Plans for Sky Primary and Eden Project Nursery at West Carclaze, Cornwall get the go-ahead
22 May 2024
Reds10 partners with Construction Youth Trust
3 July 2024Reds10 shows support for our global community through second year of volunteering with Developing World Connections
Aftercare Lead, Ryan Scholz, and Graduate Architectural Technologist, Sam Millard, have been chosen from cross-company applications to join a two-week Developing World Connections (DWC) volunteering trip to Siem Reap, Cambodia, in Autumn 2024. The project is part of the DWC’s ‘Raise the Roof’ programme, which provides adequate shelter and improves the conditions in which families live through sustainable construction projects.
Developing World Connections, a Canadian charity, connects people and resources through international community development. The volunteers work as part of a team alongside local people on a sustainable project selected by the host community.
(c) Developing World Connections
Millions of families in developing countries face major housing problems, living in flimsy homes with poor sanitation and unreliable or no electricity.
12.3 million people, or around 70 percent of the population in Cambodia, do not have access to a piped water supply.
Approximately 90 percent of Cambodia’s impoverished population lives in rural areas. Just outside the city of Siem Reap, families in the floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake, barely make enough money to survive. Families eke out a living by working in the fields during harvest and planting seasons and fishing in the non-growing seasons. Some live along the riverbanks in wooden framed homes, while those without any land often live in small boats on the river. As the water levels change throughout the year, families are forced to relocate. There is no electricity or potable water system.
A liveable home significantly boosts a family's well-being, safety, security, and performance at school and work, benefiting the whole community and helping to break the cycle of poverty.
Sam and Ryan and the rest of DWC volunteer team will be immersed in the village culture as they build two floating homes for families in need of better housing. Cambodian tradesmen and community members are jumping in to lend a hand, inspired by the benefits the project will have.
“My passion for sustainability goes beyond bricks and mortar. I am committed to empowering individuals and communities through education, training, and the promotion of green practices. Together, let us build a future where sustainable development is not just a dream, but a tangible reality that uplifts communities and preserves the beauty of this remarkable nation.”
“The upcoming DWC volunteering trip to Siem Reap in Cambodia is a fascinating new experience for me, and one which will not only provide me an opportunity to learn from the local people and wider volunteering team, but also a remarkable way to deepen my understanding of the construction side of the design process. Skills and lessons which will, no doubt, make me a better designer.”
This will be the second DWC volunteering trip a Reds10 colleague has undertaken. In Autumn 2023, Reds10 Design Coordinator & BIM Lead, David Kenyon, travelled to the Philippines as part of DWC’s ‘handUP for Education’ programme. Projects under this programme tackle equipping schools with clean water, hygienic sanitation, and a safe, dedicated learning environment.
“The experience took me outside my comfort zone but for all the right reasons. The trip meant I no longer see struggles abroad as an abstraction but rather a concern we all must thrive to end. Meeting incredible people from all over the world come together and rebuild Caba-Asan Elementary School was truly inspiring. Being part of Developing World Connections’ trip to the Philippines has empowered me to reevaluate what I take for granted here in the UK.”
Ryan and Sam are also raising funds for DWC, if you wish to donate, you can do so here.
