EcoDorm: Sustainable Inclusive Student Housing, Supporting Gender Equal Rights Higher Education

The median age in Africa is very young, generally about 20, the potential university age population is very large, but many are unable to access higher level education due to financial constraints caused by the high cost of living in the vicinity of universities, many young women are excluded due to pregnancy.

Many areas are experiencing an increased influx of University and college students in need of housing

Most learning institutions do not offer accommodation facilities. In this regard, there is need for investment in the student housing in Africa. A core responsibility of any educational institution in delivery of quality education entails making education functional and accessible in the face of social dynamics. Numerous young women in Kenya have their education interrupted by pregnancy. We plan to also support the education of single mothers by reserving a portion of the Dorm to them, serviced also with a day care center for their children to allow them to study. The EcoDorm will be equipped also with a clinic for general health and family planning consultation, students should not only be formed in academics, but also to be new and responsible citizens.

Each of the two EcoDorms will offer accommodation for 400 Students, 50% male and 50% female (of which at least 100 reserved for single low income mothers). Students will pay an amicable monthly rent exclusively to cover the maintenance and repair costs, single mothers will be exempt from this.

Solar energy systems will cover parking areas, and other non built areas, as well as a greenhouse, these will produce energy in excess of the needs of the students, which can be sold and form a subsidy for the single mothers.

The design will follow EDGE (Excellence for Design for Greater Efficiencies) standards, Eco-friendly Advanced Building System that assure energy and water usage efficiency during construction, and final buildings with high level energy efficiency; structural inclusion of renewable energy (solar photovoltaic and solar water heating); efficient day to day water consumption, clean cooking and ecological waste management, as well as park and sports areas, and urban forestry.