lekol

Monday, April 12, 2010

Mike and Nicole headed into the mountains to start their day at Pastor Duress' school which was holding classes for the first time since the earthquake (interestingly the 3-month anniversary). This school is the one where I helped erect tents a few weeks ago. Mike had been asked to be present, which ultimately meant he had been asked to say a few words to the students as they re-commenced. Mike and Nicole wanted to encourage the students and staff in their efforts.

Many schools in the area still have not been able to continue with classes. Organizations are working to address the varied needs by clearing rubble or unsafe structures so that the space can then by covered with tents or tarps for at least a temporary structure of sorts. Supplies are a entirely different matter. I have learned many details through Nicole's summarization of the education meetings she attends on a weekly basis when possible about the concerted efforts of organizations and the Haitian government to address all the needs. One way this appears to be happening is to essentially make all the schools public. Prior to the earthquake, I believe 90% of the schools were privately funded and operated. People are working diligently to locate and identify all the needs for each of these schools so that all the students (which still isn't all of the children) can continue with their education. Part of the plan is summer school so that they will be caught up on their studies and prepared to begin the next school term in the fall. Granted, many youth still haven't begun school and have no idea when they may be able to...