Projects
2024 Building Projects
Throughout 2024, due to the amazing generosity of our donors from across the world (thank you so much!), it was possible to engage in many maintenance, upgrade and new build projects. The following is a summary of the key projects undertaken. While some of the projects still require some final tasks to be completed, the new facilities are being used and the children are benefitting from incredible changes to their physical environment.
Toilets and Washrooms
Refurbishment of the girls’ hostels in Balangir and Diptipur have greatly improved the facilities, making them easier to use and keep clean. Plus in Balangir 4 new bathroom/washing facilities have been completed.
Before
After
After
In addition, we have rebuilt the Balangir boys toilet block:
Security of Diptipur Girls Hostel
The boundary wall of the girls’ hostel in Diptipur was incomplete meaning that both animals and the public could wander through the grounds. It has now been possible to complete a high boundary wall providing a more secure environment for the girls and making the job easier for the watchman on duty.
Before
Before
Diptipur Courtyard
The internal courtyard to the girls’ hostel has been greatly improved by concreting over the mud surface. During the monsoon this area is now much drier and the excess water drains away well.
Diptipur Water pump improvement
The area around the external water pump has been greatly improved to ease its use by the girls. The area is used for washing clothes or as a backup for water when there is an electricity blackout.
After
Balangir refurbishment and new facilities
The largest development project has been the refurbishment of the remaining dormitory and office, including a new flat roof. Onto this roof we have built a new multi-function room (MFR) which is used for all meetings of the children, a space for tutoring sessions and for indoor games and recreation. Once the first-floor kitchen is complete the room will also be used as a dining space.
Before
Interior of the multi-function room:
After - with first floor MFR
The interior of the 16 bed dormitory has been refitted to match the refurbishment of the larger 40 bed dormitory completed in 2023:
Stairs to first floor:
First floor kitchen to be completed to enable the multi-function room to be used as a dining room. Foreground: new sinks for children to wash dishes:
Boys’ dormitory completed - January 2024
The boys’ dormitory roof project has been completed, with the interior now refurbished and decorated with beautifully painted walls and ceiling. They have new mattresses and are very proud of their fantastic new space!
As can been seen here, the contrast between the new and old buildings is stark. The corridor outside the dormitory and an office/guest room have also been completed. (Scroll down to see the before photos!)
Investing in the future of CE hostels has made a wonderful difference to the children and staff, so thank you to all of you who have so generously given to the work of Abound - we are seeing the difference!
Replacing the boys’ dormitory roof - June 2023
Maintenance of buildings is a constant challenge to fund and resource for any organisation. Within the boys’ hostel in Balangir the state of the dormitory roof in January 2023 had deteriorated to such an extent that urgent repairs were required. Previously expected funding for renewal of facilities had disappeared leaving the dormitory in a precarious position, as can be seen from the photos below.
Plans were considered for making repairs to ensure that the roof was supported, however alumni of the hostel and local supporters desired to replace the whole roof to provide a permanent resolution to the rotting timbers and asbestos sheets. Therefore, alongside additional funding and a loan from the UK for the residual amount the work was commenced to replace the roof with a flat roof strong enough to support a second storey should funds become available in the future to improve the hostel estate.
