Project: Lunchroom
School: Serapio López Fajardo Elementary School
Start Date: November 2, 2010
Project Specs: The children of Serapio López Elementary School, the largest school in the area, are the only without a proper lunch facility. Currently, all 325 students must file in groups into a small classroom serving as a make-shift lunchroom. The cramped room is ill-equipped for the crowds that must rush to eat in 10-15 minute shifts. Construction of a new lunchroom began nearly three years ago, and was abandoned when school funds ran dry and support and energy waned. The school population has grown over the years- consequently a sixth grade class must use the partially built lunchroom construction site as a classroom. Not only is it hazardous, but also distracting and partly exposed to the elements.
To Do: With the generous help of Safari Surf School and ʻSurfers for Goodʼ, and the children of Swiss Cove Christian Church summer camp, SNF is purchasing materials for the completion of a proper lunchroom for the Serapio López Fajardo Elementary School. The school will pay the cost of a hired worker to oversee the project, who will also oversee parent volunteers.
On November 2nd, construction began on the remodel and improvement of an abandoned lunchroom project in Serapio López Elementary School. The original structure was built haphazardly with metal beams, concrete floors, and the beginnings of cement block structural walls. A tin roof partially covered the exposed foundation.
To begin the construction, local builder Juan Carlos Ruiz set out with a plan to maintain as much of the existing structure as possible, while expanding and improving the building in a safe and efficient way. Upon consulting structural engineer, Thom Bolas, it was decided to remove metal support beams showing signs of weakness and rust, and replace with poured concrete support beams. Plans were expanded to include a food storage bodega and two bathrooms, one interior toilet exclusively for the lunch staff, a second accessible from the outside for student use. Plans were designed with a future dream playground beside the building in mind.
The new lunchroom will provide ample food preparation and storage space. Existing kitchen equipment was measured and electrical outlets strategically placed to support new supplies that were donated by the state to the school, including a 'baño maria' food warmer, large refrigerator, and juice maker. A serving window with counter, additional emergency exit door, and kitchen window, and kitchen counter-tops are integrated into the new design. A major improvement to the existing building is the roof- a new, tall 'A-Frame' roof will top off the structure.
We would like to extend a very special thank you to the Safari Surf School, who have supported us so generously with this project. They held a fundraiser on our behalf in August in California, which raised $2,000, nearly half of the total material cost for the build. On Monday, November 8th, Tim Marsh and Greg Gibson of Safari Surf School in California visited the lunchroom site; bringing the much needed funds, and seeing the immediate results from their fundraising effort. From all of us at SNF, and the Serapio López Elementary School, THANK YOU SSS!
