Local NGO celebrates 40th anniversary

FOR more than four decades, The Project Build Trust has built educational buildings in KwaZulu-Natal for the benefit of thousands of pupils and communities. This year, the Durban-based organisation celebrates its milestone 40th anniversary.

Having been a part of the journey for 15 years, Project Build CEO, Suzanne Edmunds shared some of the organisation’s most notable highlights. “We are extremely proud to have survived for four decades. We have a proud record of 6000 classrooms, toilets and ancillary infrastructure built, hundreds of communities strengthened, and many builders developed and empowered. Our success and longevity means that we have earned our position as the education and community builder of choice to a variety of beneficiaries, donors, and NGOs,” she said.

In addition to construction, Project Build is passionate about people development.

“Integral to our work are our own office staff, the builders and the contractors. Some years ago, a strategic decision was made to ensure that each member of staff is entitled to self-improvement opportunities through formal and non-formal learning. Most have worked with us for well over 10 years. Academics turn to us for assistance with their research. Tertiary institutions send their students to us for work experience and we attract volunteers from countries such as Sweden and Germany,” said Edmunds.

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With the education sector facing many challenges, Project Build’s mission is to create educational buildings for pupils and educators, as well as facilities for KwaZulu-Natal communities. Edmunds said that in Kwa-Zulu Natal, there is an estimated shortage of 14 500 classrooms. Many existing classrooms are overcrowded, badly ventilated and in poor condition and many are inappropriate and do not have proper facilities for children at foundation levels.

At Project Build, the contention is that good education cannot take place without good education buildings. These include classrooms, ablution blocks, laboratories, libraries and computer rooms but thanks to financial support from various donors, Project Build is able to realise its goals year after year. The organisation also has good standings with the Department of Education, the Construction Industry Development Board and Master Builders Association, Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the National Business Institute.

“The Project Build Trust has its roots in the Urban Foundation (UF), which started a classroom building division in 1977. When the trustees of the UF felt that it had served its purpose in 1994, Project Build was formed as a separate Trust. Since then, there is hardly a community in KwaZulu-Natal that has not been touched by its work. Operating for 40 years is not an easy feat, but with support from government and donors, the organisation has managed to stay strong,” said Edmunds.

Edmunds extends a thank you to the Trust’s valued donors and the personnel of the Department of Education, whom they rely on to be able to implement projects.

“With their continued support, we intend continuing to actively pursue projects,” said Edmunds.

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