IMN Update

I want to share part of a letter I received this morning from the Principal, Maxandre, at IMN in Darbonne, Haiti.  The first portion of the letter deals with money, space and construction.  I'll spare you the details and get to the latter part that has much more to do with the students.

Say Maxandre:

"What will we do with the kids in the next couple of weeks before school officially opens?  With help from a social worker named Nakej Brutus, the teachers at IMN will participate in a two-day seminar (15-16 March).  Nadej will work with the teachers on how they need to support and work with the children who have been traumatized by the great shock of the earthquake.  The teachers will create a special curriculum with a series of themes which are relevant to what the kids have just lived through.  Another seminar is scheduled for 30-31 March on providing psycho-social support for the students."

"The kids will play, make drawings, and learn what to do when a natural disaster strikes the country.  They will also enter into a formal apprenticeship on April 15th that will be decided upon by the principal and teachers.  But this is a special year, for a bunch of special students, at a special school.  Even the evaluations/tests will have to be made special."

"John Engle and some friends of his will also help IMN receive 10 laptops to help the kids learn how to use a computer.  These laptops are made especially for kids.  A young woman named Matanya who is close to the school will be going for two weeks to participate in a seminar so that she can return to teach four kids from the school  plus five other young people from the area information technology.  This is a pilot program."

"I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all our donors and supporters.  Haiti has become even more dependent on outside help now, and I'm so happy for Cynthia, Erik, Mary Lou, Dick and all their teams and the many other friends who've begun to help IMN.  I assure you that the money you've sent is being spent in the best way possible and directly to support the education of Haiti's children at IMN.  I want to thank you all.  I had some fears about being able to realize this project, but each time I receive an email, a phone call, I feel stronger and I believe we can succeed."

Words well said by Maxandre!

Many thanks,
Dick Flesher