Francoise Gruloos-Ackerman, Representative of the United Nations Fund for Children (UNICEF) in Haiti announced this week the construction of 200 schools with semi-permanent structures in areas affected by the earthquake. The first model of semi-permanent schools of UNICEF has been built at Bel-Air, a sensitive area of the capital, on the site of the School Notre-Dame du Perpétuel Secour, who had collapsed on January 12 last.

This action fits in a long-term support and an joint effort which implies many other partners of the Government within the framework of the second phase of the assistance of the UNICEF which aims to the rebuilding of schools more favorable to the learning "in order to improve the school environment of young Haitian", added Natalie Fiona Hamoudi, responsible for Education for UNICEF. "These structures are more ventilated, more enlightened and more comfortable"

Ms. Gruloos-Ackerman stated that the construction of schools began in early August and a hundred will be ready for back to school date fixed by the Ministry for October 4. She said that these buildings are built to last 10 years but they can be easily transformed to increase its lifespan.

However, the UNICEF is aware that the construction of 200 schools is not enough to face the school demand in Haiti, recalling that 4.992 schools, 23% of the schools of the country, have been affected by the earthquake and that nearly 80% of these schools were seriously damaged or destroyed.

S/ HaitiLibre