As part of its CIMIC (Civil-Military Cooperation) activities, the Japanese Engineering Company (JAPENGCOY) of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (Minustah) undertook the rehabilitation of certain infrastructure for College Mixte Notre Dame de Lourdes, particularly in the playground and the school building (swing, doors of classrooms and boards). They have also donated five blackboards, 40 school desks and chairs, chalks, and school supplies to students.

About 220 students, 3-12 years old, study in this school, whose 90 of them are orphans. JAPENGCOY personnel also took the opportunity to introduce the children to some Japanese traditional culture including Shuji (calligraphy), Shabondama (blowing bubbles), Origami (paper folding) and Sumo (wrestling) etc...

"We are very glad to see students play and study joyfully with repaired equipments with a big smile on their faces," said CPT Kawano, JAPENGCOY Company Commander and leader of this CIMIC activity.

JAPENGCOY's 223 personnel are based at "Camp Charlie" in Port-au-Prince. They have been working in the mission since 7 February 2010 after the events of January 12, 2010.

S/ HaitiLibre