“MERCI” FOR OUR SCHOOL

When Hurricane Matthew hit Haiti in early October this year, the island nation was struck by a natural disaster once again. Broad stretches of agricultural land were destroyed. Food supplies have become scarce and there is a threat of a cholera epidemic due to a lack of clean drinking water. The school in Gressier was fortunately unharmed by the hurricane. It contributes to the food supply by keeping chickens and growing bananas and citrus fruit; in the medium term, there are plans to raise cattle as well.

The Gressier educational center includes a kindergarten/preschool, elementary school and secondary school, including a boarding school for 80 students. Child care is provided during the school vacation, which can last as long as two months. The children really enjoy their lessons because they sense that this is their chance to leave poverty behind and lead independent lives. Several school-leavers have now started vocational training or a university course. The school’s long-term goal is to set up its own vocational training center for bricklayers, tailors, electricians and IT specialists, as well as a driving school.

Its project partner in Gressier is the “Don Bosco Mondo” aid organization, which since fall 2016, has been bringing food, clean drinking water and building materials to those regions devastated by the hurricane.

If you’d like to help, here is the WACKER HILFSFONDS donation account at Bayerische Landesbank München:

IBAN DE59 7005 0000‎ 0003 3333 33
BIC BYLADEMMXXX.

Please note your name and address (personnel number for employees) on the bank payment forms and the purpose of your donation as being “Haiti.” The fund will issue donation receipts to employees resident in Germany, as the donations are tax-deductible there. WACKER’s relief fund thanks everyone for their support.