Both men and women came for information about working at the Anam Bricks factory
Now that the flood has receded, the Anam Development Company held an open meeting on Friday at the Bricks Factory in Anam New City to launch a new work season. A free boat left Otuocha in the morning bringing many people, while others walked or rode okada to the event from nearby towns of: (1) Iyora, (2) Umueze Anam, (3) Aboegbu, (4) Otuocha, (5) Nmiata, and (6) Ebenebe.
A total of 72 people were present at the meeting, including 55 men and 17 women, joined by several elders in the community. It was very positive to see such a large showing of people with an interest in contributing to the progress of the new face of Anam. Among this number there were 13 trained workers who received a certification from the Auroville Earth Institute in the technique of making bricks from the local atachikpa and laterite earth. During the event, three of these trained workers were recognized for their outstanding commitment to the Anam City project since the training in March 2011.
Trained workers discussing their plans for forming work teams
After discussing the importance of the entire City project and the role of local brick production, many other issues were brought up regarding ways to move the brick factory forward. There was a special interest by all in knowing when the brick making work will commence, as many people are very eager to start working there. Several applicants also asked when there could be another training at the factory.
The creative operating model of the Anam Bricks was also explained and discussed by the group. Each trained brick factory worker will lead a team of 6-10 people, and be paid as a team by the number of bricks they can produce. It is currently estimated that one team can make 1,000 bricks in a day on a single machine. The factory also requires that each team include at least one female worker so that they can also have a fair chance at the work and learning new skills. The team-based model will also allow the workers to have flexibility so that they can still continue other part-time occupations, such as farming or fishing.
An applicant asks a question about working in the Bricks Factory
Brick production will begin in early December 2011.
Anam Brick Factory maintains a list of prospective workers and trainees; if you would like to be added and contacted via SMS regarding updates on job or training opportunities, please contact Brick Factory Coordinator Ayodele on 07086139095.
Blog Post by Ayodele Eneji, Brick Factory Coordinator
Brick factory employment form
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