The Technology Development and Advisory Unit at the University of Zambia has donated a hand-press interlocking soil block machine to Hope Ofiriha to build the Mario Primary School. The donation—which ultimately will help educate hundreds of war orphans, former child soldiers, and other vulnerable children—is wonderful in so many ways!
Production of interlocking soil-compressed blocks is environmentally friendly because very little water and cement and no firewood are used to make them. It is also much cheaper than buying and transporting manufactured ones because they are produced locally with local soil and eliminate the need for mortar.
The donated machine includes an integrated mould and compression lever with two double channels for support, and a manual for operation and building techniques. The university also trained me for two days in soil selection, production, and curing of soil block techniques. Hope Ofiriha paid for the machine’s transportation, custom clearance, and freight costs.
Thanks to the University of Zambia for this fabulous donation, thanks to Monica, our communications consultant, for going above and beyond the call of duty in expanding our global outreach, and thanks to GlobalGiving for exposing this need to a worldwide audience.
