Student Programme
Modules » Buildings
Since KOP began in 2001, students have been involved with building work in and around Kisumu. The very first KOP students help convert an old hotel into Port Florence Hospital, which is still used by many people in Kisumu today.
In recent years we have helped transform Alendu Primary School and in 2011 students helped with the building of a dining hall, library and laboratory at Oasis of Hope Secondary School. This work is vastly improving the facilities available to the students and the school to help it become one of the best equipped in Kisumu.
You can see an interview with the Director of the school on our YouTube channel.
The building module involves manual work such as digging, building, plastering, painting, bricklaying and generally helping the local tradesman with the ongoing building work.
As the building module often takes place in schools, there is also an opportunity to teach. Topics range from malaria and HIV/Aids awareness to first aid, cultural differences in the UK, biology and English. Often, full advantage is taken of your areas of expertise and the pupils enjoy the opportunity to learn from UK students.
"I don't think we could have asked for more of our first placement in KOP. The staff and children were very welcoming and helpful and the actual building part of the project was really enjoyable. The presentation they prepared for us was really touching and I feel lucky to have met such inspiring people." (KOP student 2011).
"Definitely my favourite project over the two weeks. The staff at the school were very helpful with guidance- they gave us many opportunities to teach the kids and also spend time with them doing extra-curricular stuff. The whole group also really enjoyed the chance to get stuck in with the construction work. We always knew what we were supposed to be doing and the three days were all awesome. Lunch was a particular highlight- especially the cabbage dish with chapatti!! A sure-fire hit with the whole team." (KOP student, 2011).
