On August 14, 2021, a powerful 7.2 magnitude earthquake shattered southern Haiti, claiming over 2,200 lives and injuring 12,200 more. The devastation left entire communities in ruin, with 1,250 school buildings crumbling to the ground. Over 340,000 children were deprived of their classrooms as aftershocks persisted, instilling fear that the next disaster could strike at any moment.
Miyamoto Relief knew that Haiti’s children could not afford to keep waiting. Swift action was vital to reduce risks and establish earthquake-resistant school infrastructures where students could learn and thrive in safety
Local skilled laborers underwent training in earthquake-resistant construction methods utilizing locally sourced materials. Miyamoto Relief also engaged regional contractors to oversee the successful reconstruction.
The impact continues to resonate throughout the communities. As Basquin Therard, principal of Ecole Publique a Gestion Communautaire de Robas, shared: “We would like to thank Miyamoto and all organizations who supported rehabilitating our school. On behalf of the entire staff, parents, and students, we feel immense joy seeing this project provide our children a safe place to learn once more.”
By fortifying Haiti’s schools against future seismic threats through resilient design and local partnerships, we safeguard the nation’s greatest assets: the bright minds of its youth. Every child deserves the promise of an education uncompromised by disaster.
