2015_12-03 - 2015_12-22 - KLA Construction Progress

Weather in Kosovo has continued to be favorable for the construction team.  The goal of closing in the building by the end of December seems like more of a possibility and an answer to prayer than we anticipated.  The final steel work is being complete in order for roof panels to be installed.  The project will then sit for the winter allowing settlement of the earthwork and continued curing of the concrete.

 Gymnasium walls complete

 Setting trusses in gymnasium

 Formation of entrance arch

Entrance

  Entrance doors and windows

 Roof panels on site

Interior - Entrance Lobby looking towards Phase 2 Classroom Connection

2015_11-16 - 2015_12-02 - KLA Construction Progress

Work continues on Phase 1 of the Kosovo Leadership Academy.  The November weather has been beautiful allowing the construction team to work nearly 30 days without rain.  At this time most of the concrete and block work has been completed and the focus is now on getting the building enclosed.  The goal is to be enclosed by mid-December so that when winter weather arrives the building will remain dry inside.

Gymnasium wing

 Window installation

Concrete lintel pour in gymnasium

 

Truss installation at administration wing

Trusses installed at administration wing

Looking into the gymnasium

2015_11-1 - 2015_11-15 Construction Progress

Construction on the KLA continues to move forward.  The contractor is ahead of the initial construction schedule due to great weather and an energized construction team.  There has been no rain for over three weeks and temperatures have been above normal for this time of the year.

 Pouring concrete lintel beams

 

 Administration wing exterior walls

 Main Entrance

 Forming concrete columns at main entrance

 Initial walls at gymnasium

KLA site - Gymnasium wing in fore ground

2015_10-16 - 2015_10-30 KLA Construction Progress

The construction team has been hard at work over the past several weeks.  The weather continues to be in favor of the construction work being done with pleasant day-time temperatures and sunshine.  Clay block walls have started to be constructed and with the good weather the team of contractors is managing to lay up approximately 4,160 blocks per day.  Their goals is to accelerate construction so that the building can be under roof by the time heavy snow begins to fall in the area.

 Exterior walls at administration wing getting started.

 Start of exterior walls at gymnasium wing.

 Gymnasium wing walls nearing first level of completion.  Next step is pouring an intermediate bond beam and them continuing vertical with columns and clay block infill.

"Front" of the school.  The gymnasium wing in the background and the lobby in the foreground.  Rough site grading and back fill in progress.

KLA Ground Breaking Celebration

The city of Mitrovica and the country of Kosovo celebrated the official start of construction on Saturday, October 17.  Enjoy this short video capturing some of the highlights of the day.

2015_10-05 - 2015_10-16 - KLA Construction Progress

Phase 1 construction of the KLA began on September 17, 2015 with the signing of a construction contract with ProArt (Kosovar owned design/build company) and Global Neighbors.  Within days clearing of land, excavation of foundations and site fencing construction was started.  In late September through early October the following construction activities were completed: footers were poured, grade beams formed and poured and the concrete pads were poured for the administration wing and gymnasium wing.

Concept model of the KLA - Phase 1 includes gymnasium, lobby, administration, support spaces (music, library and media center, lunch room, kitchen, teachers room, boiler room and delivery area).  Phase 2 includes a three-story classroom wing and athletic fields.

 Land clearing and building layout.

 Grade bream forms.

 Pouring concrete grade beams.

 Backfill and compaction of building pad.

 Installation of in-slab plumbing lines.

 Pouring of building pad at gymnasium wing.

 Excavation of lobby area between administration and gymnasium wings.

 Excavation of boiler room wing.

Forming of columns in administration wing.

Delivery of clay block for exterior walls.

What is the Kosovo Leaership Academy?

The Kosovo Leadership Academy is a private school for children grades one through twelve.  Under the direction of Global Neighbors, Inc, a non-governmental and non-profit organization based in the United States, the school exists to "build bridges of hope for tomorrow's leaders in today's world".  Located in Mitrovica, Kosovo this private school will eventually have the capacity to serve up to five hundred students utilizing the STEAM - Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math curriculum focused on developing responsible leaders of tomorrow.

The KLA will offer an educational option in Kosovo that develops life long learners.  The students and faculty will practice core skills of "learning to learn, problem solving, critical understanding and anticipatory learning."  The KLA will also provide teacher training and development for the other public and private schools in Kosovo in an effort to increase the quality of education.