Zomi School Project
Helping the Underprivileged Community
The Zomi School is seeking a solution to improve the living condition of the children who live in the two level terrace house where the school is run. There are currently two tasks which they have requested looking into, as well as some minor tasks to evaluate after the two main tasks are completed. The project will require manpower, finance and resources which will be explained in detailed. With the completion of the project, the children who live and study there will have a safer and more conducive environment.
Overview of Issue / Background
The Zomi School is seeking a solution to improve the living condition of the children who live in the two level terrace house where the school is run. There are currently two tasks which they have requested looking into, as well as some minor tasks to evaluate after the two main tasks are completed. The project will require manpower, finance and resources which will be explained in detailed. With the completion of the project, the children who live and study there will have a safer and more conducive environment.
Project Objectives (Vision & Mission)
- Provide a safer environment for the children by improving the state of the Zomi School
- Improve the living conditions of the children by providing new features to the existing building
- Make the Zomi School more aesthetically pleasing so that the children will have a more positive outlook on their school
Project Details (Activities and Tasks)
The Main Task is regarding a water leakage which originates from the ceiling of the 1st floor of the terrace. The water leakage is causing stains on the 1st floor at three distinct spots. The leakage could be caused by water sources in the 2nd floor, improper tiling of the 2nd floor or a leak in a concealed pipe between the 1st and 2nd floor.
The second task involves replacing metallic sheets which are located at a section of the house separating the 1st floor from the 2nd. One section of this sheet is able to slide to the side to let in more light and air into the 1st floor. The metallic sheet is currently being supported by metal struts. Some of the frames of the sheet is not supporting the main metal bar in which the sheet lies on. These supporting frames will have to be replaced to provide better support for the retractable metal sheet.
The third task encompasses repairing and replacing the rusted and damaged metal bars at the laundry area on the second floor of the Zomi School building. This area is currently quite hazardous for the children as the metallic bars are damaged and the metal is sticking out dangerously at some locations in the laundry area
Expected Project Result & Outcomes
- Finding and fixing source of leakage in 2nd floor kitchen area
- Replacing metal sheets and supports for the retractable metal roofing
- Replacing metallic bars at the laundry area, making area safer
- Overall improvement of living conditions and safety of children on site
0% of RM1.00 Goal
Project Information
| University name | : | Monash University Malaysia |
| Project leader name | : | Sanjeev Nahulanthran |
Section I
Abstract
The Zomi Education Centre situated in Kampung Attap, Kuala Lumpur is a volunteerbased refugee school that houses as well as educates poor children who are originally from Myanmar. Currently, they are seeking for assistance in improving the living conditions of their two-storied terraced house in which the school is run.
The ZOMI School Project aims to renovate the school by completing three main tasks.
Firstly, the focus will be on a water leakage originating from the ceiling of the school’s ground floor which has left unsightly stains. Secondly, the focus is on changing the metallic sheets located near the corridor of the second floor and replacing the supporting frames that hold these metal sheets. Finally, the project emphasises on improving the laundry area of the school by replacing hazardous damaged metal bars.
Due to an unpredicted incident during our first day there, we discovered that the current roof above the top floor kitchen is rusted and has a layer of algae or moss making it very slippery hence making access to the water tank highly difficult.
The objective of this project is to provide a safer environment for the children by eliminating the hazards present. Furthermore, the project strives to improve the living conditions for the children by introducing new features to the building; at the same time, making it aesthetically pleasing so that the children will have a more positive outlook on their school.
The project is expected to begin in the first half of 2017, spanning over 12 weeks. The major task, which is the rectification of the water leakage is estimated to be completed in approximately 4 weeks. But due to the bad condition of the roof and current high risk exposure, we regretfully have to delay the completion of the project.
The address of the project site is, 65A, Jalan Talalla, (Off) Jalan Choo Cheng Kay, Kampung Attap, 50460 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Initial Task
The project’s objectives were to help the students underprivileged children housed in ZOMI Education Centre by completing the following:
- Repair the main water leakage issue at the bottom floor kitchen area
- Replacement of the current retractable roofing sheets at the walkway Repair of balcony grill
Repairs of Leakage
To resolve the leakage, we decided to replace the current pipeline with an entirely new pipeline and have all old or faulty materials replaced such as the taps, shower heads and bidets.
Replacement of Retractable Roofing
The current roofing at the walkway visible from both top and bottom floor is currently dented and rusted, we approached Blue Scope Steel who has agreed to replace the roofing for us at a discounted rate under their CSR initiative.
Repair of Laundry Area Grill
The balcony of the building is used as their laundry area, currently the grill for balcony is rusted and damaged. We would be repairing the grill along with repainting it.
Issues Faced
Throughout the project, we unfortunately have a few issues at hand.
Due to Monash University’s current Semester Break, we have limited manpower to complete task. A number as low as 3 participants inclusive of supervising lecturer was obtained. Also, each meeting we would have different students attending. This reduces efficiency as students are not well trained enough for practical works, more time was needed to brief the students on what and how things needed to be done.
Furthermore, during the designing period of the new pipeline, participants were needed to go up the roof to access the water tank to properly connect the pipeline. Due to current bad condition of roof, we need the roofing to be replaced before the new pipeline can be continued.
Lastly, replacement of grilling and replacement of metal sheets needed to be outsourced to professional workmen, due to the many public holidays and Chinese New Year season approaching, we were rejected by many shops and companies. We finally approached Blue Scope Steel who agreed to aid us but they can only do it after the Chinese New Year holidays. This makes the main objectives hard to complete.
Conclusion
We thank and are very grateful to KHIND Starfish Foundation for being our main sponsor for the project but regretfully must delay the project from the previous estimated time of completion for another month for the outsourced people to be ready then only can we complete the other objectives.
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