DOMINICA HURRICANE UPDATE – MORNE PROSPER (November 2018)
CURRENT ACTIVITIES (RECOVERY PHASE) ● Blockwork on both schools is reaching the sill beam and formwork for the roof has begun ● The retaining wall capping beam has been poured and volunteers have been busy backfilling ● Plumbing below the slab is complete and electricians have started on site
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Samaritan’s Purse completed blockwork walls for the new septic tank & are ready to pour the slab We now have 2 roofing teams up & running and have completed 11 residential roofs to date We have begun a trainee programme and are training 3 local young people in roofing skills
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. 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 WORK All Hands and Hearts – Smart Response has been focusing its efforts in Dominica on rebuilding schools and repairing residential roofs. Having completed our first project - rebuilding Paix Bouche Primary and Pre School in St. Andrew Province - we are now focusing on rebuilding Morne Prosper Primary and Pre School in St. George Province. At the center of our work are Build Back Better techniques to make the schools and roofs resistant against future hurricanes and earthquakes. Working closely with the Ministry of Education, other NGOs, the schools and the local communities, this essential work will create much safer homes and more appropriate learning environments, which also serve as evacuation shelters for the surrounding communities.
Mini Creole Fest with the community at our base Visit to a local community farm in Morne Prosper
OUR IMPACT
41
STUDENTS IMPACTED
2
SCHOOLS IN PROGRESS
1950
VOLUNTEER DAYS
77
VOLUNTEERS
Liveier Tadour Water Source, Morne Prosper This additional project was identified as a need by the local community and we’re really pleased that we’ve been able to take it on. The freshwater spring was widely used by the community before Hurricane Maria, but unfortunately access was damaged making it dangerous to use. A small team of volunteers has been working hard to rebuild the broken steps and install a handrail. The next step will be to improve the water source itself, by rebuilding the pipe and creating a rest area next to the pool.
ADDITIONAL PROJECTS Charlotte Pre School, Newtown We are excited to announce that we will shortly be retrofitting and repairing our third school in Dominica - Charlotte Pre School in Newtown, Roseau. The roof of this building was very badly damaged in Hurricane Maria and the school community have been unable to use the space ever since. As such, the 40 students and 3 teachers have been sharing a cramped, unfit space. All Hands and Hearts will be completely rebuilding the roof to meet hurricane resistant standards and also refurbishing the school’s interior. For more information on this upcoming project, and how you can assist, please see here.
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 DOMINICA PARTNERS
5 YEARS IN A ROW! Only 10% of charities have received at least 5 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