How a school in Angola challenged us to deliver an inspirational learning environment for all

We’ve been working with all types of educational establishments for over 50 years, transforming learning environments. From classrooms and dining halls to libraries, washrooms, offices and sixth form areas – our innovative spaces allow pupils and teachers to thrive.

When we were approached to help kit out a new school with furniture we jumped at the opportunity – we then found out the school was in Angola; a new, free school for impoverished children made possible through charitable donations from people in the UK. Whilst we have completed many new school fit-outs and whole school refurbishments over the years, we had never undertaken a project in Africa. Not ones to be easily put off, we saw this as an opportunity to deliver on our ethos and ensure that the school created an inspirational learning environment for every single child, every member of staff and every visitor.

We provided school furniture for seven year groups across 15 classrooms, a library and a Head Teacher’s office, which in numbers equates to 550 chairs, 250 tables and various storage solutions – that’s quite a lot of furniture! Not only did the classrooms have to look nice but we needed to balance the need to get cost-effective products that were hard-wearing, ensuring long term durability. Thanks to KI and their range of Postura+ chairs, we were able to ensure every year group had the correct sized chair – that’s 6 different chair heights in 7 different colours.

Another key issue for the project was having adequate space to accommodate a 40ft container on our forecourt as well as the internal warehouse space to coordinate, take delivery and hold stock of a variety of furniture from different suppliers until every item had been checked, double-checked and loaded for dispatch to Angola. Our warehouse and logistics teams were put to the test but through their professionalism, flexibility and expertise they ensured all items were accommodated without impact on our other projects – this was real team work in action!

With the school having its grand opening in June – we had just 3 months to plan, design, order, take delivery of all items, coordinate and pack the container for delivery to Angola by early March 2019. We are thrilled to say the container left us early March and arrived in Angola on April 14^th and everything was in place ready for the grand opening on 21^st June 2019.

This project has meant a lot to the entire Four Square Furniture team and we feel immensely privileged to have been part of this project. Education is an enabler of change and we wish all the children and teachers well in their new school.