The foundation of trust

The first day on the construction site was full of mixed emotions, excited that we were finally embarking on a journey that was all talks and now turning into a reality, and the nervous anticipation about what my contribution would be on-site as I had never engaged in anything to do with building, and here I was embarking on a journey that went beyond bricks and mortar. One thing I knew was this was supposed to be a partnership that depended on me trusting that the community builder would deliver as the community had suggested.

On the first day, introductions were made, keeping it all professional. Small chats on our motivations for being a part of the project and it was in that moment that it hit, Trust was our foundation and from the outset it was clear that we were united by one common goal, creating a safe, nurturing learning space for the community children. 

Learning and sharing

As days passed, I continued to be present on-site, gathering bricks in one spot; and then learning how to mix cement, lay bricks, and measure correctly. In return, I offered some jokes to build connections. The early days were more than just exchanging skills, they were about mutual respect and celebrating the small wins together like completing the foundation and raising the first wall. Each achievement was a testament to our growing bond.

Deepening connections

As days went by, I developed deep connections with my fellow builders, lunch time became moments of cultural exchange. We shared meals, laughter, and stories about our lives. I learned about their families and dreams and they were curious about my life back home.

The spirit of collaboration

As the community nursery school started to take shape, so did our sense of collective pride and accomplishment. The walls were up, the structure began to resemble the vision we all held dear. Collaboration was at the heart of our success, each person, regardless of their role contributed to the project’s progress. 

I have since taken the time to reflect on this journey, the relationships I have built are the most rewarding part of the experience. The trust, respect, and friendship forged over bricks and sweat will last a lifetime.

In a nutshell, building the nursery school has been a transformative experience, not just for the community but for me as well. It was a testament to the power of collaboration, trust, and mutual respect. The relationships we built during the construction days were the true foundation of the project. The nursery school now stands as a beacon of our collective effort, a symbol of what can be achieved when people come together with open hearts and a shared vision.