The background of the Niaforang project is set in a small village in Senegal by the name, Niaforang. It is inhabited by around 300 people, who are mostly unemployed as the economy of the village is too poor to even support this trivial population. The aim of the project was to build a Youth Center to help the underprivileged citizens of the village. It saw the light of the day because of the collaboration between three students from Norges teknisk-naturvitenskapelige universitet in Trondheim, Norway, and a nonprofit organization by the name Friends of Niaforang.
They basic need behind building the 250 sq m Youth Center is that most of the youth leaves the village in search of jobs, leaving behind old parents and relatives. Therefore, the much needed center features computer library and a large space for meetings and seminars. The main thrust while building the structure was to make use of as much local materials as possible and as less electricity as possible and employing maximum youth possible.
Bricks were made from compressed sand that was sourced from a nearby ditch. The sand was hand presses in local machines and then stacks were made with some cement. They also involved neighboring villages; they welded the steel brackets and corrugated aluminum roof. The roof was raised slightly to allow penetration of natural light. It further helped create a second floor, connected with the help of a ladder.
The project is not only helpful in terms of providing a social and educational platform for the youth, but it is exemplary of a completely sustainable structure that incorporates all local building materials and helps youth exchange their talents and skills for the wholesome development of the community.
