Collecting spare renewables kit for calais migrant camp

[SolarCity]

Sorry Gavin, I'm away on Friday in Portugal for 2 weeks so can't make that weekend. Wish I could help, I've wanted to do something for them for a long time.

 

[Paul.M]

23rd-25th..... I'm up for it Gavin. Building a classroom sounds like fun. PV install I can help you out with but any lights, EM light, sockets, data points that need doing I'll jump on that as well.

Because it is a classroom, please check on specs. All cables (including DC) may need running in steel conduit for example.

 

[Gavin A]

sounds good paul, re the spec, it's a classroom in a swamp built largely out of junk and pallets so I don't think standard school specs quite apply.

planning on running 24V DC lights, and panels will be in the ELV range, with something like a 150-250W inverter to serve a few sockets at a phone charging station mainly, possibly some external lights.

Have been getting some tips about french regs, but as long as it's safe I can't see there being much of an issue, though I'll leave the twin and earth behind.

 

[Paul.M]

Gavin, you failed to mention which refugee camp we a re going to. Is it "The Jungle" by any chance? Just makes it a lot more interesting and more rewarding.

 

[Gavin A]

yep, tis the jungle.

Just got a request to check out the electrics at a new warehouse the UK solidarity with Calais network have taken on for sorting and storage of aid while we're out there as well. Looks like we'll be busy

 

[Paul.M]

So it is building a class room from scratch in the Jungle and also checking out the electrics in a warehouse, all in two days! Not a problem, bring it on.

 

[Gavin A]

pretty much.

and if we get time maybe providing power and light for a communal kitchen space.

 

[Paul.M]

pretty much.

and if we get time maybe providing power and light for a communal kitchen space.

Anything is possible, I'm a Yorkshireman :rofl:


Gavin your the leader of this little weekend trip, point me to the job and I'll jump in both feet first regardless of the situation.


two points:- 1, I'll be missing the Rhinos V's New Zealand match!!!!

2, Electrical exam on Wednesday morning. Make sure I'm back by then?

 

[Gavin A]

we need to be back Sunday night at some point for other reasons, if we ain't back by wednesday then things have gone a bit awry.

 

[Worcester]

Pcking up on the workload above;

Presmably there will be lots of free semi-skilled (and maybe even skilled) resources to do most if the grunt work, so the actual requirement is to supply / co-ordinate materials and tools and design and project manage on site, rather that actually doinbg the screwing together of the pallets.

Yoi will need some good interpreters, though hopefully they would also be some of the refugees.

 

[Paul.M]

I've been doing a little bit of research of the camp from all forms of internet sources to get a good idea what I'm getting myself into. Wow I had misconceptions. Most speak English, there are translators, there are quite a lot of English teachers from different Nations, there are engineers/builders plus other skilled trades.

What is needed is building materials & tools. One of the biggest problems is the warehouse and the organisation of donated items. For example cars and vans are just turning up to the camp and dropping off whatever they have collected. One statement mentioned that a pair of red leather knee high boots were donated!!! Loads of women clothes, although only 10% of the camp are female.

 

[GMES]

I've been doing a little bit of research of the camp from all forms of internet sources to get a good idea what I'm getting myself into. Wow I had misconceptions. Most speak English, there are translators, there are quite a lot of English teachers from different Nations, there are engineers/builders plus other skilled trades.

What is needed is building materials & tools. One of the biggest problems is the warehouse and the organisation of donated items. For example cars and vans are just turning up to the camp and dropping off whatever they have collected. One statement mentioned that a pair of red leather knee high boots were donated!!! Loads of women clothes, although only 10% of the camp are female.

So that's your work shoes sorted then Paul!!!!!:wink5::wink5::wink5:

 

[Paul.M]

So that's your work shoes sorted then Paul!!!!!:wink5::wink5::wink5:

Ssshhh, you know not to talk about what we get up to on Staff nights out!!!!

 

[Paul.M]

I just have to say a massive thank you to Gavin.

He had this crazy idea of building a classroom in a refugee camp in another country, planned it, bought/recycled the materials, transported it and another two of us, organised accommodation (well, that almost worked ..... Paul to the rescue whilst on the A1 :rofl: ), Project managed the full build with (part time) volunteers from all different walks of life and we some how turned a bit of grass wasteland into a school!!!


Gavin. Your vision, drive and determination is to be admired Sir. In the course of time hundreds of children from a multitude of countries will benefit from what you dreamed of achieving instead of them learning from the God forbidden streets and pathways of a refugee camp. A safe haven and a place of learning away from the SH!T filled paths of the Jungle.


Thank you for letting me being involved in such a life changing experience. When are we doing it again?

 

[SolarCity]

Superb effort fellas.