AFRY Partners with Koulu Consortium to Enhance Peru’s Education Infrastructure

AFRY Partners with Koulu Consortium to Enhance Peru’s Education Infrastructure

(IN BRIEF) The Bicentennial Schools Programme, a collaborative effort between the Government of Peru, the UK Government, and Finland, aims to bolster school infrastructure and enhance access to education by constructing 75 schools across Peru. AFRY, as part of the Koulu consortium, is providing technical expertise to ensure the success of the project. This initiative, launched in commemoration of Peru’s 200th anniversary of independence, seeks to address educational disparities and accommodate 118,000 students in Lima and nine other regions, fostering comprehensive learning opportunities for future generations.

(PRESS RELEASE) SOLNA, 5-Apr-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — The Bicentennial schools programme: AFRY is contributing to sustainable education for Peru’s generations to come, by providing technical expertise to Koulu consortium.

In an effort to strengthen school infrastructure and facilitate access to education, the Government of Peru has initiated a strategic and innovative project to build 75 schools across the country.

The Bicentennial Schools Programme is the result of a strategic partnership between the Ministry of Education in Peru and the UK Government, in cooperation with Finland. Technical guidance is provided by the Koulu consortium, which AFRY is a proud part of. AFRY is committed to leveraging its expertise in interdisciplinary consultancy services, bringing technical advice, global knowledge and international best practices to the project.

Addressing educational gaps through collaboration

On the occasion of the celebration of the 200th anniversary of Peru’s independence, the Bicentennial Schools Programme was established with the objective of encouraging comprehensive learning and building 75 new schools spanning 21 districts within the capital city of Lima and 9 additional regions across the country, facilitating access to schools for 118,000 students.

A pillar of support

Koulu is a joint venture spearheaded by UK-based companies Mace and Gleeds, featuring interdisciplinary support and advice from AFRY and other international consultancies from the UK and Finland.

The vital role of Koulu stretches beyond being mere technical support. The consortium has, in fact set up a Programme Management Office (PMO), responsible for supervising quality and assurance for effective project delivery while following international best practices.

The PMO’s primary function has been to introduce effective project controls and governance processes that will support decision-making and change control. Transparency and stakeholder engagement are at the core of Koulu’s management approach.

AFRY has played a key role in providing technical assurance for the programme

To achieve this, a multidisciplinary team of engineers, architects and archaeologists collaborated seamlessly on the project. This team comprises specialists in structural, geotechnical, hydrology, fire, environmental, mechanical, electrical, and sanitary engineering. AFRY has ensured the implementation of design innovations including solar panels, resilience features, high concrete durability, fire safety measures, flexible learning rooms, acoustic design and thermal comfort solutions. Additionally, the team developed and supervised an efficient design review process and found technical solutions for challenging site conditions encountered in specific schools’ locations. These challenges include high seismicity, flooding risks, landslides, steep slopes, extreme climate temperatures, and interferences with adjacent old buildings.

AFRY’s mission of sustainability

Within the context of the Bicentennial Schools Programme, AFRY views its mission of supporting Peru’s sustainability transition as a golden opportunity to contribute to the construction of sustainable and socially beneficial infrastructure.

“We are proud to be part of the Bicentennial Schools Programme and the Koulu joint venture. Through our involvement, we are making a significant impact on the sustainable development of Peru and future generations. It is a testament to our commitment to supporting the sustainability transition and delivering infrastructure projects that meet the highest standards of quality and resilience”.

– Roland Schmidt, Regional Director, Hydropower Latin America

Media Contact:

Roland Schmidt
Regional Director, Hydropower Latin America

SOURCE: AFRY AB