It looks like we'll have to wait a little longer for the Special Ed Unit as the need for Infant I and II and Standard I is overwhelming. I am in a sheer panic!!! We will open the Special Ed Unit as soon as possible but school needs to start in September. Thanks for all your support and prayers!
I am writing you with an impassioned plea for assistance in a project that is especially near and dear to our hearts. You might remember that Vernon and I moved from Belize City to the Island of Ambergris Caye in order to oversee the building of an Anglican school and Church. We made this decision in response to the desperate need for another primary school on the Island. Last year over 120 children weren't able to attend school because there was literally no room.
With the enthusiastic support of Bishop Wright, Mrs. Carol Babb, General Manager of Anglican Schools, national and local government officials and citizens of San Pedro, the project began to take shape. The Diocese was given a piece of land - mostly swamp but in a very needy neighborhood and we were able to purchase three wooden buildings to serve as temporary classrooms.
Of course this is Belize and everything happens at the last moment... Mayro Elsa Paz contacted Vernon last week and literally begged for the school to open this September.
There are almost 90 students (ages 5 to 8) who have no school to attend so we are now going crazy trying to get this school underway. In spite of the fact that the buildings aren't up, the land is still a swamp and we have nothing for a school - REGISTRATION WILL BEGIN THIS SATURDAY!!l CRISIS!!!
I hardly slept last night thinking of all the things we need. Starting a school from scratch is an awesome challenge! Now I know you guys with God's enormous help can move mountains... I'm praying that you can also help get this school open - in a month's time!!!
We are in DESPERATE need of financing - no amount is too small or too big - smile!
First of all we need to pay labor costs to get the temporary buildings erected (sure wish I had some available volunteer teams!!). We're estimating cost at $1,000 US.
Then we need to build a wooden walkway over the swampy area between the road and the school - another $1,000 or so. And then a bathroom - sure wish we had porta-potty services in Belize!
We have a source here in Belize that will sell us school furniture at cost. The owner is a friend of ours and really committed to this school but it still will be expensive. We need:
90 student desks at $20 US a piece - we are planning for 30 per class
3 teacher desks at $75 US a piece
8 bookshelves at $50 US a piece
Then we need textbooks at approximately $50 US per student, blackboards, tables and chairs, library books, chalk, and the list goes on and on and on....
Any help you could give would be wonderful!! And PLEASE keep planning on bringing volunteer teams. We want to start on the permanent building as soon as possible.
Much love and many Blessings,
Francis
Mrs. Francis Wilson
Anglican Diocese of Belize
Diocesan Office
Rectory Lane
Belize City
BELIZE, Central America
[email protected]