After being devastated by three consecutive hurricanes a couple of months ago that killed almost 1000 people and left tens of thousands homeless, Haiti is now faced with another tragedy as parents prepare to bury their children killed when La Promesse school collapsed last Friday morning while class was still in session. There are an estimated 700 registered at the school but it remains unclear how many were present during the incident. The death toll has risen to over 100 people and that number is expected to rise dramatically as Haitian fire fighters and volunteers from the United Nations, United States, the Dominican Republic, Brazil and others continue to dig under the rubbles in hopes of finding more survivors but as the hours pass, the chances of finding survivors are decreasing sharply.
Most schools in Haiti are private and not very affordable. Those who cannot afford to pay the high cost of an education for their children have only two choices: Government schools ( but only a handful available to the entire country and most at the High-school level). The other alternatives are Christian schools like La promesse which often offer children a low cost or free alternative to other schools. As a result these school are for the most part extremely overcrowded and illequipt.
If you would like to support Haiti World in its effort to eradicate illiteracy in Haiti and help brighten the future of its people. You may donate or contact us on how you can join us on our next mission and relief effort to that region.
Our most recent trip to Haiti was from September 19-25, 2008 when we helped with the hurricane relief effort and distributed 5600 lbs of rice and beans to 438 flood relief victims. Strangers and friends like you donated their time and resources to make it all possible.
Call 847-514-9967
To view photos of the school collapse you may click on the yahoo link below
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081107/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/cb_haiti_school_collapse
