pck 4 a4a: 3rd world pay

Up! Up! And away…

March 9th at 9pm I will fly out and the mission will begin. As a case study for finishing my diploma at FAUP (Porto Architectural School), I've decided to volunteer and join A4A (Architects for Aid) in one of their humanitarian architecture projects. The projected on which I've been assigned is the construction of the LCCU (Lesotho Children Counseling Unit) centre in Lesotho. The building has been halted and an assessment, survey and new proposal and program will be drawn up in order that the building might finish to be built. Once this is completed a second trip will be organized and I'll be overseeing the building on site. The objective of this blog is to keep record of the work that is being done, both for the benefit of the members of A4A in London, FAUP to whom I'll also be reporting, my own record as well as friends and family that might want to know what I'm up to. Please comment on any post that you have an opinion, as this will undoubtedly help me in the completion of my thesis. Disclaimer: The information displayed on this site has not been previously edited or checked by any A4A staff and I'm the sole responsible for it's contents. A4A or any of the other involved organizations are not to be hold responsible on any account for what is published on this blog.

Wednesday 20 June 2007

3rd world pay

I had left this post for a day when I had little else to comment. Not quite the case today but I felt it appropriate to post it today.

Morning meeting with Lydia, Harper, Baba and 2 members of the American support group for the LCCU I had a meeting to try and understand what we needed to purchase and how we can program the move to the new LCCU.

It will not be the easiest of moves, but it will be one essential for the welfare not only of the LCCU but for the whole social services of Lesotho, this said it means that we have to do it is good as possible.

In the afternoon, (after not receiving the contacts for the Thatcher, which was something that I really needed!), I had a meeting at the QEII for the new playground. Next week we will meet and try and set a timetable to finish the project!

But this post is to focus on pay. Whilst the minimum wage here remains well bellow Europe, I spoke to Molope the other day and he told me how much he got paid as a student, working as a draftsman. I was incredibly surprised to hear that here in Lesotho, so called 3rd world, he actually gets paid more than in Lisbon or Porto working as a “Estagiário”! Plus not only do they get paid more, for a job with less responsibility, but they actually work less hours!

Hard to believe isn’t it?