The Inter-American Development Bank today approved a $20.5 million grant to help Haiti rebuild and equip schools destroyed or damaged by last year’s hurricanes or in dire need of repairs.
The bulk of the IDB grant will be used to replace, repair or improve the buildings of at least 50 public schools, including the construction of sufficient classrooms, offices, dining rooms, kitchens and bathroom facilities. Resources will also be used to equip the schools with new furniture, clean water systems and solar lamp posts.
The project will be carried by Haiti’s FAES economic and social assistance fund, a government agency with an impressive track record in executing small-scale infrastructure projects and in coordinating services between different ministries.
Over the years FAES had built or repaired more than 330 schools using IDB financing, applying high standards for civil works. None of these schools suffered significant damage during last year’s hurricanes.
The project will also seek to involve local school authorities and communities in preventive maintenance of their infrastructure. Training will be provided and a maintenance fund will be established using grant resources. FAES will seek to secure additional public funds for its annual budget in order to sustain the school maintenance fund.
The IDB-funded project will complement the efforts of several other international agencies and foreign aid donors helping Haiti repair schools after last year’s hurricanes. The IDB has also supported programs to improve the quality of basic education and vocational training in Haiti.