Construction Project US$250,000 Carolyn A. Miller High School
Engineering and Architectural Design by: Smartz-pro Engineering and
management consultant firm based in the United States and Liberia
Joseph Morris Kalapele : Project conception and Engineering Design
Abraham Bah, Professional Engineer: Structural Analysis and
Engineering Code Verification www.smartzpro.com Monrovia, Liberia
CAROLYN A. MILLER HIGH SCHOOL
Slide 2
Executive Summary Following the tragic shooting incident at
Sandy Hook Elementary school in New Town, Connecticut-USA, 20
Liberian elementary students visited the U.S embassy in December
2012 to pay a special tribute to the 20 elementary school children
who were brutally killed. They presented 20 roses and 20 sympathy
cards to the U.S Ambassador in Monrovia. Each student read out the
name of one victim in a very quiet hall filled with journalists, as
the ambassador and other embassy staff watched emotionally.
Teachers, students and friends of this school come from the
Buduburam refugee camp in Ghana. The life experience and struggle
in the camp has become a common heritage that bonds the students,
teachers, parents and friends alike. A review of this incredible
refugee journey and the discovery of a completely dilapidated
school serving as home to these wonderful children along with their
faithful teachers prompted the conception of this project.
Slide 3
Background During the brutal civil war in Liberia that began in
1989, many people fled to neighboring countries to survive. The
Buduburam refugee camp in Ghana became home to many refugees. The
alarming shortages of food, materials and services in camps
promoted innovation among refugees. Karrus Hayes headed a team of
volunteers who focus on running a food kitchen for children. The
food kitchen soon grew into an elementary school. The commitment
from volunteers attracted support from friends around the world.
Karen King, a 5 th grade teacher from New Town, in Connecticut,
USA, was helpful in raising money to repatriate families of this
refugee school community back to Liberia. They settled in the
capital Monrovia and re-established the school that has become a
valuable symbol of their 10 years struggle in exile. The absence of
support from the United Nations or the Liberian government has
increased pressure and financial burden on the few faithful friends
who continued to support the school from abroad.
Slide 4
Problematic The rising financial burden to cover salaries, rent
and basic school supplies has been a serious challenge to both
teachers and sponsors abroad. Another concern is the unsanitary and
dilapidated nature of the current school building in Monrovia.
Objective The objective of this construction project is to provide
a modern school building for students and staff with adequate
facilities that attracts students for revenue generation to promote
sustainability and keep the community vibrant.
Slide 5
Strategy The school has been designed to accommodate at least
500 students. 30% or 150 students will be given scholarship to
cover tuition while 70% or 350 students will pay regular tuition
per semester. This tuition will be determined based on average
tuition cost for most schools in the Monrovia school district. This
revenue over time is expected to cover staff salaries, running cost
and maintenance fees for the upkeep of the school. With a relative
affordable or low tuition cost, the school is expected to maintain
its enrollment each year to generate the required revenue to meet
all its needs to maintain sustainability. This will promote a
vibrant community through job creation and competitive salary for
staff. More importantly, it will make quality education accessible
and affordable to many children in this post war country.
Slide 6
Revenues The average tuition in Monrovia according to the
school manager is between $10 to $1,350 for grade 1 to 12. Students
pay separate fees for registration. To promote affordability and
equal access to education, 150 students will get tuition waiver
through scholarships base on income and poverty level. However,
these students will pay the regular registration fees of $5.00 for
semester. 350 students (70%) will pay an average yearly tuition of
$200 ($100 per semester) plus $5 registration fees totaling $36,750
for each semester. 150 students will get tuition waiver based on
income level. These 150 students will pay $5.00 for registration
each semester totaling $750 The expected total revenue per semester
will be US$ 37,500
Slide 7
Expenditures Current Reality The average ratio of students to
teachers in the country ranges from 40 to 50 for 1 teacher. The
salary range of teachers is from $55 to $300 per month. The salary
of genitors ranges from $50 to $100 per month and Security makes
between $50 to $150 monthly. There is no electricity currently in
the country. Maintenance fees and running cost for the generator
for the entire school must be considered. Instructional materials
are in shortages in schools around the country. Allocating budget
for materials will not only make the school marketable but help
teachers to be productive and efficient. Testing materials will be
included separately to ensure the credibility of test scores Taxes-
Generally, school and churches pay little or no taxes to
government. For conservative purposes, 10% of revenue will beset
aside for taxes and other unforeseen obligations to government.
