UK charity working in Zambia since 2007. In this time it has completed nearly 50 community construction projects, including schools, clinics and sanitation facilities, and has trained more than 1,000 young unemployed men and women in construction skills.
With a fragile and limited healthcare system, communities in Zambia are particularly vulnerable to the effects of the Covid-19 outbreak. Handwashing and social distancing is difficult for people living in overcrowded urban compounds with poor sanitation. In rural communities, access to clean water is not always easy.
How Build It International is protecting communities against the coronavirus pandemic
One of Build It International’s current projects is at Chitukuko Community School, where the Halcrow Foundation is funding the building of a sanitation block (pictured above) and teachers’ houses.
Construction here is continuing for the time being, but with team members doing some work remotely, smaller project teams, and fewer people around the site due to the school being closed, the area is now less crowded and safer for those still working on site. Handwashing facilities have been upgraded and, as far as possible, social distancing rules maintained.
Training at the charity’s vocational skills training centre in Lusaka was put on hold on 20 March in line with the government’s decision to close schools. Support is being provided to the young trainees to keep them engaged and motivated during this difficult time.
Planning work continues for this year’s community projects, allowing for start dates to be pushed back if necessary.
Find out more about Build It International’s response to the Covid-19 outbreak here.
