Mukuru-Kayaba Primary School

Narratives

Architect Narrative

The following aspects contribute to the inclusiveness of the school and create a learning environment that is conducive for learning and teaching(i) The application of blended technologies (use of local materials in a new way, or upgrading them with innovations in local building materials production) that will be used for the construction. (ii) The spatial organisation, and extension of the learning environment beyond the conventional nucleus classroom. (iii) The integration of the architecture with the surrounding landscape and climate. (iv), The participation and control of the local community over the school project from the start together with the advise of a local school resources advisor (use of community groups, small-scale enterprises, and school users). (v) Finally, the use of architecture as a tool for learning (eco-orchard, eco-garden, water harvesting project, solar power/water heating project, sciences lab, etc.). The development of the full learning programme (architecture as learning tool, phased-program for re-socialisation, Basic Life Skills, income-generating skills, etc) will be left to the local community, school management, and local authorities, to be worked out by them in details.

Educator Narrative

Our current school is not secure because of the near built factories, bars, and many destructive things. The school is also polluted by noise pollution, and sound pollution. It is not very well ventilated and built. It is unsafe for the children because there are roads near and cars will easily knock down the children. The bar, which is near makes the children not to be attentive in class. It does not have clean toilets. So, it makes the school have a bad aroma. It is also not well maintained. It does not have trees, so it is very ugly and unwelcoming.

The Inclusive School I would like to have would be quite a distance from the main road and where it would be located is somewhere quiet and peaceful. Sanitation is also important in a school. The toilets should be cleaned spotless… The sinks should be firm and have hot and cold water running. The water closet should be flushable. The classrooms should be big enough and well spaced and should have windows & curtains. The blackboard will be about 20 feet. The whole classroom should be painted white”.
[School Pupil, 13 years]