Reconstruction of six earthquake-resistant schools
October 7th was a very special day for 1,155 Haitian school children aged 3 to 12. More than three years after the earthquake destroyed their schools, they can now have classes in six newly built schools – this time, without fear, as the buildings are earthquake-resistant.
This year, Malteser International completed construction on one elementary school and one middle school in Darbonne, as well as four elementary schools in rural areas in Leogane district – two additional schools will be completed by the end of the year. Last year, one kindergarten and two elementary schools were completed. All schools count on separate latrines for boys, girls and teachers, as well as handwashing facilities and rainwater harvesting tanks.
16-year-old Charlancia Remy attends one of the recently inaugurated schools, Ecole Saint Esprit in Darbonne. She is happy with her new classroom, which is also fully furnished with new desks, chairs, blackboards and benches. “This is a really nice school,” she says. “It is comfortable for the students. Malteser International did a good job!”
In the first phase after the earthquake, Malteser International set up emergency classrooms in tents, distributed school sets and paid teachers so that classes could resume. Next, our teams built temporary school facilities in Darbonne and La Colline to provide better learning conditions for the students.
In the new permanent schools, students will be better prepared for future disasters – not only because of the buildings themselves. Malteser International is also training school committees in disaster risk management so they know how to react in case of emergency.
Contact
Petra Ipp-Zavazal
Tel.: +49-(0)221-9822-155
Joice Biazoto
Tel.: +49-(0)221-9822-169