Bridge Building

Arno Tuts

Bridge Building

26/01/11

Hours: 6

1.                  In this activity I helped build a bridge in Marich. The Friends of Marich group raised money by organizing a golf tournament and this money was then used to fund the materials for our bridge. Together with Bridging the Gap we built a bridge in a community near Marich. Bridging the Gap provided the necessary materials for the bridge with the funds we raised. With these materials, Friends of Marich built the bridge for two days. I helped build the bridge on the second day. We had to build the walkway and then hang it on the steel cables that were stretched across the river. I helped nail boards on the walkway, spread wire across the sides of the bridge, and tighten the steel cables. I interacted with my peers who helped me build the bridge. I also interacted with the workers who helped us build the bridge and who guided us through the necessary steps to successfully build the bridge. We also interacted with several school groups and elders who came to the opening ceremony. It was great to see the gratitude on the faces of the community for who we were building the bridge.

2.                  During this activity I hoped to accomplish learning more about building bridges. I wanted to understand the mechanics behind bridge walkways. I also hoped to build something that really meant something to the community. I wanted to make the community happy and see their gratitude.

3.                  I believe that I was successful in achieving my goals. I learned how to build a bridge and I was successful at building something that the community really needed. The gratitude of the community was visible during the opening ceremony and it was great to be a part of such a project. Some of the difficulties we encountered were nailing the boards. We struggled to hit the weak nails into the hard boards. However after a bit of practice we managed to master the hammering technique and we were able to successfully accomplish our job.

4.                  I learned that hammering can be a real challenge. There is a specific technique needed that is very difficult to master. However I was able to competently accomplish my job. I also developed my appreciation of working for others who are in need. It is always a relief to see thankful smiles.

5.                  My peers helped me learn the hammering technique and helped me build the bridge at a descent pace. Together we managed to finish the bridge on time. The speeches of the community leaders really helped me realize the meaning this bridge had for the community. This helped me realize that small things can mean a lot to the right people.

6.                  This activity helped others by giving the local community a bridge for them to safely cross the river. This bridge will be highly significant for the local people during the rainy seasons when the river floods. These flooded waters are very dangerous and very risky to cross without a bridge. The bridge we built is very durable so it will last very long if it is properly maintained. This bridge will be much better than the seasonal bridges that were previously built. These previous bridges were washed away during each rainy season.