Risk- With uncertainty that comes as a price for over 2 decades of
civil war, a risk factor is determined considering the highest
risk-free rate or baseline risk factor of 3%. A risk factor above 3
% will covered the project. Projection for 1 semester (4months)
With 500 students, a total of 15 teachers will be recruited, plus 1
Physical Education teacher and 1 Music teacher. Considering an
average monthly salary of $200, a semester of 4 months will cost
$13,600. 1 school principal at $500 and 2 assistants at $150 per
month will cost additional $3,200. The total projected salary is
US$16,800.00. 2 Security officers for day and night shifts at $100
equals $800. 2 genitors at $50 equals $400 General supplies at $500
monthly brings a total to $2,000. Another $1,200 will be set aside
for testing, bringing general supplies total to $3,200 per
semester. General Maintenance and running cost of the generator is
$200 and $500 respectively for every month. Taxes: 10% of our total
revenue or $3,750 has been set aside from our generated profit.
Risk- Using 3% as the highest risk-free or baseline risk factor, we
will increase the risk factor by 100% for conservative purpose. Our
risk factor for this project is set at 6% or $2,250.
Slide 8
Expenditures, Revenue and Net Profit Per Semester
ExpenditureQuan tity Mont hly cost SemesterTotal SALARY $18,000
Principal1500$2,000 Teachers17200$13,600 Security2100$800
Genitors250$400 Assistants2150$1,200 SERVICES$6,000
Supplies1800$3,200 Generator1500$2,000 Maintenance1200$800
MISCELLANEOUS 1250$1,000 TOTAL 25,000 RevenueStudentsSemesterTotal
Tuition350$100$35,000 Fees350$5$1,750 Fees (Scholarship) 150$5$750
Total$37,500
Slide 9
Net Profit Projection per Semester After such a great work with
being very conservative with all figures, a projection of profit
over a period of 10 semesters or 5 years is shown on the graph. At
approximately 5th semester, the school will have generated a profit
equivalent to the running cost of the school. This projection is
taking into account little or no considerable rate of depreciation
with in the first 5 years of using the building. Maintenance cost
will cover minor renovations. If taxes and risk factor are
overcome, the profit for that period will increase in favor of the
project. All factors have been considered to ensure that the
project succeed under the most challenging conditions.
Slide 10
Project Rationale General With high level of corruption in the
country, teachers are the least paid and students get poor quality
education. Many students begin bribing teachers for grades as early
as 2 nd grade. The success of this project will provide competitive
salaries for staff and promote accountability, there by reducing
chances for corruption. The project has been designed to give 150
students below poverty a chance to free education, and also make
tuition affordable for 350 students at a relative lowest tuition in
the district. The teachers of this school are like no other. Their
commitment since the school creation in exile has been outstanding.
Providing a competitive salary at this point will ensure a stable
life for their families. This project rewards their long time
service to citizens as volunteers. Their unwavering spirit to see
this school succeed will be a great asset for any administration to
uphold ethics and achieve quality for the students who are the
future leaders of this war ravaged country. The school building,
systems and quality education will attract students regularly to
pay tuition and fees for the sustainability of the school revenue.
Specific Outcomes Affordable education Clean and sanitary
environment Safe and secured school environment Job creation
Competitive salary Reward for the army of volunteer teachers who
have been teaching on mega wages for over 10 years. Sustainable and
vibrant school and community
Slide 11
Project Management His Vision The Carolyn A. Miller School was
established with the aim of providing free and quality education to
the vulnerable, the unaccompanied, the War affected and the
unfortunate refugee kids and to help take them from the street to
give them education that will brighten their future. Karrus Hayes
is founder and Executive Director of Carolyn A. Miller school. His
dedication and success under striving conditions while in exile,
has attracted many international media including Global Post, CNN
and NBC News. In 2007 the school documentary won UNICEF
international AWARD in Japan. In addition to these success stories,
Karrus Hayes recently graduated with a Bachelor degree in Business
Management and Sociology from the Cuttington University in Liberia.
