Upcoming Isara Projects

[PK]

Isara is researching the following projects. These are not for certain, but we let you know how they develope.

[ul]Red Cross Building[/ul][/size][/color]The local Red Cross building is in really bad shape. If we have the funds available we will paint the exterior of the building and make it beautiful again. (Note: The government might help with this project since the Red Cross is located across the street from the Governor's Mansion.)






Bridge in Nepal
Prakash, our Isara represenative in Nepal, has informed us there is a bridge used by students and adults that is extremely dangerous. We would like to build a stronger and safer bridge ASAP. This will be a big project and will require a lot of resources. ...But still relatively cheap compared to building a bridge in another country.







Here is a sample I made to show what the new bridge \"might\" look like. Keep in mind I'm not smart enough to be an engineer so this is only a designers guess.



We will continue to research projects and add to the list.
PK

[thartley]

I'll PM you about the Red Cross bldg, but the bridge!  What two areas does that bridge connect and what is it mainly used for? Foot traffic, I know, but for what reason do most people have to cross that thing?

[KitKat]

The bridge their using now must be the worst bridge ever built on the earth. I can't imagine anyone having to use it, but they are.  Your coordinator in Napal has found a very meaningful project for Isara.  I would love to help in anyway I can.

[Ginafish]

Great photoshop skills there pk. I have a couple of questions about the bridge myself, I'll pm you.

[PK]

UPDATE: We should hear from the Red Cross tomorrow. They will let us know if the project is do-able or not.  The Red Cross has done so much for so many, it's only right that we do something for them.

We got an estimate on the bridge project and, unfortuantely, it's going MUCH more than we were anticipating. They said steel prices have doubled because of the recent political instability. We hope that in the near future we will be able to resume this project but, for now, it's not within our budget. Although, we are looking into creating a library at one of the schools Prakash visited. That project is only about $200. Your visits and Google searches can pay for that, no problem.

[thartley]

Is there nothing else that can be done to repair the existing structural condition of the bridge?  Some re-fortification and replacement of the planks with some pressure treated ones?  Maybe adding some of that non-skid textured tape stuff to help with footing?  

[PK]

UPDATE: The Governor has given Isara the go ahead for painting the Red Cross building and he siad, \"Thank you for helping.\" The project will start next week. Isara will take care of paying the painters, but I'm going to ask home supply shops in Nong Khai to donate all the paint (the most expensive part). Isara always gets the local community to help as much as possible.

Prakash, in Nepal, said the bridge can be improved upon (made stronger, wider, and more walkable ) but it will take about $180. Isara will see if that is in the budget for this month. We are also trying to help furnish a library at one of the schools in Nepal which will be about $200.

If we can only do one, which should we do first? The bridge or the library?  What do you think?

[thartley]

I'd give a lot of weight to what Prakash's opinion would be on this as he has the \"inside scoop\" as to the most needed of the two.  I'd trust his judgement, so he can pick for me.  

[Ginafish]

That's hard. The bridge (safety) vs. library (learning). Both important. Might seem odd, but I'm going to go with the library.

I think if we give Isara a little time, the funds could be built up to improve the bridge in a way thats more permanent.

The long term view for me is this, books will help immediately and long term, while the improvements on the bridge should be done right the first time so it doesn't need attention again in the future.

If a 'quick fix' is really needed, could Isara provide lumber to replace missing boards with the understanding that this is a bandaid?

[PK]

UPDATE: We weren't able to afford the bridge project so Prakash was kind enough to put together a library project in Nepal, with the budget we did have. Thanks to Joseph Thayer for his donation of $100, which was half the cost of this project. The other half came from web traffic and visitors like yourself. Thank you to Prakash, Joseph, and to everyone who uses Isara as their homepage. Keep searching and surfing!







We will post a frontpage article soon.
PK

[Ginafish]

The GOLD ISARA MAN ROCKS!!! As do the people who helped with this project.

Now where's my G.I.M.? :whistle: