Things to consider

From Bottle School Wiki

Need

If you are deciding between multiple communities with which to work, try to contrast their needs. There is no foolproof metric, but take into account all aspects of the resources and infrastructural necessity. Necessity can come in many forms. Basic access to clean water, sanitation, and transportation are some good indicators of a community’s need and economic isolation. Dirt floors, leaking roofs, insecure structural elements, weak walls, and crowded classrooms detract from a quality learning experience. Be sure to take these types of factors into consideration as well.

A community’s interest in the project and their willingness to work hard is essential to a project’s feasibility and long-term sustainability, which is attained by pride in ownership.

Price Quotes and Establishing a Budget

Aside from the importance of keeping the community involved and clear on each step of the project, having a respected community member with you as you seek price quotes and discuss materials with hardware shops may allow you to utilize close relationships within the community. Such relationships can result in smooth transactions, discounted prices, or donated materials.

In an effort to get the most value for your money, shop around at local hardware stores and get a few price quotes for materials. A further benefit to the community of constructing a bottle school is that it can help the local economy. Purchasing affordable materials locally will cut down on transportation and keeps the money in the community. However, remember that often certain materials are exorbitantly more expensive in remote locations. Check prices in nearby cities as well. Strike a balance between cost and value to the local economy.

Before breaking ground on construction, after shopping around, finalize a budget and stick to it. Again, make sure you are working side by side your community leader(s). You will strengthen each others skill sets and create an open environment of transparency.