A house with potential

Creating Space for Learning and Opportunity

Just a few minutes’ walk from the Christian Liebig Secondary School (CLSS), a building is taking shape that is more than just a house: it is a place with a future. Ivan Chevillotte originally launched the “Wood Furniture Built and Maintenance Project” with his own funds – intended as both a workshop and accommodation for his training program. Young people were to learn how to build furniture and, with their newly acquired skills, contribute to improving the school’s equipment.

But as construction progressed, it became clear: this house could do more. It can provide a home and will therefore now be used for teachers, while the workshop has been built on the school grounds. Ivan decided to permanently hand the building over to the school as an investment in better learning and living conditions.

The shell of the house is complete, windows and doors are installed, and much has already been achieved. What is still missing is electricity. The wiring has been laid, and now the house is waiting for its solar system. In the future, three to four guest teachers at CLSS will have a roof over their heads thanks to the new house.

Construction of the new house is well underway.

Learning, building, thinking ahead

At the same time, a small workshop hall is being built on the school grounds, connected to the school’s power supply. Centrally located, it opens up new opportunities:

Students of CLSS can put their skills to the test here as part of practical lessons, and trainees have the chance to work with machines that require more electricity. Under supervision, the trainees produce what the school urgently needs: tables and cabinets for the new computer lab, furniture for the library, and replacements for damaged equipment. The aim is to provide young people with hands-on skills and give them a concrete perspective for entering the workforce.

This project is part of a bigger idea: in the future, the workshop will enable even more young people from Mdeka to receive training in carpentry – as a place for learning, craftsmanship, and personal development.

The garage was built on the school grounds.

The workshop building has been completed in shell construction, but donations are still needed to equip it with machines and tools – the next important step for training and production to begin.

What is emerging here is not just a single facility, but part of a growing vocational training project. The plan is to provide entire classes with practical lessons, structured training, hands-on projects, and the opportunity to generate their own income through contract work. A special focus is placed on inclusive access: girls and young women are to be actively encouraged and supported.

Lasting space for education

The combined workshop and teacher residence stands close to the school.

We intend to use Ivan’s house as accommodation for guest teachers. In a region where many educators live in the simplest conditions – often without electricity, water, or privacy – additional housing is a true benefit. A well-equipped teacher’s house not only makes everyday life easier but also helps to retain qualified teachers at the school in the long term.

What began as a personal passion project has grown into a double achievement: a teacher’s house that creates new perspectives, and a workshop that enables practical training.

A heartfelt thank you goes to Ivan, who built the house and entrusted it to the school, as well as to his partner and the other supporters who have contributed to making this project possible.

Photo credit: Ivan Chevillotte