It is spring and as the weather warms up here in most of the U.S. we start seeing new life coming back to the trees and flowers. Beyond Relief is seeing many signs of new growth as well.
Land purchased
In February, David and Rita did their annual mid-school-year trip to Haiti to visit the trade school. The objective was to start preparing to move the school to a new location in September when the current lease ends. The school’s director, Mackel, and assistant director, Rodrigue, had done a lot of pre-work looking for land where we could possibly build. Beyond Relief was able to purchase a quarter acre of land in Saint Louis du Nord; construction of the security wall will begin toward the end of March.
Detailed planning for the building construction is in progress. We look forward to having 5 larger classrooms to accommodate the growing classes and better space for the school office. This building will be more secure and better fit the needs of the teachers and students both now and as the school’s growth continues in the future.
Along with the excitement of building comes the challenge of raising the money to pay for this new facility. Phase 1 of construction will include the security wall, office, 5 class rooms, 2 bathrooms, storage buildings, septic tanks and a water well will cost $200,000. Every effort will be made to keep costs low, but we want to have a good quality building that provides a secure environment for equipment and all that come through the gates. Will you join us by investing in the future of the young Haitians that the Beyond Relief Trade School is training? Your financial support is needed now more than ever! Please donate to help build this facility.
Toussant Ednel
Growth is not only being seen in the building but also in lives. It was exciting to get a chance to hear from young men and women who have graduated from the Beyond Relief Trade School about the work that they are getting because they now have professional skills. One young man, Toussaint Ednel, was one of the first graduates from the trade school, graduating in both electrical and plumbing. He is currently installing the electrical and plumbing systems for the new Primitive Christian Church in Saint Louis du Nord. He said that he has 2 more jobs in Saint Louis du Nord after he finishes the church and then he has a job in Port Au Prince after he finishes the work in Saint Louis. He is very thankful for being able to go to a trade school in Saint Louis du Nord! Watch raw, uncut video of interviews with Toussaint Ednel and other graduates on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/BeyondRelief/videos
Like planting a flower bulb in the fall then seeing the beautiful flowers that come up from the cold, hard ground in the spring, so is investing in the lives of young Haitian adults. Seeing the flowers bloom in the spring brings such joy. But seeing lives changed brings an even greater joy. Happy spring everyone.
