The Passionist Missionaries, present in Huambo since 2022, have strengthened their commitment to human and social development in a recently entrusted peripheral area, marked by severe shortages of water, electricity and access to education.
As part of a medium- and long-term plan that includes the future creation of a school providing different levels of education, a strategic pilot project was launched in 2025: the Compressed Earth Block (CEB) Production Unit, which is expected to become operational in 2026.
The project aims to establish a sustainable production unit for ecological building blocks to be used in the construction of homes and community infrastructure, contributing to improved living conditions for the local population.
The model is based on economic sustainability, combining the sale of part of the production to ensure the continuity of the activity with the use of the blocks in community construction projects, significantly reducing building costs in the region.
The initial phase involved an investment of more than €26,000, allocated to the purchase of the CEB production machine, the central element of the production unit.
Beyond its impact on the construction sector, the project aims to create direct employment, strengthen local skills and promote environmentally sustainable construction practices.
Expected results include increased income for participating families, reduced construction costs, and the creation of a self-sustaining production unit.
Currently, more than 20 people are already involved in training and production activities.
Following two weeks of training in CEB production and demonstrations of the construction technique, a small 36 m² experimental building is now nearing completion and is already being constructed without the presence of the trainer.
According to the Passionist Missionaries, the project represents a concrete response to the community’s immediate needs, while also providing a foundation for future educational and social initiatives.
Rosto Solidário has played a key role in the technical and strategic partnership, supporting fundraising efforts and the overall development of the project.
