In 2010, a devastating earthquake struck close to Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince. The DMF partnered with We Charity to rebuild and restore the infrastructure in Manac, a small, rural mountain community, ravaged by the quake.
Haitians have shown great resilience in the face of political instability, grinding poverty and natural disasters. It may take many years, but with contributions that focus on health and education, this crippled nation will continue to move past the widespread devastation.
The Foundation’s support reaches far more than just students.
Livelihood for locals
Local workers are used for construction which contributes to their livelihoods.
Philanthropic efforts impact an entire community when proper foresight and planning are utilized.
Manac is in an extremely rocky region, without access to roads, which made it impossible to move a drilling machine into the construction area. A well to service the school had to be dug by hand. A rainwater catchment system was also installed. Water collected during the rainy season now waters the garden for the year. To improve sanitation, a block of modern hygienic toilets was built near the school.
The United Nations estimates that the more than 80 percent of Haitians living in extreme poverty live in rural areas. They struggle to grow enough food to feed their families and are plagued by deadly waterborne illnesses.
There is no trust more sacred than the one the world holds with children. There is no duty more important than ensuring that their rights are respected, that their welfare is protected, that their lives are free from fear and want and that they can grow up in peace.~ Kofi Annan, United Nations