After spending the first few days of the build laying the foundations and digging holes and concreting posts, it was time for the community hall in Mua to really take some shape. This started by the team laying all the bottom plates and floor bearers. It was then time to start cutting the studs for the walling. With everyone pulling their weight this job was soon complete and add to that Harriette, Kaitlyn and Fiona’s perfect work fixing the noggins, the team could finally get a sense of the size of the hall they were building. Before moving onto the roof there were some wall braces and strapping to be done with Rachel proving a dab hand with a chisel, maybe there’s a future in carpentry or sculpturing for her! Next it was time for some of our team to brave the dizzy heights of the roof while everyone else finished off the walls. By the end of week 3 the roof trusses are cut and nailed in place which means we are almost ready to fit the roofing irons. For a group of people, for whom most had barely ever held a hammer or saw never mind built anything before, the standard of work is really pleasing our Fijian building manager, Jack. We are well on track to have everything completed in good time and what an achievement completing the entire community center will be!
Tags: gap year Fiji, volunteer building project, volunteer projects
