Rebuilding two primary schools after the earthquake in January 2010

On the 12th January 2010, Haiti was struck by a severe earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale, practically destroying the country’s infrastructure, many localities and the capital, Port-au-Prince. Even before the seismic shock, Haiti was one of the poorest countries in the world. Children’s rights violations were a daily problem. Consequently, only around half of the children attended a primary school, and child labour was widespread. Many children and young people were the victims of physical abuse in school and at home. These conditions have only deteriorated in the aftermath of the earthquake, just as they have in the area of education.

Education is the key to survival for children and young people in the wake of such a catastrophe. It is thus very important for girls and boys to be able to return to school as soon as possible. Schools offer children a protective atmosphere and provide them with some normality. In doing so, they contribute enormously to the processing of traumatic experiences..

Aim of the project

With the help of Arthrex and the RTL charity, Plan is rebuilding two schools in the Croix-de-Bouquets Plan programme area and equipping them appropriately for the children. The aim is to allow as many children as possible to return to school quickly.

Measures 

• Two primary schools are being rebuilt. A new school will then comprise three buildings, each with two classrooms with enough space for up to 50 children
• Child-friendly sanitary facilities with separate bathrooms for girls and boys ensure a hygienic environment and offer sufficient privacy.
• A starter kit provides teaching staff and children with the basic materials they need (e.g., exercise books and pens).
• It is hoped to include the schools in the Plan library project.
• A committee of parents, children and young people is being instructed in accompanying the construction work.
• Parent-teacher associations are encouraged and taught how school management can be organised drawing on the parents for assistance.

Who benefits from this project?
The project aims to reach around 1,200 girls and boys in two primary schools in Croix-des-Bouquets, two headmasters and 20 members of teaching staff.

Duration and cost of project
The project will run from July 2010 to August 2011. It is made possible by the support of Arthrex and the RTL charity. They are financing the project activities with a donation of € 200,000 (100,000 Euro Arthrex – 100,000 Euro RTL charity).