Salvation Army Schools Resume in Port-au-Prince

College Verena is one of two Salvation Army schools in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. It is, however, the only one still standing after the January earthquake. Prior to the quake the campus had three buildings with 1,200 students enrolled. The quake destroyed two of the three buildings, the administrative office and the storage area.

Within weeks of the disaster, Salvation Army staff and teachers found safe places in the courtyard so the children could continue their education. While the Haitian government prepares to restart schools citywide, College Verena students have a head-start with reading and math classes.

There is concern about the large number of children who have not attended school, even prior to the quake, due to limited resources. The Salvation Army will need to increase the school’s capacity for students as a result of these circumstances, therefore increasing the need for more sponsorships.

Financial contributions can be made by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769), by donating online, SalvationArmy.ca/haiti by texting HAITI to 45678 from most Canadian carriers, by mailing donations to The Salvation Army Territorial Headquarters, Canada and Bermuda, 2 Overlea Blvd., Toronto, Ontario M4H 1P4, or dropping off financial donations at the closest Salvation Army unit in your area. Donors should specify their gift to the Haiti Earthquake Disaster Relief Fund.