Teachers’ houses
Next to the school were two structures, both abandoned to the workings of nature. One was a single family house, and the other had two residences. These were also built in 1965 with the original school to house three teachers and their families.
It’s unclear when the last time anyone inhabited these structures, but they were being taken over by the forest, parts of them held up by the vines that grew through them.
Our first priority all along had been the school but we thought that with just a bit more fund-raising we could tackle these houses, that were such an eyesore in the middle of the village. We had forgotten but the word for ugly here is “villain.” These houses were called villain.
Underneath the rot and rubble, though, we found an amazingly sturdy structure, that has impressed the local builders. Some of the wood is incredibly strong and immovably attached to the concrete. Certain design elements went into the entrances to make them more livable.
We realize how important it was to include these houses in the overall project, for the aesthetics of the upgrade, but also as a way to help attract those responsible for the schooling in the other building.
Photos below are before and now, and of David who climbed on one of the roofless structures to cut the vines with his machete. Soon will come an “after” photo when they are completed.
Encore de la Paix 
January 27, 2015 at 6:50 pm
Must be very study construction to have survived 50 years with probably minimal maintenance — definitely worth the work.
February 1, 2015 at 6:26 am
I am surprised they let such a sturdy house fall into such disrepair and disuse. What are the teachers living in now? – Dale