On the Ground in Haiti

Friends of Schools Count Corp.,

This information came from the lead administrator, and founder, at Bèl Platon, Mr. Tony Delus via Erik at Haiti Partners. It just came a couple of hours ago and details what is taking place on the ground in this small village in Haiti. What is written in italics comes directly from Tony in Bel Platon. It is both devastating and heartbreaking. You might also want to look at the photos in the attachment.

We are collecting tax deductible donations by mail (payable to Schools Count Corp) to Dick Flesher, 14004 John Humphrey Dr., Orland Park, IL 60462 or by making an online donation at www.schoolscountcorp.org We are collecting through Friday, Oct. 28th. To those of you who have already donated, please accept my sincere thanks for your kind contribution.

Thank you, Dick Flesher

Thank you for your message. I tried to send some messages, but they wouldn't go through.

In the community of Bèl Platon:
35 houses were destroyed.
8 reservoirs were damaged/destroyed.
298 houses were damaged.
3 schools were damaged.
2 churches were damaged.
2 churches were destroyed.
With regard to animals,
about 60 cows died.
Roughly 1000 goats died.
Around 25 donkeys died.
With respect to chickens, there are none left.

Since Hurricane Matthew got done with this area, people have been hungry because there are no more gardens/crops. The children can't last long at school. There's no treated water.

With respect to the school facilities, there is no damage except for the church building which was torn open. There are real problems at the school now. Parents don't have anything to give their children to eat. Students with destroyed houses have nowhere to stay. It's even hard to find tarps to put over the roofs of houses. We've had 80 children return to the school. Another 40 that enrolled haven't shown up yet. We told parents repeatedly to send their kids even if they haven't paid their fees yet, because we know they don't even have enough money to eat...

For the time being we have purchased some tarps in order to wall off classroom space where children can sit. But since it's not covered, when the rain comes we cannot work. Tables get wet. It's only through awareness that we're holding up.

These numbers are, of course, estimates. That said, there’s no doubt that Matthew wreaked havoc in Bèl Platon and that basic needs - food, treated water, shelter - will be an issue for some time into the future.

Please see the attached pics. I’ll share more info as I learn more.

Thanks,

Erik, Haiti Partners.