On 18 September 2017, Hurricane Maria evolved into a category 5 storm and hit the Caribbean island of Dominica. The entire population of 73,000 was affected; 27 lives were lost and 31 persons were reported missing. Schools, such the Salisbury Educational Facility, suffered severe damage, and the conditions were not suitable for teaching. Health concerns also arose, associated with mosquito-borne illnesses, mold, and the presence of rodents in and around the school building.
Thanks to India-UN Fund support, the Government and the United Nations development system collaborated to rebuild the vital education infrastructure, applying the “building-back-better” principle. That approach included the enforcement of building codes, use of adequate construction materials, and the application of proper building reconstruction techniques to meet wind and seismic standards. Additionally, an early warning system was developed, which will not only directly benefit the school population but also the surrounding community of Salisbury through notification of impending hazards. The early warning system is linked to the national warning system and comprises a loudspeaker so that warning messages can be communicated from the Principal’s office.
The project reduced disruptions to the learning and development of boys and girls by restoring access to a safe education facility. It also reduced beneficiaries’ vulnerability to extreme weather events and future disruptions through the establishment of the early warning system.
Supported by the India-UN Fund with $1 million, the project was successfully completed in September 2020. It directly benefits 109 students (47 boys and 62 girls), while the new early warning system protects the entire Salisbury community, estimated at 2,590 people.
The project benefited from the active participation of the Ministry of Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training and National Excellence; the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, Climate Resilience, Sustainable Development and Renewable Energy; the Government of Cuba; Engineers Without Borders; UNDP Barbados; and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States.
