Interview: Rural Housing Project in Kenya
- Where did you get the original inspiration for your project?
This project is part of Michiel’s Smits Phd. It’s a survey and the results will be published after our return from Kenya. Michiel Smits invited us to be part of his research.
2. What was the hardest aspect about starting a project?
Well it depends. There are many levels of difficulties. First of all, I am not an architect I am a landscape architect so besides the overall project it’s a bet even for me to succeed. Second of all, our team is one of four teams that consist Rural Housing family and are not allowed to have any information or help. Finally, moving in Kenya and leave your current way of living is really exciting and a nice opportunity to consider what is important in life or nit but it can also be difficult in many levels.
3. Why did you decide to crowdfund?
We are going to build a house for a rural family in the most poor area and financially vulnerable. This family earns 1$ / day so as you can understand is impossible for them to fund their future house. We want to give the opportunity to people who really need to have a roof under their heads. We consider that sheltering is one of the basic human needs!
4. What does ultimate success look like for you and your project?
Ultimate success would be to see the family happy and excited with their new house.
5. How are you keeping the momentum for your project going?
Our team is an international one — Greece and the Netherlands. So physically we have met only once. But I could say that so far is one of the best cooperations I have ever had. We arrange an every week plan, studying a lot and trying to raise funds. We are moving next week so as you can understand we are extremely excited. I think we have already become a family!
6. Why did you choose StartSomeGood as your partner?
We have heard that it is one of the best crowdfunding platforms, and the StartSomeGood Team has helped us a lot with many tips and hints.
7. What kind of support do you think that #changemakers in your community need?
Well, designers and architects should start considering the reasons that they design. We should start thinking of all the poor people, slum areas, refugees and all the people that they have actual needs in different environments. Especially now that financial crisis continues to exist in a very difficult and hard way.
8. What would be your one piece of advice for people who want to make a positive impact?
To think why they are doing it and to be un- stoppable!
9. What are you enjoying the most about StartSomeGood?
The opportunity to explore amazing projects and people with the same worries!
You can help support this project today! Click here to donate and become a #changemaker.
