This November, classes are progressing at the new Salesian elementary school in Les Cayes (Bergeau). In recent days the first graders have been learning all about fruits and vegetables, the conjugation of verbs in French, as well as sports! It’s easy to see that the children are anxious to learn more and more.
This new school is the fruit of the vision and generosity of Mr. Giancarlo Oderda, who wished to support the youth of Haiti after the 2010 Earthquake. Mr. Oderda states that his aim is to help Haiti “by building a school where young people can learn the skills for a real job -- one that will allow them to become independent and ever-released from the chains of poverty.”
The site chosen for the school is in Les Cayes, located in the South of Haiti, where the Salesians already operate a vocational school. An initial phase of construction was completed in Summer of 2018, and the first group of students entered the classroom in September. Each year the enrollment will grow by adding another class of students. In addition, a second phase of construction, to take place at a future date, will expand the school with a second school block.
At its completion, the school will include nine classrooms, a laboratory, library, infirmary, bathroom facilities, a teachers’ lounge and all the necessary furnishings. The school will be capable of providing 360 children with the necessary foundation to continue on towards higher education and a brighter future!
