For us, nothing is more vital than to build temporary, transitional and permanent schools. Not only bringing a sense of normalcy to the lives of those affect by the recent earthquake but to build anchors of recovery in communities have been torn apart. Thanks to the support of Ben Stiller, Shakira, Howard Buffett, Trevor Neilson and others we can begin to build hope for the future leaders of Haiti.

Destruction of schools in Haiti quake crushes hopes of a better future for many
By William Booth and Scott Wilson

Washington Post Staff Writers | Saturday, January 23, 2010; A01

PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI -- Of the many things taken from this city by the earthquake, few are as threatening to Haiti's future as the near destruction of a school system viewed across society here as the only path to a better life.

After the devastating earthquake that hit Haiti, Ben Stiller and the Stillerstrong project is now changing its efforts to the Haitian School Initiative, in collaboration with Architecture for Humanity. We will develop and build a series of temporary and transitional schools where they are needed most. We need get children back in school by building strong, safe and sustainable facilities that protect them in the months and years it will take to rebuild their country.

The future of Haiti has never seemed so bleak. Large-scale reconstruction is not yet a priority, but the country will be rebuilt. BNN investigates how other nations have recovered from this catastrophe and what's involved. BNN speaks to Kate Stohr, managing director and co-founder, Architecture for Humanity.

http://watch.bnn.ca/#clip258406

Barefoot Foundation will build new school for displaced children

Prior to her performance on the Hope for Haiti Telethon, Shakira announced today an initiative to build a new school in Haiti through her Barefoot Foundation. The Foundation will work in partnership with Architecture for Humanity to build the school and NGO partners to provide education, school feeding, clean water and sanitation services. Foundation board member Howard Buffett, World Food Program Ambassador Against Hunger and chairman of the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, will fund the school feeding component of the initiative and other related services.

To fully enact our seven point reconstruction plan in Haiti we need to raise approx. $100K - Over the past week we've raised close to $50K, mainly from $25, $50 and $100 online donations. A number of individuals and groups have independently set up fund raisers and auctions to help us reach our goal. Below are the ones we know about. We are immensely grateful for taking the initiative.

Designers Unite for Haiti - Bureau of Friends Ebay Sale
The Bureau of Friends (we are a member) are donating one off products for sale on eBay. Check it out

Zoe Saldana
Zoe Saldana, the actress of Avatar, Star Trek and Pirates of the Caribbean kindly offered to do a fashion week eBay auction to help raise funds towards our Haiti reconstruction work. Check it out

Azure Magazine

A number of you have been asking about the nature of our response. While it is still early, taking lessons from the work in Bam, after the Tsunami and on the Gulf Coast, here is our current plan.

1) Fundraise We're going to start by fundraising. We do need donations to get rolling.

2) Create a central base Send a team down to identify a site/partner(s) to house a recovery center likely in Port-au-Prince.

3) Provide technical assistance Use a small full-time team to direct volunteer efforts in damage assessments, safety training and basic building training. (first 6 months- 1 year)

4) Design Services Provide sustained, long-term design services from the recovery center to local groups, NGO's and local officials to assist and support the rebuilding process (6 months- 3 years)

On Jan. 12th a powerful 7.0 quake hit the impoverished nation of Haiti. This was followed more than 30+ strong aftershocks. There has been widespread major damage and a loss of life estimated to be between 45,000 to 50,000 (source: Red Cross). There are projections of 2-3M without shelter. Since then we have launched an appeal to focus on the long term reconstruction effort. In the first four days we've raised over $45,000 in individual giving and have pledges from a number of companies.

If you care about building Haiti back better, donate today.