Building Blocks for Haiti 2008 Appeal
Dear Parishioners:
lt as been over 3 years since we had our first and, to date only appeal for Haiti. We titled that appeal, "Building blocks for Haiti". As you are aware, the money from that appeal exceeded our goal and through your kind generosity we were able to complete three venture projects, the cafeteria in Carefour Sanon, a classroom in Lattiebolliere and a small convent house for the sisters of Mafra.
These projects have been very successful and have truly improved the lives of many.
On our most recent parish trip back to Haiti we visited a primitive rural school locate approximately 7 Km west of Jeremie. This school is a Catholic Parish school know as neumero uno with approximately 550 children from grades one to seven.
The school is funded through a charitable sponsorship program which provides for the teachers salaries, school uniforms, and some school supplies. The classrooms are very basic -- they have a dirt floor over which is a canopy made from rough wooden uprights with a corrugated tin roof attached. The uprights are fastened to the roof by tethered ropes and there are no side walls. Although this structure does offer some shade from the harsh sun, it does not offer any protection from the rain and classes are frequently canceled because of this. Futhermore, in severe storm conditions this structure is literally blown away, and we were told that this has happened twice in the last three years.
After discussing the above with parish council, it was approved that our parish will again have a "Building Blocks" for Haiti appeal; the focus of which, will be the building of a concrete school house to replace the existing wooden school as described above. lt is estimated that the complete cost ofthis project will be approximately $ 25,000 for materials and labor.
The Parish will use the Christian Child Care lnternational organization to manage the building of the project. As with all previous projects, all the money donated is 100% dedicated to the project and there are no administration fees. On behalf ofthe children of Neumero uno I would like to thank you for considering this request and should you have any questions please feel free to Contact me. God Bless,
David Lowe
