DOMINICA HURRICANE UPDATE – PAIX BOUCHE (JULY 2018)
DISASTER PROFILE Regarded as the worst natural disaster on record in Dominica, Hurricane Maria made landfall as a Category 5 hurricane on September 18, 2017 with winds over 160 mph. The raging storms killed 31 people, (37 are still missing). Hurricane Maria left Dominica completely devastated, damaging tens of thousands of buildings, all power, water and telecoms, and obliterating 100% of agriculture – a major source of income. Damages and losses are estimated at USD $1.3m, or 224% of Dominica’s GDP. OUR RESPONSE All Hands and Hearts – Smart Response is rebuilding Paix Bouche Primary School and Pre-school in St. Andrew Province. At the center of our work are Build Back Better techniques to make the school resistant against future hurricanes and earthquakes. Working closely with the Ministry of Education, the school and the local community, this essential work will create a much safer, more appropriate learning environment and provide a secure hurricane shelter for the surrounding communities. CURRENT ACTIVITIES June has been a month of masonry work to complete the new reinforced walls, and wrapping the existing columns to add an outer reinforcement jacket, for extra strength. Volunteer work has been focused on rebar bending, form-work building and cement mixing, whilst skilled masons have laid the blocks and welders work to fix the rebar in place. The hardwood timbers for the roof trusses have been assembled, whilst work on the toilet block is almost complete, where old, damaged fittings, tiles and roofing have been removed to make way for new materials and fixtures. Demolition of the damaged Pre-school has taken place and volunteers have been helping to mark up and lay the foundations.
“I'm loving this unique opportunity, despite my physical exhaustion at the end of the day! A highlight for me has been chatting to local kids, whose faces carry curiosity, pride and strength. Then I know that mixing cement is worthwhile!” - Fiona Bruce, volunteer from Ireland
“AHAH achieve excellence whilst rebuilding communities. Working with them has been an incredible collaboration. We’re working together to build more than just a school. We’re bringing back community, stability and hope.” - Jasmine Sun, Outreach Coordinator for Marine Reach
OUR IMPACT
89
CHILDREN ASSISTED
20
LOCALS EMPLOYED
962
VOLUNTEER DAYS
83
VOLUNTEERS
Paix Bouche Primary School & Pre-school Since 1963, Paix Bouche Primary School has gained an excellent reputation and made the national news on its 50th anniversary for 'significantly impacting education and quality of life' and for contributions to community and national development. Parents and teachers have been working hard to keep classes running under very challenging circumstances since October. This short video interview with the headmistress and a footage from around the school gives a sense of the damage that it suffered as a result of the hurricane.
Future Projects in Dominica We are very excited that we will shortly be moving into Housing Repairs in Dominica. With 90% of roofs damaged or destroyed during Hurricane Maria, there is a great need for support in this area. Working in partnership with IOM, we will be building new roofs for local people in Calibishie. In September, we will also start work on a second school! Morne Prosper Primary School is currently running on a post-Maria timetable due to lack of classroom space and resources. We are looking forward to giving the teachers and students a safe, comfortable and uplifting space in which to learn and work.
OUR MISSION To effectively and efficiently address the immediate and long-term needs of communities impacted by natural disasters. By listening to local people, and deploying a unique model of engaging volunteers to enable direct impact, we rebuild safe, resilient schools, homes and other community infrastructure.
OUR PARTNERS
4 YEARS IN A ROW! Only 13% of charities have received at least 4 consecutive 4-star ratings. This means All Hands and Hearts outperforms most of the other 1.5 million charities in America in operational and financial efficiency.
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For additional information: Ellie Griffies-Weld, Partnership Manager ellie.gw@allhandsandhearts.org www.allhandsandhearts.org