The AVN is neither a property developer nor a building contractor. The Association’s role is to put potential clients in touch with suitable trained VN builders, and to provide advice as needed before, during, and after the actual construction.

Potential clients wanting to construct VN buildings should contact a VN builder, either directly, or via the national AVN representative, or via the AVN in France by email, post, or telephone (see Contact Us for details). Requests are registered and then dealt with according to the availability of VN builders and the location and size of the proposed projects.

Once in contact, the VN builder will advise his client on the manpower and materials resources needed for the project, and provide a cost estimate and schedule. The AVN provides any necessary support to the builder, and will help to resolve any technical or contractual problems. The client provides salaries, lodging, and food to the VN builders and apprentices, and needs to plan for the delivery of materials and provision of unskilled labour.

 Proposals to the first clients in priority action zones
In priority ’densification’ zones, and to help promote the programme, the first client is helped by the AVN with the gift of a roll of plastic sheeting for the roof. The first construction in a village, and any subsequent ones, receive logistical support (contact with trained VN builders) and quality control follow-up checks. Groups of villagers who wish to erect several houses, or community-use facilties, may receive additional targeted help from the AVN.

 Proposals to Associations, NGO’s, and institutions in the Sahel
Any such organisations wishing to construct VN buildings for their own projects should contact our local / national representatives, or the AVN itself. Guidance will be given on technical issues, plans, and costs.

 Proposals to public or private sector organisations whose funding for construction comes from outside the Sahel
Such clients, who benefit from the AVN programme without being its direct target group, will be asked for a financial overhead contribution of 20% of gross construction costs. This contribution (see protocole de dons) will be used to further the overall objectives of the programme.

 Proposals to clients interested in the VN-Reinforced Concrete concept VN-RC
Clients wishing to construct larger buildings using the VN-RC technique (see VN Construction Techniques) are asked to contact the AVN directly in the first instance.