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In May 2010, several members of the PAMSC committee; Desmond Kueh, Ng Chee Wee, Mike Boon, Peter Wong, Ivy Jong, Wee Hii Min, and Peggy Wong took part in a Habitat for Humanity (HfH) Build in Batu Kawah, Kuching. Some of their family members and several university students from UPM and UTM joined them for the morning’s excursion.

The objective was to raise awareness amongst architects about Habitat’s activities and show how simple it is to give-back to the community. Judging from the response of those who took part, it was a rewarding (though hot work) and they would volunteer again in the future.  

The Site Report

• Number of workers – 20 in total (generally unskilled)
• Number of child labourers – 4 (but their parents said ok)
• Start time – 9:00 a.m. (after 7:30 a.m. breakfast at the coffee shop)
• Weather – fine

Site Activities

1. Block laying – from five feet high to roof beam level (9 feet), 3 batches of cement mortar were mixed by hand; 4 teams of two workers carried out block-laying supervised by Eric Yap the HfH construction manager.

2. Construction of RC apron – another team prepared the crusher base for the apron while another constructed the timber formwork around the perimeter of the house.

3. Casting of RC apron – concrete was mixed by hand (the HfH concrete mixer was being repaired) and about 50 % of the apron was cast that day.

• Accidents and Injuries – nil (blisters not counted)
• RFI (Request For Information) – 1 nos. (from the kids – when can we come again?)
• Overtime – nil
• Stop time – 1:00 p.m. The work day ended with a PAMSC sponsored lunch.

Interesting facts about labouring on Habitat sites

1. Usually volunteers get to work alongside the home owners who are required to put in 400 hours of physical work towards the construction of their house as ‘sweat equity’.

2. The home-owner’s children and relatives may contribute towards the fulfillment of the sweat equity.

3. Eric (and more experienced volunteers) will teach volunteers who do not have construction experience.  

4. Children can volunteer but should be accompanied by a parent; there is an age limit and limit to the type of work they can carry out.

5. Tools are provided as are gloves and water. Toilets are usually available.

Background

Habitat for Humanity is an international non-profit organization dedicated to eliminate sub-standard housing in the world. Habitat builds houses for the poor of regardless of race and religion, by gathering volunteers of all races and religions together to help the needy.

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