Public Works

Recently, we had the opportunity while rebuilding our exterior wall on Santo 5 to put in place two cement benches for our neighborhood friends to use when they congregate in the evening to talk about the day. [Of late, the conversations are mostly about World Cup matches.] This was a chance to show ‘concretely’ our appreciation for our good neighbors. Public spaces for distinct purposes also add order and stability. An outdoor restaurateur has already taken advantage of the friendly new space.

This week we started our 5th permanent housing project. This involves repairing and upgrading a house that was damaged in the quake and would not be likely to make it through the next one. The house belongs to Madame Elie, an LCS cook for over 15 years.

As another public work, we negotiated with Madame Elie to allow us to place her new exterior wall in line with the ‘future’ street that will allow better access to the village opposite the school. This is a step forward in the ’urban planning’ of our area. 

This is a time when focus needs to shift toward building structure and structures in Haiti. All well-intentioned actions must start to take into consideration more than the immediate recipient if we are going to come out of the quake with a stronger, more functional country. It is going to take a lot of institutional discipline to make sure that relief work does not just make Haiti more dependent and more vulnerable to the next catastrophe--political or natural.

I am proud of THP/LCS's approach to the problems at hand. We have always been about the part and the whole simultaneously. Even in these more difficult times, we continue to be a positive contributor to the building up of Haiti and its advancement as a country as we serve those in immediate need and our particular students.

Peace,

Patrick