September 4, 2009

General

The Governor delivered as promised and had the new access road’s base course, to the school site, installed by the local municipality in time for the “Concrete Placement Ceremony”. This event took place on 30 July 2009 and over 150 people attended (see previous email).

Considering that this is a fasting month in Turkey and most workers refrain from eating or drinking anything between sun rise and sun set, the progress has been steady. The ground floor frame has been poured and the next floor forming is underway. The current agreed substantial completion date is now 20 December 2009. This delay was due to the late bidding and award of municipality supplied concrete and reinforcing steel. However, the ongoing supply of concrete has been timely and there are no complaints by the contractor. Concrete core break test results are higher than the minimum specified. Please click on the “Construction” tap for the latest progress photos.

Funding

Funding for the contract lump sum amount of $510,000 is 100% complete. However the school principal has requested a number of upgrades and the below shortened list represents those upgrades which would have the most beneficial effect:

• Add wainscot high wall ceramic tiles in all classrooms, corridors and main stair for cleanliness and ease of maintenance.
• Add additional landscaping to screen the abandoned building from view on the adjacent site. This building faces the front entrance of the new school.
• Substitute hydraulic for the electric driven handicapped elevator specified. This will double the archive space in the attic.
• Substitute wood parquet floor for the carpet specified in the pre-school. This will wear better and is healthier for the children.

The cost of these upgrades is only $21,000 since the contractor has agreed not to charge for the labor cost of these upgrades and a deep discount is being discussed with the supplier of the tiles. We have $3,000 toward these upgrades.

• Funding Need for Extras

  Contingency and extras funding goal has been reached. Thanks to all who supported the cause.

  

• Mission Accomplished

  Construction fundraising has reached its goal, thanks to all who supported the cause.

  

• Project Mission

  A devastating earthquake left many children from the villages of Caykisla, Seyh and Saricalar victimized and in many cases orphaned. These bright and eager children need a school where their young minds will develop to more fully realize their innate potential. The intent of this project is to build a new Primary School in the Village of Çaykişla by August 2009, the 10-year anniversary of the earthquake. To be part of this worthy effort is a debt due from our past to future generations.

   

  education is a right not a privilege

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