The top private university in the country. Karrus Hayes genuine
commitment to see his dream of educating and changing Liberian
society is an asset that will propel this project to success. He
created the school in the refugee camp with a $50 loan and
generated over $10,000 to construct 9 classrooms, library, computer
lab, 6 latrines and 3 offices while in exile as a refugee. In
Liberia, he reestablished the school and has been able to maintain
success stories including the graduation of students who
successfully passed the standardized West African Examinations. The
hard work and dedication of Karrus Hayes to the Carolyn A. Miller
School has been outstanding. Giving him this final opportunity to
run a modern school in the city where he grew up struggling and
selling on the streets to survive, will reward Liberia with one of
the best and successful model school. This project is the final
step to provide a life time opportunity for many young Liberians,
and to restore the services and donations from friends around the
world as an important part of Liberias history and future. What
began in exile will become a model that will transform education
systems in the country forever. Karrus Hayes Founder and CEO,
Carolyn A. Miller School
Slide 12
Construction specifics. Land- Two (2) acres of land will be
purchased at $20,000 for the new school site. The current project
sits on approximately 20,000 Sq.ft which is less than one half of 1
acre. The other half plus the remaining one acre will be used for
outdoor sporting activities and future expansion to satisfy growing
need. Design The design first take into consideration land
scarcity. Making one story safe approximately 8,000sq ft. of land
and give the school a modern architectural look. The design
employed all necessary techniques of a green building. The long
hallways, windows and building orientation will promote less energy
usage and maximize natural daylight and ventilation for classrooms,
offices library and computer lab. The building runs along the
East-West axis to minimize the walls in direct contact with the
sun. The walls of the restrooms will absorb majority of the heat.
Ramp- 2 Handicap ramps are placed at opposite end on the building.
With many young handicaps created by the civil war, the school will
provide equal access for all. Library- The Library and computer lab
are located on the East wing. These rooms are often busy after
regular school hours at which time the sun will give way to the
natural cooling breeze. Restrooms: The restrooms have been designed
to adequately provide service to over 500 students and more than 40
staff. The design and quantity per person strictly adhere to
international standard. Assembly Hall- The 2 classrooms on the West
wing are divided temporarily. The divider will be remove to allow
assemblies. An assembly hall is also projected in the extension
phase of the project.
Slide 13
Carolyn A. Miller High School 14 Classrooms 500 students.
Student Center Cafeteria Library Computer Lab 28 restrooms for
students 12 staff restrooms Main Office Welcome Center with high
ceiling Principal office Handicap Ramp Mini Assembly Hall
Slide 14
Carolyn A Miller High School
Slide 15
Carolyn A. Miller High School Total Cost : US$ 250,000
Slide 16
Carolyn E. Miller High School Right Side and Back View of the
building
Slide 17
Carolyn A. Miller High School Main Office is located in the
front lobby. It is a welcome center design to give parents students
and visitors a warmth welcome as they enter the school. The Ceiling
has been raised to provide cool environment under the hot sun.
Glass windows will provide adequate lighting and ventilation.
Principal Office: is located immediately overseeing the lobby. A
space has been allocated in front of the principals office as a
waiting room for visitors.
Slide 18
Principals Office
Slide 19
Welcome Center of Main Office The main office or welcome center
will provide space and comfort for visitors and parents. They will
be directed to the lower or upper section of the school.
Slide 20
Carolyn A. Miller High School Computer Lab Library
Slide 21
Computer Lab 1,000 Sq. ft Computer lab that accommodates 40
computers
Slide 22
Library 1,000 Sq. ft Library that accommodates 40 students
Slide 23
Carolyn E. Miller High School Kitchen and Cafeteria The design
allow students to sit around the kitchen and take order through an
opening. Student s can also choose to sit in the hallway or
socialize in the terrace that leads to the student center. The sale
of food will be restricted to this cafeteria in order to control
scattered trash around the school compound. Kitchen
Slide 24
Student Center 1,548 Sq. ft Space available in front of the
cafeteria, directly under the principals office and facing the main
office. Student center with games and living space to promote
social skills and develop student leadership. The center connects
to the ground floor hallway and the cafeteria Terrace.
