Watcha Gonna Do For Sachibondu

A little disclaimer regarding pounds: you might get charged an international transaction fee by your bank as a result of donating in pounds rather than good old AUD. However, Everyclick (the fundraising website) is the preferred option for Orkidstudio, and after a bit of research I've come to the conclusion that with all donations there are fees, some more hidden than others, consider this a visible fee, and if you need to, just chop a few percent off your donation so that it doesn't break the bank. :)

Located in one of the most remote corners of Africa, on the Zambian border with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola, the Sachibondu Rural Health Centre is the only healthcare provision for tens of thousands of isolated people. People walk for days for urgent medical assistance.

Orkidstudio have put together a masterplan and development strategy for the centre that not only provides better healthcare for the community, but also aims to inspire through innovative architecture and empower through the process of design and construction.

In the middle of this year I (with 7 other people from around the world) am flying over to volunteer with Orkidstudio to design and construct housing for staff and their families at the recently completed hospital. Why? I have finished my Masters in Architecture, I?m no longer a student, I suppose I am now a proper human and I want to use my skills for something good. Orkidstudio approach humanitarian projects responsibly and cleverly, and I?m eager to learn how an architect can get involved in projects that change places for the better. I?ve also never been to Africa, so this is an adventure that I?m hugely excited for.
Before I head off, I?m going to do my best to raise over $5000 for the project and Orkidstudio, a very worthy cause. The money raised will go directly to the project and people in need, I don?t want good people to donate money that simply finances my choice, so I am covering any personal costs. Honest and effective altruism is important and as this is my first sojourn into humanitarian work, I want to make sure I start off on the right foot.

To raise the funds, over the months of April and May I am going to run a triathlon, ride a 200km section of the Munda Biddi Trail and put on a benefit gig in Fremantle. I?ve got good friends helping me out with this stuff and I will share details of all of this on this page. ?Watcha Gonna Do For Sachibondu?? is the working title for this fundraising? in our connected world, we can so easily get involved and almost immediately improve lives on the other side of the planet. There isn?t really a valid argument for inaction.

?Watcha Gonna Do?? asks a question of me, and I guess you as well, and I intend to respond playfully, approaching what we can do for the vulnerable with hope. It should be fun.

Any donations would be hugely appreciated, if you want to get involved please contact me! Thanks a million, Joe.

Check out orkidstudio.org/ for more info!