Manual Work: a Volunteer in Woyun
An engineer from Hong Kong mucked in to help villagers in Woyun build earthquake-proof homes
Villagers in Woyun received technical training by a Hong Kong expert on how to rebuild houses so they are able to withstand a strong earthquake. Kwong Chun-Kin, a construction expert and consultant to Amity’s Hong Kong Office, stayed in Woyun Village for two weeks to observe the post-disaster reconstruction process and provide villagers with hands-on training in building methods. 65-year-old Mr. Kwong, who looks back on 40 years of experience in construction, had produced a hand-drawn manual which can be easily understood even by illiterates. The manual outlines seismic safety standards and explains basic construction methods, such as mixing concrete and selecting suitable steel rods for reinforcement. Often working until three o’clock in the morning, Mr. Kwong walked up and down the narrow paths between the paddy fields of Woyun to visit people’s homes and give them advice. Villagers soon realized how serious Mr. Kwong was about helping them, so they started inviting him to stop by their own construction sites.
People in Woyun’s 16 natural villages need to reconstruct their homes according to the new seismic safety standards issued by the central government. Amity has been involved in training construction experts who can monitor the construction of quake-proof homes.
