Orphanage for former streetboys

Our goal is to build an orphanage for 15 former street boys in Kawangware, a low-income area in Nairobi, Kenya. The orphanage will be built on the site of a school for 400+ kids named Bethany Joy School.  The school is almost complete but funding still needs to be raised for the construction of an Orphanage. 15 former streetboys are currently housed in a +/-12 m2 metal enclosure that is also used as garage. The orphans are sharing bunk beds because the space is too small to fit more.   The school has already been built with TwistBlocks, a new technology developed by Start Somewhere. The “Boys` Rescue Center" Orphanage from TwistBlocks will will provide a dignified and humane home for 15 boys. 

The orphanage comprises a 75 sqm building with 75sqm external terrace which may be used as a roof garden, a play area or even be used for future expansion of the orphanage. The hall below is a simple structure with only shutters (no windows) and is envisioned as being a simple inside/outside space that is used as part of the playground as well as an area for assemblies and eating. 

The orphanage is conceptualised as something simple and humble: an independent building with ablutions, sleeping hall and separate recreational space. The group operates like a family and activities happen together. Thus, the emphasis of the design is on community and togetherness rather than the western desire for privacy and independence.  

The orphanage will be constructed on top of the school hall which is being funded by WFCF. The orphan boys will have exclusive access to this level of the building and we like to imagine them as “the kings of the castle” – overlooking the playground from a special place that is entirely theirs. This upper portion of the building also allows for some external space which may be used as a rooftop garden, a play space or even be allocated for future extension if the orphanage needs to grow.

This project not only funds the orphanage, but also our overall sustainable approach based on the principle of "change from inside". We create jobs for workers from the community on construction sites. With no need for mortar, TwistBlocks can be produced and applied even by unskilled workers. We were able to create 7 permanent jobs in our local TwistBlock factory in the informal settlement of Kibera, Nairobi. Since 2019, residents produce the blocks by hand to improve their own lives and the living conditions of their community. Our projects always include community engagement to inform, consult and include people in the process. This encourages community cooperation and acceptance.