Planning school in developing countries
Practical Action
It is highly recommended that you assess the risk of natural disaster hazards such as
earthquakes, flooding, landslides etc. For example, it is wise to ask the local farmers about
issues such as localised flooding as this will determine if flood lining or any other disaster risk
reduction intervention will be necessary. For more information see Practical Action’s
Technical Briefs on disaster mitigation. Some low cost but effective actions that can be taken
in preparation of a potential disaster.
Site survey
After the purchase of the land it may be necessary to undertake a site survey. You may
contract a local surveyor to complete the work or if no professional services are available then
follow the techniques outlined in the Simple surveying Technical Brief to give you a guideline
on how to conduct a basic survey. A survey will be necessary to determine the following:
accurate boundary dimensions
location of existing trees and geological features
location of existing water courses
location and height of neighbouring buildings (if applicable)
location of existing roads.
Masterplanning
Masterplanning is a process of setting a clear framework for the later detailed design of a
development area. This framework will form the basis for how the area might be developed
and where buildings may sit within the site. The process should be a collaborative one
involving members of the community; parents, teachers and children.
For the school design to be a success thorough research should be undertaken. Identifying
case studies of exemplar school buildings, the conditions which are best for learning and how
students interact in a space, not only in the classroom but also in social spaces will ensure
that the school will be effective.
Facilities
Primary and secondary schools will vary in terms of the facilities required. This is often largely
dependent on the desires of the community and based largely on the funding available. It is
important to establish what the basic and additional planning requirements are.
With the community you should also determine what will be shared facilities. Look at issues
surrounding private and public areas within the school. What facilities can the community use
and what is limited only for students use? This will raise concerns over safety and security
and how to maintain control over access.
It is important to look at how you attract teachers to the school, especially in rural settings.
This may be achieved with providing good staff accommodation and flexibility in working
hours etc. It is also necessary to think of facilities and ways in which you can attract girls to
attend for example it may be through providing boarding facilities so they don’t have to travel
long distances and be distracted at home with cooking duties etc.
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