The Digicel Foundation inaugurated last week, in Calvaire Sainte Thérèse, an annex to the Collège John XXIII. Created in partnership with the Archdiocese of Cap-Haitien, this 600,000 US dollar project aims to provide quality and accessible education, while paying tribute to Mikaben, an icon of Haitian music and former brand ambassador.
The information was confirmed by Sophia Stransky, Executive Director of Digicel Foundation, during an interview with Radio Magik 9. Located about two kilometres from the main building, the new annex includes two two-storey buildings with eleven classrooms, an equipped kitchen, a modern sanitary unit, a drinking water tank, a recreational area, and a secure fence. This educational complex responds to the high demand for enrolment in recent years in the region.
Dedicated to the memory of Mikaben, who died three years ago in France, the establishment has several artistic works that trace the artist's life. According to Mrs Stransky, a music school will soon be established within the annex to perpetuate Mikaben's creative and humanist spirit.
« Every school we build is a promise of hope, a step towards a better future »said Stransky, stressing that the Foundation has already built 195 schools across Haiti, welcoming more than 60,000 students.
For the Executive Director, this partnership with the Collège Jean XXIII was an urgent response to a real need: to accommodate more students in better conditions. She believes that this proximity will allow several children in the neighbourhood to avoid long trips, thereby promoting safety, attendance and school well-being.
W.A.
