Solutions Now Education Program
Introduction
The 2010 earthquake in the Republic of Haiti was a catastrophic event that measured 7.8 M on the Richter scale. The epicenter was near the town of Leogane approximately 16 miles west of Port-Au-Prince. The earthquake occurred at approximately 4:53 pm local time on Tuesday, January 12, 2010. Seismologists measured more than five dozens aftershocks by January 24, 2010. The earthquake affected over three million people. The Haitian government estimates that at least 250,000 people were killed and 500,000 more were injured. The disaster caused major damage in Port-Au-Prince, Jacmal and other towns in the region.Haiti had made some strides in the development of a disaster management agency prior to the earthquake. However, the nation’s resources remain almost completely inadequate in terms of its capacity to execute an initial re-building process. AHVED dispatched medical relief teams to care for survivors within one week of earthquake. So far, AHVED has sent more than 71 doctors and nurses to its full-scale surgical facility at the Charles Colimon Hospital in Petite Riviere l’Arbonite. Now after nearly two months on the ground in Haiti and three, separate medical missions, AHVED has a vision to help the Haitian people rebuild their communities, especially their schools and homes.
The vision focuses on the City of St. Marc where nearly 45,000 people have taken refuge since fleeing Port-au-Prince and other heavily damage communities. AHVED President Pauline Jean Simon, a native of St. Marc, has spent a great deal of time with local leaders developing ways to assist homeless families, especially those with school-aged children. (See attached contract with the City of St. Marc.)
AHVED is committed to a course of action that will allow St. Marc to provide schools and housing for homeless families. St. Marc’s citizens are full partners in the effort. Through the above mentioned contract, St. Marc Mayor Baumars Charles has authorized Mrs. Jean Simon to represent its interests to potential supporters, partners and donors outside of Haiti.
Background
The Association of Haitians Living Abroad for the Development is a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Florida. The organization has paid all its dues to the Florida Secretary of State office through December 31, 2010. The United States Internal Revenue Services recognizes AHVED as exempt from federal income tax under section 501 © (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.AHVED’s mission is to empower people throughout the Haitian Diaspora through community-based advocacy, provide desperately needed educational opportunities for children who live in Haiti and help Haitian immigrants to the U.S. successfully integrate into American society by promoting education, literacy, positive youth activities, patriotism and social responsibility.
Although post-disaster rebuilding efforts are not specifically included in AHVED’s mission statement, its members believe they fall well within the spirit of the organization’s calling. AHVED’s leaders authorized the development of this plan after the disastrous 2010 earthquake in the Republic of Haiti.
Goals and Objectives
Primary GoalAHVED’s “Solutions Now” effort seeks to very quickly provide the resources displaced families will need to continue their children’s education and improve their quality of life. AHVED and the City of St. Marc will partner with U.S.-based organizations to obtain and handle the materials necessary to create two tent schools for approximately 1300 students in grades 1-13. AHVED plans to open the schools within 30 days and eventually construct a permanent campus. Once the school is up and running, organizers will turn their efforts toward housing construction.
Progam Elements
- 16 Classrooms
- Bathroom Facilities
- Cafeteria
- Library
- Computer Laboratories
- Playground
Program Description
The Temporary Campus - The City of St. Marc has agreed to donate 50 acres of land for the temporary school, a future permanent school building and a residential community for homeless families. Global Base Camp Services, a subsidiary of Disaster Management Group, has agreed to donate its services by designing and constructing large tents to house the temporary schools’ facilities. Global Base Camp Services has also agreed to help solicit donations from other companies for AHVED. The tents will contain the classrooms, bathroom facilities, a library, a cafeteria and a computer lab. The tents will be equipped with electricity generators, as well as, water systems. (See Items Needed Page).School Supplies & Equipment - AHVED now seeks to partner with organizations to purchase supplies including desks, chairs, tables, classroom-sized marker boards, blackboards, pens, pencils, paper, folders, school books, computers, computer software and audio/visual equipment. Supplies for the school’s cafeteria, bathroom facilities will also be necessary.
Playground Equipment - AHVED is currently seeking donors for the playground equipment.
Shipping & Transportation Arrangements - AHVED is working with Teeters Agency & Stevedoring Inc. to ship all necessary supplies and materials for the school and displaced persons camp to Haiti from the Port of Palm Beach for $1800 per container. Teeters will donate all receiving, packing, warehousing and inventory services.
Project Director - AHVED has enlisted Maxerne St. Val to serve as Project Director for the schools/ construction and opening.
Construction Workers - AHVED will hire 15 local workers to build the tent campus. Tent construction experts will come in from the United States to supervise and train the workers.
School Staff - The City of St. March will hire all teachers, principals and support staff. AHVED will hire the cafeteria and custodial staff for each campus.