By Sara Orlos Fernandes
Malawi is one of the poorest countries in the world where many people do not have access to clean water. That is why Achim Ruppel (67) traveled to the landlocked country in south-eastern Africa in 2018 and built a well there. But he quickly realized that people need more than that.
“They asked me for a school and a day-care center. That was never the thought, but I thought I’d just try it,” says the Charlottenburger. At the time, he was looking for a piece of land on site and found what he was looking for. Together with that Association “Young and Old for One World” (YOOW eV) he started the large-scale project and just one year later began building a cultural and educational center.
Finally a classroom. In October these children had their first day of school Photo: Private
The school has been running with four classrooms and a toilet building since last October. “The parents are so thankful that their children can go to school. When I see the kids laughing, I’m really happy,” says the retiree.
Four more classrooms are currently under construction – as well as a solar power and bio-sewage treatment plant, an orchard and vegetable garden and four teachers’ houses. The former engineer oversees the construction work from Berlin every day via WhatsApp. He would like to be back in Malawi in April, because that is when the kindergarten will be completed.
This office and administration building is next to the school Photo: Private
However, funding for the trip has not yet been secured. “It is the first time in years that money is missing. We need it for Ukraine, but we’re taking it away from Africa,” says Ruppel.
He and his helpers are being supported in the current construction project by the BILD aid organization “Ein Herz für Kinder”. Nevertheless, they urgently need further donations in order to be able to complete the large-scale project.
The sewage treatment plant was built here. There is a closed water system on site with biological treatment plant and rainwater collection Photo: Private
Retirement is out of the question for Ruppel as long as his health allows it.
In the future, he would like to complete his heart project “Chiuno Cultural Center” with training workshops, a school kitchen and a doctor’s house.
Donate to: www.yoow.org