Friday, August 12, 2011
SILVER SPRING, Md. - As part of the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) International's long-term commitment to the rebuilding process of Haiti, the Agency is constructing 100 one-room school buildings on the island. This USD$1 million project comes in response to a call made by Haiti's President, Michel Martelly, for improved access of education.
Funded and implemented by ADRA International, the classrooms will be constructed in partnership with Maranatha Volunteers International Inc., a worldwide organization with a focus on constructing buildings such as school classrooms, orphanages, homes, clinics and hospitals. The structure of the classrooms will follow Maranatha's "One Day School" model. These steel-walled classrooms have been designed for warm environments, ensuring each classroom is properly ventilated with large windows and strategically placed vents, and features white colored roofs to reflect the sun's rays.
Prior to his election, President Martelly heavily emphasized the need of reform in Haiti's education, campaigning a promise to provide free school if elected. Since his appointment, Martelly has implemented the National Fund for Education (FNE), an initiative that charges a five-cent tariff for each minute of international incoming calls, and a $1.50 tariff on international transfers of funds. Money from this fund will be used to further develop Haiti's education system and provide free schooling for children in Haiti.
Operating in Haiti for more than 30 years, ADRA remains dedicated to rebuilding Haiti's near and distant future. Through the construction of these 100 classrooms, ADRA is cultivating an environment that will empower Haiti's younger generation with tools to secure long-term, sustainable change.
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ADRA is a global non-governmental organization providing sustainable community development and disaster relief without regard to political or religious association, age, gender, race or ethnicity.
For more information about ADRA, visit www.adra.org
Author: Christina Zaiback, ADRA International
For more information, contact:
John Torres, Assistant Director of Public Relations
301.680.6357 (office)
301.680.6370 (fax)
John.Torres@adra.org
To donate to ADRA go to:
Online: www.adra.org
Phone: 1.800.424.ADRA (2372)
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