Over the years, our graduates have done much to boost the local economy but there are still too many very poor families in the area.

In early 2025 we decided to work to end deep poverty, starting with upgrading dreadful housing conditions.

We agreed for all planning and building to be done by our technology students and staff, serving as apprentices.

To test the idea, we decided to replace 80 year old Mary’s hovel. Her husband had given us the land for building our Secondary School and Institute of Technology (IoT) but, after he died, Mary slipped into dire poverty.

IoT students and staff planned her house with her help. The direct cost of this 400 sq.ft house including plumbing and electrification has been about US$7,000.

Mary has moved in and is very happy.

The students are proud of the results. They have gained lots of valuable practical experience combining their learning with earning decent wages – more than enough to pay their tuition fees!

With your help we can upgrade 30 houses in 3 years.

See below the pictures showing the progressive growth of Mary’s cottage with the full engagement of students.