The school in Ranquitte, Notre Dame, was in great need of repair. Upon further review by an Architect it was revealed it actually needed to be replaced. At that time it only went to grade 8 and Father Charles wanted to provide classes to Secondary 4 (Grade 13) so families would not have to send their children all the way to Cap Haitien, a 2.5 hour drive at the best of times. We decided to proceed with providing the funds for a new school. It has been a long slow process, as when we started in later 2013 our dollar was $1.07 and now….. We are still only about 60% done, although they are using 6 classrooms, a computer lab; a small library and administration office, and the dollar is $1.35.
Main School Building Before
Main School Building in Progress
Main School Building in Progress
As time went along the need for new boys and girls washrooms became a priority, so we sidetracked the school for a washroom. The existing washrooms were pit toilets and totally unclean. The new washrooms are complete with running water, as seen by the tank on the roof, to flush toilets/urinals and sinks and much more sanitary.
Back of the old latrine washroom.
The new washroom with running water.
Then the 3 preschool/kindergarten rooms were deemed unsafe so we sidetracked again and did a major renovation to provide 3 new classrooms.
Kindergarten classroom building before.
Inside the classroom before.
Kindergarten classroom building after.
Inside the classroom after.
The children in grades 1-5 saw the new classrooms and when we went to visit, they were asking us “when do we get new classrooms?” So now we have sidetracked again and are in the process of doing a major renovation of these 5 classrooms, so they will have a safe and clean learning facility as well.
The two buildings to be renovated with grade 5 class in behind.
The two buildings in progress.
Grade 5 classroom in progress.
One of the main reasons for “sidetracking” and renovating these buildings versus continuing with adding to the main building is cost. To continue on with the new building which is 2 stories high now and add a third floor was just getting to be too expensive. We are still having the classrooms in the main building finished and painted, as funds are available.