Project Build Trust

• Please list links to your Website and Social Media Platforms here:

Project Build Trust
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• escribe in detail what your Organisation does:

• To build educational buildings for the learners and educators of KwaZulu-Natal, as well as community facilities.
• To empower independent building contractors whilst creating employment opportunities and passing skills on to communities.
• To acknowledge donors for the role they play in empowering communities and creating a stable society.

• How long has your Organisation been operational?

40 years

• In your opinion, what has been the most challenging aspect of running your Organisation?

Getting funding for projects

• Describe your Nonprofit Journey in three words:

Challenging fulfilling aspiring

• Do you collaborate with other Causes? If yes, would you like to mention them?

Qasa

• If you had one Organisation wish, what would it be?

Given that we cannot have a successful society without a well-educated population, it is important that citizens share with Government the task of raising the standard of the educational environment.

• In your opinion, which skills do Nonprofits in your Country lack?

Marketing

• Looking back at your Cause Journey, what advice would you give a newbie Organisation?

Times are tough, you have to try and get overseas funders

• If you could change one thing about the Nonprofit Landscape, what would it be?

Non profits are quiet resilient in SA

• Which Cause achievement are you most proud of? Feel free to elaborate on why and include any links:

For over four decades, The Project Build Trust has been constructing educational buildings in KwaZulu-Natal to the benefit of thousands of pupils and communities. This year, the Durban-based organisation celebrates its milestone 40th anniversary.

Having been a part of the journey for 15 years, Project Build CEO, Suzanne Edmunds shared some of the organisation’s most notable highlights. “We are extremely proud to have survived for four decades. We have a proud record of 6000 classrooms, toilets and ancillary infrastructure built, hundreds of communities strengthened, and many builders developed and empowered,” she said. “Our success and longevity means that we have earned our position as the education and community builder of choice to a variety of beneficiaries, donors, and NGOs.”

In addition to construction, Project Build is passionate about people development. “Integral to our work are our own office staff, the builders and the contractors. Some years ago, a strategic decision was made to ensure that each member of staff is entitled to self-improvement opportunities through formal and non-formal learning,” Edmunds explained. “Most have worked with us for well over 10 years. Academics turn to us for assistance with their research. Tertiary institutions send their students to us for work experience and we attract volunteers from countries such as Sweden and Germany.”

With the education sector facing many challenges, Project Build’s mission is to create educational buildings for pupils and educators, as well as facilities for KwaZulu-Natal communities. “In Kwa-Zulu Natal, there is an estimated shortage of 14,500 classrooms. Many existing classrooms are overcrowded, badly ventilated and in poor condition. Many are inappropriate and do not have proper facilities for children at foundation level,” said Edmunds.

At Project Build, the contention is that good education cannot take place without good education buildings. These include classrooms, ablution blocks, laboratories, libraries and computer rooms but thanks to financial support from various donors, Project Build is able to realise its goals year after year. The organisation also has good standings with the Department of Education, the Construction Industry Development Board and Master Builders Association, Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the National Business Institute.
So where did it all begin? “The Project Build Trust has its roots in the Urban Foundation (UF), which started a classroom building division in 1977. When the trustees of the UF felt that it had served its purpose in 1994, Project Build was formed as a separate Trust. Since then, there is hardly a community in KwaZulu-Natal that has not been touched by its work.

Operating for 40 years is not an easy feat, but with support from government and donors, the organisation has managed to stay strong. “I would like to extend to our valued donors and the personnel of the Department of Education, whom we rely on to be able to implement projects, our gracious appreciation. With your continued support, we intend continuing to actively pursue projects. We ask you join us in our joy and excitement at celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Project Build Trust,” said Edmunds.

• Last question, if your friends had to describe your Organisation in three words, which would they use?

Purpose Inspirational Moral