Jeremy gave me ten laptops to bring down and distribute where they could be put to best use. I miraculously was able to fit them all into my luggage and got them through customs without any problems other than sore muscles. I redistributed everything about five times and finally weighed in at 49 lbs with each of my checked suitcases plus two carry ons that were pushing the size and weight limits.
Here are five of the computers which we took to a school near Petion-ville. It's a good thing that they were laptops, because it is not a secure location and the teachers need to take them home at the end of the day. They are going to make sure that each student gets on a computer at least once a week. Computer literacy skills are among the most valuable to have in Haiti, and will give these kids a much better chance at being employable when they finish school.
There are 150 students in this school, all of which fit into one open room that is about the size of two of our classrooms put together. Notice the 1 X 6 that is used as their desk.
Old whiteboards are used to partition the classes.
Class clowns can be found anywhere...
The thing that amazes me most is how happy these kids are to be in school. They consider themselves very lucky to be able to study, since nearly half of the population is illiterate. Most of them go to school on an empty stomach and have nothing to eat at school, but they're all smiles nonetheless. 60% of the children at this school are sponsored by Haitian Roots, an outstanding organization that matches up sponsors from the U.S. with students whose families can't afford to pay for their education.
1 comment:
hurray! i recognize a lot of those faces!!! love it!!!!
Post a Comment