Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Campus -

Chilomoni, Blantyre

The Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Campus is located in the heart of Chilomoni, a deprived area of Blantyre, Malawi. The campus is situated in the centre of a densely-populated residential area, opposite two schools. The land was purchased by Krizevac in 2008, after our founder – Tony Smith-became aware of a strong need for employment in the area around the Way of the Cross.

“We will transform the quality of life of people in the area of The Cross on Mount Michiru. We will do this by creating jobs and enterprises, developing peoples’ capabilities, skills and self development and through improving buildings and the environment. We will work to achieve sustainability through professional commercial enterprises.” (Beehive Mission Statement)

Building Design

“Public service, personal sacrifice. Committment to quality service, prosessionalism and integrity. Equal opportunities and support for the most needy, the poorest of the poor."

(Beehive Core Values)

Location

Chilomoni, Blantyre, Malawi

Type

Campus Development

Year of Construction

2008-present

Total Development Area (Approx. GEA)

16322m²

The intention for the land was to build a campus of high-quality, aspirational buildings which would create jobs, education and training for the local community, and drive ambition and infrastructural development for years to come.

Groundworks began on the steeply-sloping site in 2008, and took several months to complete. During this time, the site was split into a series of five ‘levels’, in order to create flat platforms (each one accessible from the main road to the West) on which to build. A large, reinforced concrete septic tank was placed at the bottom of the site, capable of serving up to 2,000 people over the coming years. The height difference between each level was taken up by a ‘revetment wall’, which is essentially an earth wall, cut at 45º, and faced with local rocks.

Each of the eight main buildings on the site was designed by a different Architect and Engineer, some from Malawi, and others from UK and Europe, which has helped to create a set of diverse, unique buildings, tailored specifically to the needs of the end-users. The first building to be constructed on the Main Campus was the Mother Teresa Outreach Centre on Level 01. The current construction is the St Kizito Catholic Primary School (and associated sports pitches) on Level 05, which is due for completion in 2021, which will mark the end of development on the site.

Social Impact

Catholic principles underpin all the work we do at Beehive, and spaces for prayer have been created in the campus

Catholic Community Support

People are currently employed across Beehive

Job Creation

Students currently attend the nursery and IT college

will join the new primary school

Quality Education

vulnerable people have been supported through Beehive’s scholarships and community programmes

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Supporting the Vulnerable

"Our infrastructure, which bears the semblance of a large city built in the middle of a village has & continues to encourage development in the area. It has increased livelihood & morale for both employees and local residents in and around our small township of Chilomoni."

(May E Bikoko, Beetech Manager)

The Mary Queen of Peace campus sits at the heart of Chilomoni, providing job opportunities for local residents, high quality education for children and adults, as well as support for those in society that are the most vulnerable. It is designed to address the many different factors that keep people trapped in poverty. The campus houses two of Beehive’s key enterprises – Beetech, a data processing company and the Cycle of Good (COG), who make upcycled and recycled goods. Two of Beehive’s educational facilities sit on the site – JPII, an IT training college and the Mother Teresa Nursery. A new primary school is also currently being built on campus. The Mother Tersea Outreach Centre connects Beehive to the most vulnerable in Chilomoni, whilst the Hall provides communal space for all staff, where weekly Beehive assemblies are held as well as key events throughout the year. A campus chapel offers a quiet place for prayer and solace. There are presently 700 people employed at Beehive. 5000 adults have received training and 500 students currently attend the nursery and IT college. Over 10,000 children and their families have been supported through Beehive’s outreach programmes.