Edeyo Builds its First School

We are proud to announce the successful completion of Edeyo’s first school construction project.

School: Ecole Communautaire du Bel-Air Herve Romain Cœur Joyeux Kindergarten

Area: Bel-Air, Port Au Prince

Need

In 2005, the town of Bel-Air, in Port Au Prince, was severely afflicted by political violence and natural disaster.  Upon visiting the area earlier in 2007, the grim consequences of Haiti’s recent history were painfully evident to our team. 

In this densely populated slum of Port Au Prince, the level of poverty is unimaginable. Many of the shanties, which are covered with bullet holes, have long been abandoned.  Children no older than 4 years old are forced to beg on the streets, as their parents have no prospect of finding employment.  Others, still suffering from the traumatic stress of their recent past, spend their days hopelessly playing in the dirt without any access to schooling, books or toys.

In an area where most families struggle to even pay for water, education is considered a rare privilege (see Haiti page).  Sadly, malnutrition is the most urgent problem occupying the children of Haiti today, and many are forced to survive for days without eating. During our visit to Bel-Air, one child dangerously clung himself to our car handle as we were leaving, refusing to let go until we donated a couple of dollars for food.  To our team at Edeyo, the experience was a startling reminder that without our help, these children’s futures are non-existent.

Our Response

Build

In November 2007, Edeyo took initiatives to build a brand new school for students K-12 in the town of Bel Air.  The two-story building comprises of 6 classrooms, 2 functioning bathrooms and drainage system.  We are also moving forward with our plan to install a generator that will provide electricity for the entire building.  Ecole Communautaire du Bel-Air currently serves 88 students per year, all of whom had limited access to education until they enrolled in our program.  In the near future, we plan to expand the school and increase our student enrollment numbers to approximately 150.

Supply Furniture & Learning Materials

Edeyo furnished Ecole Communautaire du Bel-Air with classroom essentials, including blackboards, chairs and desks, while providing all students with notebooks, pencils, backpacks.

Provide Free Education

Thanks to the continual support of our donors, tuition at Ecole Communautaire du Bel-Air is completely free of charge to families of all attending students.

Our Food Program

Edeyo provides one hot meal a day to all 88 students through the help of our benefactors and generous sponsorships from local New York restaurants.

Plan to Build Cafeteria

As we begin to expand the capacity of Ecole Communautaire du Bel-Air, Edeyo plans to build a school cafeteria directly across the road from the school building, which will accommodate all enrolled students and provide a permanent place for staff to cook and serve meals.