Construction of a kindergarten in Tanzania: Part 4

I have solved my technical problem since this afternoon. That's why there is a new post here now. Enjoy.

Progress at the construction site

The third week marked the beginning of the second half of this project for me. Full of energy, we threw ourselves into the work. There were some new experiences for me as well as for the other people on the construction site. The fact that the sky was often cloudy last week was very helpful. So I didn't always have to work in the heat. However, I still sweated enough. In the first few days, we dug up and built the missing foundations and concreted the support pillars up to the height of the wall (both buildings). We finished this on Thursday. The work progressed quickly, although I had to make some compromises in terms of efficiency or quality. There is more to read about efficiency and quality further down.

In the second half of the week, Henry and I built the reinforcement for the support pillars. In advance, we had to cut the iron bars to length (length: 4 meters) and bend them straight. For this, we "procured" a better bending device (see picture). Anyone can do it with expensive tools, right?

And then it was weekend... at least that's what Henry thought. On Saturday morning, initially Fundi and I, later also with Henry, set up the first reinforcements for the support pillars. We build the formwork with a thin sheet metal roof that is wrapped around the column. Henry goes to the beach briefly after noon with the other volunteers, I continue to work with Fundi until dusk. But it is prepared: next week we can pour the support pillars. It felt like a good week. In the picture gallery you can convince yourself of the daily construction progress.

When thoughts go traveling, say 'Hape kazi tu!'

Efficiency is my daily bread at work in Germany. That's why I notice it particularly when things go slowly or when there is no forward thinking. Here I am exposed to an extreme situation and have to practice patience and understanding. Here is a little anecdote:

Henry took it easy this week. He would look up into the air or watch the children. In these situations, I always tried to motivate him to continue working, as he was taking it very relaxed at times. For this, a very special phrase helped a lot: Hape kazi tu! It means: Here, there is only work! It was the campaign slogan of the president here in Tanzania that everyone seems to know. The other helpers and Henry always laugh, mostly because I caught him playing in the sand again.

Trying before thinking

Fundi is using the sheet metal roofing for the first time for the formwork of the support pillars. That's why he tries out a lot. I support him with advice and show him ways to reach the goal faster. I received a hint from Henry that I think too much and that mathematics or physics is just pure theory.

They prefer to try it out themselves and find out after a few minutes to an hour that it doesn't work or that the required length exactly matches the value I calculated. But I let them gain their own experiences, because they don't want to believe it. Afterwards, they nod at me appreciatively, as if I was right. I would prefer it if they could follow my reasoning. But often they lack basic school knowledge (Pythagoras, similarity theorem, or basic statics knowledge). Here and there I try to explain the derivation to Fundi so that he can benefit from it in the future. Of course, it is not always possible. When they look at me in disbelief, I say to Henry: "Trust me, I'm an engineer," and he replies, "Yes, Mr. Klaus, we trust you," and grins mischievously. But I see the time of experimentation as part of my deceleration, even if it is difficult for me.

Quality standards - Do it first time right

In my opinion, my quality standards are already very high. My colleagues at work in Germany can certainly confirm this. I try to hold back a bit here in Tanzania, but it's not so easy for me. So I report several times a day to point something out. Our Fundi himself also attaches importance to a neatly executed job. If our Fundi is there, I inform him and he takes care of it. Often, just a gesture from me is enough and he already knows what I mean. For example, when the helpers embed the guideline or measurement equipment in the concrete instead of setting it aside. Not to mention cleaning up, no one knows that here. I am fighting against windmills here, but at some point - I hope - they will understand it and imitate me... at least occasionally. If Fundi is not there, Henry has to explain to the helpers what they need to pay more attention to or what they should do. But I always have the feeling that the helpers don't really understand (or don't want to) why I want it that way. They only partly listen to my explanations, they simply implement it as I requested. Unfortunately, this method is not sustainable, as they will make the same mistake again in the next section of the wall or foundation, for example.

Sooner or later, however, they usually go back to their sloppy ways when they want to be faster. Especially when they don't feel observed. But it quickly becomes apparent when something has been botched. For example, when the formwork is removed and you look at the surface. I try to convey to the workers to do it right the first time (do it first time right), especially Fundi and Henry. After all, we want to build something here and not constantly repair mistakes. I am now aware that I can only partially get this across. Because even our Fundi occasionally says: "Hakuna matatizo", meaning "no problem," and means that we will fix it later. Nevertheless, I will continue to be vigilant. Someone has to be strict if something is to be done well. In this case, the mzungu.

I'm sick today...

I had to take a break on Tuesday due to illness. Of course, not ideal, but it allowed me to see how people take care of each other. First, I informed Henry. I later found out that he told some people in the house that it was a sad day today. A few minutes later, Fundi came to my room and asked about me. Two hours later, he unexpectedly came by again and brought a health package with him. He had bought medicine, fruits, bread, and something to drink. Not only I, but also everyone else in the house was amazed. He really is the best.

Fundi's house

Baba Steve, our Fundi, invited me to his house during the week. He doesn't live far from our house. I had to swallow a bit when I saw his clay house. The house has 3 rooms, a bedroom, a kitchen, and a room I'm not familiar with. Everything is very, very simple and rustic. He lives here with one of his sons. On his property, there are concrete blocks stacked up from time to time, as he has the big dream of building a nice house. Whenever he has money, he buys a few blocks. With his limited English skills, he asks me if I would like to help him build a house. He has actually been trying to persuade me to settle down here in Tanzania the whole time. He would build a house for me, he would also look for a nice piece of land for me. Unfortunately, I have to hold him back. I told him that my wife has to decide that. O que você acha, amor? Alemanha, Brasil ou Tanzânia?

That's it from Tanzania again.

Preview:

There will soon be a guest post. It's about working in a private kindergarten from the perspective of a volunteer. I'm already excited.