BUILDING DREAMS: ACE2ZAMBIA'S MISSION TO EMPOWER COMMUNITIES THROUGH SPORTS.

Mweni Chola

@Mweni Chola

7:45 AM • September 20, 2023

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A2Z

The ACE2Zambia project is a collaborative initiative between the Wallace Group, consisting of seven universities, and the University of Bath's Architecture and Civil Engineering department. Together, they share a noble mission: to establish enduring sports facilities in underserved Zambian communities. This endeavor is made possible through a robust partnership with Sport in Action, an NGO in Zambia that employs sports as a vehicle for development. Each year, a new ACE2Zambia team is assembled, comprising up to six dedicated Architecture and Civil Engineering students. These students take on the responsibility of conceiving, executing, and overseeing the project independently. Their overarching goal is to not only construct new sports facilities but also to assess and refurbish existing ones. While the team members are more than willing to get their hands dirty, the actual construction work is entrusted to Zambian contractors. A significant part of their role involves meticulous planning, drafting specifications, contracting, price negotiation, and diligent supervision to uphold impeccable quality and health and safety standards. This year's team is composed of Bashir Ahmed, Ben Waldron, Charlie Dane, Emma Richards, Jess Ridley, and Rishi Shah. Progress is steadily being made at Kabwata, with a few finishing touches remaining. The ablution block has undergone a comprehensive makeover, both inside and out, with plumbing work nearing completion. The sports court is now fully finished, with a smoothly rolled surface and clearly delineated court lines. The last tasks on the agenda include the installation of basketball rims and backboards, which are expected to be finalized shortly. One remarkable eco-friendly aspect of the project is the introduction of seating made from recycled tires. A2Z intends to employ 35 repurposed tires to provide seating for the basketball court. This sustainable innovation will serve basketball tournaments and training sessions alike. Furthermore, the team has taken the initiative to engage with local welders, Gideon and Erico, through a fabrication meeting. The purpose was to discuss the design specifications and pricing for netball posts and football goals. Additionally, prototypes of both a netball post and a football goal have been ordered to assess their suitability for use in hub-sites throughout Zambia.

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