Architecture Students Aid Orphanage Appeal

11th August 2015

Sheffield Hallam University students have answered a call for help from charity by constructing a scale model of a proposed new orphanage in Bangladesh.

The Bangladesh Orphanage Appeal aims to raise £500,000 to build an orphanage, school and medical centre in one of the poorest areas of Bangladesh - where many children are faced with having to fend for themselves. Trustees of the charity hope to raise the money from Bangladeshi civil society and business, but they required a model to help convince potential funders to donate. Architecture students were able to step in and support the project after the University was approached by the charity. Students from the Sheffield Hallam Student Union Architecture Society worked on the project, with architecture student Tiziana Di Ronco playing a leading role. She said; "All the students involved enjoyed having the chance to put the skills we have learnt through our studies into practice, especially for such a worthwhile cause. "We're delighted that the charity can use the model we have created to show their vision to potential donors, which will hopefully help with fundraising efforts." Mike Webster, Chair of Trustees at the Bangladesh Orphanage Appeal, said; -After being put in contact with Sheffield Hallam students through their Venture Matrix scheme, we provided the design brief and the team set about the challenge. -The three tier model has been constructed with meticulous detail and is a superb piece of work. It more than achieves the brief we set and will be a great tool in helping us to raise funds for this important project. The University's Venture Matrix team helped to coordinate the collaboration. This award-winning scheme at Sheffield Hallam develops Hallam student's employability and enterprise skills as part of their studies. Every year, thousands of students have the opportunity to put their course theory into practice, working with private, public and third sector organisations, equipping them with the knowledge and transferable skills that they need to excel in their chosen professions.