Slide 25
Restrooms Storage Staff-Female Staff-Male
Students-GirlsStudents-Boys 14 restrooms for students and 6
restrooms for staff available on each floor. A total of 40 rest
rooms for the entire project. These are universal codes.
Slide 26
Carolyn E. Miller High School Top View
Slide 27
Carolyn A. Miller High School Front View
Slide 28
The Engineers Abraham Bah and Joseph Morris Kalapele are
co-founders of Smartzpro Engineering and Construction Management
firm. They are both products of an intensive and rigorous civil
engineering program at one of Africas oldest University, the
University of Conakry in Guinea, West Africa. As English speaking
refugees in a former French colony, both men worked very hard with
support from the United Nations scholarship to complete 5 years of
Civil Engineering program. After completion in 2000, they chose to
return to refugee camps, building refugee schools and developing
Guinean infrastructures. In 2012, Abraham received engineering
highest license of P.E (Professional Engineer) after working with
GAI consultants in Florida, USA for over 7 years. He has completed
several structural designs and currently serves as a senior
inspector for road network and major Bridge construction. By the
end of 2013, Abraham will complete his masters degree in civil
engineering with concentration in project design at the University
of Florida. By 2013, his colleague, JoeMorris Kalapele will
complete his masters Degree in Civil Engineering Technology with
concentration in sustainable buildings and Environmental
Engineering. The technical experience from the work in Guinea, West
Africa, has prepared these 2 young executives to understand the
challenges facing construction projects in West Africa. In
addition, the knowledge in modern Engineering technology acquired
abroad, and the priceless ethics endorsement that Mr. Bah enjoys as
a P.E while working in the United States, will steer Smartz Pro to
providing quality,reliable and affordable services using smart
engineering of the future. Joe and Abraham are currently presidents
of the Liberian Community in Connecticut and Florida respectively.
Like Karrus, both men were once refugees, and have received
outstanding recognition from many quarters including the President
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for their integrity and dedication to the
development of Liberia. Joe was inspired by the commitment and
dedication of Karen King to New Sight Eye Center in Liberia. When
he was asked by Karen to visit the school and work with the staff
to develop plans that will make the school sustainable, he saw an
opportunity to acknowledge Karens Support to his native country.
Smartzpro has provided technical support and develop this project
at no cost. Sanrtzpro will be available for future consultation to
ensure that the construction project meets the standard and
specifications. Abraham Bah, P.E CEO, Smartzpro Engineering Joseph
Morris Kalapele COO, Smartzpro Engineering The President of Liberia
H.E Ellen Johnson Sirleaf congratulated Joseph Morris Kalapele
along with other important U.S philanthropic and Medical Doctors
who are providing sustainable help for the country. Hes promoting
LCAC scholarship for 20 students at the University of Liberia.
Abraham Bah and President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
Slide 29
Friends of Carolyn A. Miller School Kpazawala Ballayan
foundation, USA Ten Days Mission which comprised of (22) American
volunteers led by Ms. Cori Stern Unite for sight Karen King Late
Mary Ann Snieckus And many more.
Slide 30
Ms. Carolyn A. Miller Ms. Carolyn A. Miller an American, who
lived in Liberia for over 24 years and sponsored so many Liberian
kids including Mr. Karrus Hayes. Her work and dedication helped
many Liberian Children to dream of a fair chance to education.
Slide 31
The children never stop hoping This project will make great
impact on the lives of students, teachers and the community. The
work and contributions of dedicated sponsors over the years will be
restored as a pride image of Liberias future. The country will see
a model school that promotes transparency, accountability and
leadership. Affordable education Clean and sanitary environment
Safe and secured school environment Job creation Competitive salary
Reward for the army of volunteer teachers who have been teaching on
mega wages for over 10 years. Sustainable and vibrant school and
community Conclusion