"This School Will Change Lives"

What this episode covers

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti - At 9 a.m., a chorus of young voices rang out in the middle of Camp Dadadou, a tent city in the heart of Port-au-Prince. Sixty children had gathered under a large 40’ x 60’ tent for their first day back to school more than a month after the earthquake that devastated their island nation in January. When Operation Blessing’s Kumar Periasamy arrived on site, he heard the children singing in Creole—and while he could not understand the words, he immediately recognized the familiar hymn. “Then sings my soul, my Saviour God to Thee…how great Thou art, how great Thou art,” the children sang out. The singing was enticing. “Within minutes, children were coming from every corner,” Kumar said. By the end of the first day, more than 500 children had registered in the school. The week before, Kumar and OBI teams had cleared the area for the school, erected the tent and coordinated a team of teachers and volunteers—creating quite a buzz of excitement among the camp. Dr. Jounie, the camp coordinator, told OBI teams that as she was walking among the tents the night before she could hear children crying out, “Mommy, Mommy! Tomorrow is the first day of school!” But the excitement didn’t stop there. Operation Blessing coordinated with a battalion of US Navy SeaBees to help build desks and benches and within a week of the school opening, were already delivering the first batch to the school. “Every one of my men and women who’ve come here to put these benches together, deliver them and spend time loving on these kids, have come home changed,” said Captain Jim Webb, Seabee battalion commander. “It’s really been a life-altering event for them – just the ability to give something back.” The school is currently teaching grades 1-6, and in addition to learning basic subjects such as math, science and history, the children are also given a free lunch every day. “These kids were traumatized and they need a place where they can be themselves,” said Dr. Jounie, camp coordinator for Dadadou. “My dream has come true through Operation Blessing…this school will change lives.” HOW YOU CAN HELP: Be a part of Operation Blessing's efforts to bring food, clean water and medical care to Haiti's earthquake survivors. Your online contribution can help us continue to reach these families in need.

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