New campus in Bugesera District

The Rwandan government has provided an existing school facility that will be renovated for the new Akilah campus. There are currently 12 buildings on the site. See more.

Master plan of the new Akilah campus- click to see larger version

The school was first constructed by an Italian missionary group in the 1970s. The site was abandoned during the genocide, and the buildings have been unused in recent years.

When the Akilah team approached the District of Bugesera in 2008, the Mayor proposed the idea of donating the school grounds to be used for the Akilah Institute.

Design

Four architects from Architecture for Humanity came to Rwanda in November 2008 to study the existing facilities.  The team identified sustainable systems that will help preserve the surrounding ecological system, and concepts such as alternative energy, rainwater harvesting, and composting toilets were included in the master plan.

Renovation

The buildings must be renovated before they are habitable, and key infrastructure, such as running water, power, and a waste management system is needed.

Phased renovation and new construction commenced in June 2011, with an emphasis on existing structures and immediate needs for a student body of 170 by September 2012. New construction plans include a student center and library, auditorium, dining hall, kitchen, additional classrooms, faculty and administration offices and a new dormitory complex to accommodate an eventual total student population of 1,000 students.