December 2019
The RSK Charity now has some funding for an RSK shelter pilot.
We recognise that we shall need field assistance and have therefore launched this appeal.
It includes a summary of the impact that this pilot can have on both shelter stakeholders and the environment.
Myanmar Delta village RSK shelter training Photo S.Halbert
August 2019
Building bamboo RSK shelters at the RedR "Hands on Weekend"
This is the third year that RSK have been invited back by RedR UK to take one of their four shelter modules over two days. Participants have the opportunity to have "hands on" experience building bamboo reciprocal frame roof relief shelters and provide valuable practical information for the RSK program. Each team of 4 built their first emergency RSK shelter frame within 45 minutes and teams then came together to build the free standing urban (earthquake) double RSK . Included below is some feedback for participants and all who may be interested.
feedback notes
1. All 8 emergency RSK shelter teams achieved the set target of erecting a makeshift bamboo frame shelter to a high standard of strength and practical use.
2. Teamwork and enthusiasm for building the double RSK urban shelter was outstanding, all got stuck in, and you achieved a freestanding frame that we could manipulate and discuss.
3. The value to the RSK shelter program of the above is considerable. Observing first time builders of the emergency RSK continues to focus and improve how we can present the concept to displaced families. Also, you were only the second group to build the double urban RSK. Although we used the assistance of 2 preset posts because of time constraints, we all agreed that 2 props would have worked as well. This urban double RSK is incidentally not the same as the double RSK which also uses props but has a different frame and anchor methods.
4. One discussion group looked more closely at the function of the two props proposed for the double urban RSK shelter. In particular if they were achieving the support /function as proposed in the detailed specification? (available). Several suggestions were put forward to help improve this support. In this connection I would be very grateful if the participants who had the facility to check some of the loadings / moments of forces acting at the base of these props on a computer model of the structure to get back to me.
5. Finally, some of the groups managed to reach the point of lowering the frame of their shelter to the severe storm low profile option.The positive potential for using it was unanimous. I shall be working on getting the information about this option onto this new website shortly.
Many thanks to you all for a most enjoyable weekend.
Shaun Halbert
RSK Shelter Charity Director
May 2019
RSK shelter presentation at UK Shelter Forum
On 10th May Shaun Halbert gave a presentation entitled:
"Reducing Health Hazards of Living in Bamboo Relief Shelters"
with particular reference to his experience in Cox's Bazar and the health benefits of the RSK bamboo shelter.
March 2019
On standby for an RSK Shelter Pilot
The RSK Charity has some funding for an RSK shelter pilot.
We are now looking to expand this pilot to assist in an emergency response.
Myanmar RSK shelter training
March 2019
Detailed specification for all RSK shelters types completed
This compilation is in prepartion for the RSK shelter pilot.
extract from compilation of RSK specifications
March 2019
RSK pilot proposal reaches final funding shortlist
Over the last few months our RSK funding proposal has progressed through several stages of the HARP F grant application shortlisting procedure.
HARP is a component of DFID and their feedback has been most encouraging.
