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More than Just a School

January 5, 2012

By Simon Chambers

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The parish church of St. Matthieu in Haiti still stands, but with significant damage visible across the exterior of the building.  The church has been unsafe since the January 2010 earthquake, and the parishioners have not been able to worship in it for almost two years.

Across the road from the St. Matthieu church stands St. Matthieu school.  This complex of buildings is brand new with classrooms, kitchens, bathrooms- even biogas tanks.  The juxtaposition of these two institutions is striking.

The Rev. Jean Berthol Phanord is the priest in charge of St. Matthieu parish.  He explained why the church was still in ruins but the school had been rebuilt.  “Rebuilding the school was a big priority for the community”¦  The new school will keep the children safe even if there is another earthquake.  When there is a hurricane, the people need somewhere to stay.”

The school at St. Matthieu was one of the first new permanent schools built after the eartuqhake, and was inaugurated in September 2011.  The ceremony was attended by 1500 people, including the Haitian Minister of Education.  It is now a place of learning for 350 students and 15 teachers and a place of refuge and a symbol of community for thousands living in St. Matthieu.

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