The issues include lack of qualified engineers, poverty and corruption—as well as few national building standards in the country. To ensure their new buildings meet established safety standards, Salesians worked with architect Micheline Baptiste to meet fundamental safety requirements outlined in the Model Building Code for Earthquakes established by the Association of Caribbean States.

“We need to unite for the reconstruction of Haiti,” said Father Jacques Charles, director of the Rinaldi Foundation, at the dedication of the warehouse—a permanent Salesian structure completed after the earthquake. He adds that new construction techniques are being taught in the Salesian vocational schools, which each year educate youth in construction, carpentry and electrical maintenance.

“We are making every effort to ensure safety is a priority in Haiti—now as we rebuild and well into the future,” says Father Mark Hyde, director of Salesian Missions in New Rochelle, NY.

The addition of the warehouse will help Salesian Missions improve its capabilities for serving vulnerable youth. It will allow coordination of the distribution of all supplies being sent to support its programs throughout Haiti. To date, 59 containers of relief supplies—including food, water, clothing, medical and personal hygiene supplies, computers, religious goods, water purification plants, water purification tablets, schools in a box, 10 industrial generators, and forklifts—were shipped, as well as two school buses and nearly 2,000 tents.

To ensure the most effective use of supplies, Salesian Missions evaluates the situation at each of its sites to match needs with available resources. The warehouse will also ensure that Salesian Mission can prepare to effectively overcome any disruptions in supplies, such as many expect with the announcement of the upcoming election results, adds Fr. Hyde. Salesians are fully committed to rebuilding their educational infrastructure in Haiti, which sustained tremendous damage.

Since 1935, Salesians have worked to educate Haiti’s most vulnerable youth and trained the best and brightest to become future business people, teachers, construction workers and leaders. Salesian Missions is raising funds to help rebuild its schools and programs in Haiti and donations are needed.

Source: “In Haiti’s Rebuilding, Calls for Stronger Structures.” (NPR, Jan 14, 2011)

For more stories about progress in Haiti, visit ProgressInHaiti.org.

The post HAITI: New Buildings Adopt Safety Measures first appeared on MissionNewswire.

Through the new Salesian University Network, hundreds of university students who have been unable to return to school following the Jan. 12, 2011, earthquake will have a chance to continue their education.

Thirteen computer labs or cybercafés are being established to help students stay up-to-date in their studies. Students will also have the opportunity improve their skills in computer science, English and Spanish, which are valuable skills for any professional career in Haiti. Just as importantly, the Salesian University Network provides an important means for students to connect with other students and form friendships.

“Taking part in the Salesian University Network is an important step for these youth. Many of them are facing uncertain futures and connecting with each other will help them regain their self confidence. It isn’t just a computer network, it is a network of relationships and communication established between students, their peers and the Salesian community,” says Fr. Mark Hyde, director, Salesian Missions.

Students come from different backgrounds and have varied skills and levels of training.  For some students, the Salesian University Network will offer an introduction to computer science and an opportunity to master the basic software. Students will also be able to conduct further research on their specific interest areas.

“It is important for Haiti to promote the growth of its human capital,” says Edson Timana, Haiti relief and reconstruction help desk officer, Salesian Missions. “The Salesian projects are making a difference by strategically providing aid where it is most needed—with a focus on education.  The ultimate goal is to make the investment in education so that these students can finish their studies and contribute to a better future for Haiti.”

According to a Jan. 31, 2010 article in University World News, “general estimates suggest only 1 percent of Haitians between the ages of 18 to 24 enter tertiary education. That rate is the lowest in the hemisphere.”

Installation of the computers is being coordinated by Edysson Yves-Antoine Thanis, a former Salesian student.

The computers will be installed at Salesian communities in 13 provincial towns, as well as the capital:

Fort-Liberté
Ouanaminthe
Cap-Haïtien
Gonaïves
Hinche
Jacmel
Cayes
Fleuriot
Pétion-Ville
Cite Militaire
Cité Soleil
Thorland
Gressier

The computers have been shipped to the locations and are in the process of being installed. Timana noted that in addition to computers, converters are being supplied to combat the vast electric fluctuations and constant blackouts in Haiti. The converters will ensure constant power through electricity, generators and a battery system.

“We’re going to do everything we can to keep students connected,” says Timana.

The students will be connected not only to their schools and the teachers and fellow students, but to all of the opportunities that education provides.

The post HAITI: Salesian University Network Creates Connection to Haiti’s Future first appeared on MissionNewswire.