APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY
The training program includes a combination of classroom seminars, practical exercises, and demonstrations on how to read a drawing, estimate quantities, choose good quality materials, design and build safe timber or confined masonry houses, and select and oversee a qualified builder. Materials have been developed by Build Change's team of Indonesian and American engineers and construction professionals with over 7 years of on-the-ground experience in designing earthquake-resistant houses in Indonesia and training people to build them. In prior years, students have requested internship placements with Build Change; if additional funds are available, 3-month internships will be offered to the top scoring students.
IMPLEMENTATION, TIMELINE, AND DELIVERABLES
The project will begin in September 2011 with the first refresher course for teachers. Trainings, one per week, are scheduled through March 2012. With current funding from the Caterpillar Foundation of $233,000, Build Change can train up to 150 teachers, and mentor them through the training of 1,350 students. With additional funding of $167,000, Build Change can reach another 1,000 people with training programs, and offer three month internships to 30 students.
Indonesia is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world, experiencing at least one deadly earthquake per year since the late 1990's, yet earthquake-resistant design and construction is not currently a component of vocational training programs at technical high schools. And while Indonesia's technical high schools are a popular choice for students wishing to work in the construction or drafting sector, practical exercises on safe construction techniques, such as masonry and steel reinforcement detailing, are not a part of the education. Furthermore, tech high school students often come from less advantaged backgrounds, and face limited job prospects upon graduation.
As response, Build Change will work with technical high schools which lack curricula on earthquake-resistant construction. Build Change has successfully trained over 1,900 technical high school students and teachers in Indonesia on earthquake-resistant design and construction techniques. Their highly trained and skilled team of Indonesian construction professionals is equipped with training resources, models, and seminars already developed and vetted in Indonesia. In past projects, their training programs led to measurable increase in knowledge of safe construction techniques.
2012:
Build Change has a wealth of best practice design, construction and training resources for safe construction in Indonesia, China, and Haiti, and is willing to share such resources with any organization involved in the design and construction of similar low-rise buildings in these highly seismically active regions. Many resources are available at www.buildchange.org. Build Change is also in the process of writing a primer for USAID on post-disaster housing reconstruction in developing countries. This primer should be released by mid-2012.
Build Change is seeking partners and financial support to expand this successful training and mentorship program for safe construction at technical high schools to other parts of Indonesia, and to add a paid internship program for the highest performing students.
Prior to 2012:
SEEKING: Financial Resources, Implementing Partners, Media/Marketing Opportunities
Financial to expand the program and provide funding for more internships; implementing partners and marketing opportunities to assist with expansion in other parts of Indonesia.
OFFERING: Implementing Partners, Best Practice Information, Media/Marketing Opportunities
As an implementing partner, Build Change can provide training services on earthquake-resistant design and construction for students, teachers, engineers, homeowners, and builders in Indonesia, China, Haiti and elsewhere. We can share best practices, and provide marketing opportunities for corporate donors who wish to increase brand recognition in areas in which we work.
