Help Dominica recover after Hurricanes Irma and Maria

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On September 18, 2017, the worst natural disaster in the history of Dominica ravaged this small island nation. With wind gales as strong as 160 mph, Hurricane Maria blasted through the country, damaging 90% of all structures and knocking out all power, water and telecoms.

All Hands and Hearts has committed to Rebuild additional 2 room building of Morne Prosper Primary School as well as the Pre School in the Roseau Valley, in the south of the island. Morne Prosper school is located in a small village of Morne Proper, part of the Saint George municipality in Dominica. The population of this area is approx. 450 inhabitants. The school serves grades from Pre-K to 6 (corresponding to children ages from 3 to 12 years old). This totals 41 children with the majority in daily attendance and 8 teachers ( 6 for the Primary school and 2 for the Preschool). Hurricane Maria has severely damaged Pre School and completely destroyed 2 room addition building of the Primary school. The school now operates in the main school classrooms. They are sharing 3 classes for 7 grades from 5 to 12 years old and the Preschool students are using the library as a classroom that has less than 20 square meters.

At the moment we’ve finished and poured with concrete a foundation of these two buildings and we’ve started a block work. Thanks to our large volunteer number we are also able to help with some various community projects. For example, fixing the local water source and making it more accessible for the whole community as this is one of the main water sources
for them.

Hurricane Maria hasn’t damaged only Morne Prosper Primary School and Preschool. It has
teared down most of the roofs in the village, however we are trying to fix as many of them as
possible with our roofing team and some local workers.

Volunteering with All Hands and Hearts is completely free, and we provide accommodation and meals for each work day. No construction experience is required, and each site is supervised by a trained site supervisor or team leader to ensure that volunteers have a fun, safe and positive experience.