We are rebuilding our school that was damaged in Hurricanes Maria and Irma. The effects of living on generator power, 90% humidity, consistent rains, and weakened infrastructure on the island result in damaged equipment, structures, and support needs. Repairs require a consistent source of upfront capital. The combination of these is a heavy burden for small, non-profits like our school, St. Croix Montessori, and the support of our global community is invaluable to the children we serve.
Hurricane Maria ravaged the Caribbean, and we know that considerable resources will be required to rebuild our community in the US Virgin Islands. Our hospitals, schools, and homes were damaged, and this causes a firm halt in how our community can resume any normal way of life. First, Hurricane Irma made landfall, and the only hospitals and schools in the Virgin Islands were on St. Croix. Within days, Hurricane Maria battered St. Croix, and brought life to a halt.
This project will collect resources to enable the school to make major repairs and expand services. The St. Croix Montessori School is a partner of the St. Croix Foundation for Community Development, and we know that partnerships across all levels will be required for the community of St. Croix to be restored.
By improving the school, this project will enable students and their families to resume some level of normalcy as the community of St. Croix aims to heal after Hurricane Maria. For the long-term, we know that students from neighboring St. Thomas and St. John will need to relocate to St. Croix, and schools on St. Croix need to be prepared for the increase in students by preparing its building, campus, and readying its teachers.
