In collaboration with fellow Clinton Global Initiative Haiti Action Network member Architecture for Humanity, International Action has installed the first clean water system for the Southeast water project at École La Dignité, a primary school in the town of Cayes-Jacmel. École La Dignité, headed by Mrs. Vivianne Vieux, is the only free private school in Jacmel.
The school supports 8 localities, some of which are 3 km away from the school, including Corrail Soult, Nan Model and La Pierre. The school currently has 227 students from grades 1-6, but will now open its doors to students in grades 7 and 8.
International Action has installed a 2,000-gallon water tank and chlorinator at the school. According to Mrs. Vieux, the new clean water infrastructure means that her students will no longer go thirsty or have to worry about waterborne illnesses. Mrs. Vieux is also very happy that her students will no longer have to climb the steep hill home with buckets of water on their heads, because they now have clean water in their neighborhood.
After the school day is done, moreover, Ecole La Dignite serves as a community center for local fishing communities, art programs, and church groups. All of these people will have access to the clean water provided by International Action’s water system.
International Action’s Southeast water project aims to install clean water infrastructure in 50 schools in the region. École La Dignité is the first beneficiary. That’s one down, and 49 more to go.