My trip to Haiti was life changing. I can't wait to go back!!

I hope this inspires you as much as it does me!! 

 

To watch a video about the school project, please visit You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/user/HaitiSchoolApeal

Ile a Vache (Cow Island) is a remote island community off the southern coast of Haiti, which has recently begun construction of a new school, thanks in a large part to the efforts of local Real Estate Broker Pam Solman and the support of

community service organizations, like the Rotary Club and the Good Samaritan Foundation LLC (GSF), which is headquartered in Boulder County. The three entities joined forces 18 months ago to raise funds for the construction of the school. In early June having now raised nearly two-thirds of the necessary funds, in early June, Stephen Cooper of Rotary, Michael ‘Beans’ Gardener and Solman of GSF travelled to Ile a Vache for a ground-breaking ceremony, marking the beginning of the school’s construction.

 

 

 Getting the Thumbs up from the kids!!

 

 

GSF School

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commenting on the ceremony, Solman said: “It is difficult to see the conditions in which people are living in Haiti, especially after the earthquake in January. However, the ceremony was full of hope and optimism that by building this school and making education available to more children, we can eventually break the cycle of poverty.” Solman has also begun a micro-lending program for the locals to start small businesses in an effort to help the community to become more self- sufficient. During her most recent trip, she introduced a dental hygiene program to students who will begin classes this fall when construction of the school is complete. Earlier efforts of Solman’s to aid this devastated area have included: raising funds, post-earthquake, for food/medical supplies, and collecting/refurbishing donated treadle sewing machines to ship to Ile a Vache as means for the women to make goods to sell and generate income.

During the ceremony community leader Pastor Jean Joseph Phelix formally turned the first sod and spoke on behalf of the community. Phelix expressed gratitude to the Rotary Club and GSF for what they are doing to help the people, and in particular the children of Ile a Vache. During the ceremony, the men of the village pledged they would provide ‘sweat equity’ for the project.

Once completed, the new concrete school will include a cistern for clean water storage, latrine, kitchen, classrooms and office. The existing school is a dilapidated structure made partly of scrap wood, is too small for the number of students, and is open to the elements. Solman indicated the first phase of construction is the transportation of supplies and equipment to the remote island. She noted that the Rotary Club of Les Cayes, Haiti is helping to supervise the project and ensure that all funds are put to the proper use. “We are looking forward to seeing this project come to fruition and are grateful to all the people and businesses in the U.S., the Virgin Islands, and around the world who have supported our fundraising efforts and allowed us to reach this point,” Solman said, noting that an additional $45,000 must still be raised.

The majority of fundraising thus far, has included several benefit “Pirates with a Porpoise” concerts in the U.S. and Virgin Islands held by well known Caribbean musician Michael Gardener, Co-Founder and joint President of the Good Samaritan Foundation. To make a donation to the school in Ile a Vache or for more information please contact Pam Solman at pamsolman@msn.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by calling 303-579-7618. Direct contributions can be mailed to: Good Samaritan Foundation LLC, Bank of the West, P.O. Box 920, Lyons, CO 80540.
To watch a video about the school project, please visit You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/user/HaitiSchoolApeal