CREATIVE ASSEMBLAGES

ANM is a non-governmental organization that has been working with rural communities in Tigray and Afar regions in Northern Ethiopia since 2006. ANM has been working together with some local organisations to support rural communities to develop and improve their public primary schools by extending and upgrading existing facilities and providing access to water and sanitation.

In 2018, Creative Assemblages played a role in designing the last two school upgrading projects in Walwa and Selam community schools, located in western and central Tigray. The design process involved lengthy processes and long-term collaborations, including agreements between different relevant stakeholders .

The design itself utilized local stones for the walls and foundations, which were plastered towards the interior of the classroom, and incorporated a false ceiling to mitigate heat and noise from the metal roof. The design also included important shaded areas, such as a longitudinal covered access pathway to the classrooms and a roofed outdoor classroom that can work as an overflow classroom, a meeting area for the community during out-of-school time, and a shaded playground.

Additionally, latrines and a rainwater catchment system were included at both schools, from which the larger community can benefit as well.