Again this year, some thirty SIM firefighters went to Haiti to continue the expansion of the Mark Bourque school launched a few years ago. The main objective of the 2105 mission was to put up a third building to hold three additional classrooms for the school’s 150 students. This third building will allow the students to study indoors rather than in a UNICEF tent.
The firefighters managed to raise $108,000 through a variety of fundraising activities, and in fact exceeded their $100,000 goal. “The mission went very well. We were able to do what we hoped and the school is now functional. There is still a bit of finishing work to be done, but the students have already moved into their new classrooms. With this third building, all the students now have a proper place in which to learn. The old tent that was being used as a classroom is now a thing of the past,” says Haiti mission organizer and firefighter (42-1) Jonathan Michaud.
In addition to the new building, the participants built all the student and teacher desks, bookcases and shelves needed for the three classrooms. They also finished the stucco and painting for the firefighters’ building that went up last year.
“Despite the difficult working conditions, everyone adored the experience. We also took toys, clothing and school supplies to an orphanage,” firefighter Michaud adds.
A 2016 mission is being planned and several people have already signed up. To reserve a space for yourself or for more information, check out the Mission Haïti – École Mark Bourque Facebook page.
To read more testimonies, visit the section marked Proud of our employees!