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<font size=3>Hello all -- I received a request to post this search for
professional help to the natural building community. Please reply
to Wendy Cross (address below.) - Catherine Wanek<br><br>
*****************<br>
</font><font size=2>I am the new Program Director for NextAid and have
recently returned from spending the last year volunteering on our project
site in Dennilton, South Africa. ........</font><font size=3>
</font><font size=2>We’ve made lots of progress on our earth-friendly
children’s center in the last year. We now have completed 6
structures: 2 earth-bag offices, a thatch/ earthbag performance center, 3
compost toilets, an outdoor kitchen with seating area and our first
children’s house made of straw-bale. We are gearing up to complete
our first phase of construction and really take the building to the next
level. In order to do this we really see the need to find a South
African architect to collaborate with and a general contractor/ site
supervisor with natural building experience to live on-site long term (at
least 6 months). I am attaching a brief description of the project and
the two positions. Is there a way you could circulate or post this
announcement to the BWB community? It would be so helpful.
<br>
</font><font size=3> </font><font size=2>Best regards,
Wendy<br><br>
</font><div align="center"><font size=3>Architectural & Building Help
Needed on Sustainable Children’s Village and Community Center Project in
Dennilton, Limpopo Province<br>
</div>
<br>
NextAid seeks an <u>Experienced Architect</u> or <u>Group of
Architects</u> to help guide construction on the <i>Youth with a
Vision</i> <i>Village</i> in the rural town of Dennilton, Limpopo
Province. The construction is being funded by NextAid, a Los
Angeles based humanitarian organization dedicated to creating sustainable
solutions for African children orphaned by AIDS. The village is
being built with an emphasis on natural building techniques and “green”
practices. The sustainable village will serve as a multi-purpose
center for the community to operate education and micro-businesses as
well as housing for 50 children orphaned by AIDS and their caregivers.
Currently under construction are offices, residences, water facilities,
cooking and eating facilities and a performance space. Currently
being designed are children’s residences, an economic/educational center,
other auxiliary structures, gardens and sports fields. We seek a
long-term commitment. The architect would collaborate with an
international team of architects, including lead Natural Builder and
Architect, Joseph Kennedy, and with natural builders on the design and
execution of the construction process. <br>
<br>
NextAid is a grassroots organization operating on an extremely limited
budget. Ideally we are looking for individuals or a firm who would
take the project on a pro-bono/ volunteer basis, but we are open to
negotiating for the right candidate. We offer a life-changing
opportunity to help create a center that will support a wonderful and
loving community currently suffering from the ravages of AIDS and
poverty.<br>
<br>
____________________________________________________<br>
<br>
In addition, we are looking for a <u>Site Supervisor/General
Contractor</u> type person to live on site for extended periods of time
during construction. This individual would lead the team of local
builders in supervising the construction. This individual will be
offered on-site accommodation and a typical salary for this position in
the region. <br>
<br>
We are looking for someone with the following qualities:
<ul>
<li>Open-mindedness, flexibility, patience, people skills,
self-sufficiency
<li>Interest in teaching and sharing knowledge
<li>Ability to live in modest, sometimes challenging conditions (or
commute to project site)
<li>Able to read and follow to-scale architectural sketches
<li>Experience with all phases of construction
<li>Experience with scheduling and working with subcontractors
<li>Experience with estimating and ordering materials
<li>Experience with straw-bale, earth building, Hydraform blocks and/or
other sustainable building techniques
<li>Ideally someone with plumbing, carpentry and electrical experience
<li>Computer skills: email, excel, etc.
<li>Knowledge in Zulu/ Sotho would be a big plus!
<li>Social consciousness and respect for different cultures and
traditions is essential.
</ul> <br>
For more information about NextAid and to see photos of the construction
progress go to:
<a href="http://www.nextaid.org/">www.nextaid.org</a><br>
<br>
If the position meets your interest, please contact:<br>
Wendy Cross, Program Director<br>
Email: <a href="mailto:wendy@nextaid...">wendy@nextaid...</a><br>
Cell: +1 415.624.7303<br>
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