The Pétionville school collapse occurred on November 7, 2008, in Pétionville, a suburb of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, when the church-operated Collège La Promesse Évangélique (“The Evangelical Promise School”)[1] collapsed at around 10:00 a.m.[2] local time (15:00 GMT). About 700 students from kindergarten through high school attended the school; however, it is unclear how many were in the three-story building when it collapsed.[3] At least 93 people, mostly children, were confirmed killed, and over 150 injured.[4] At least 35 students, 13 girls and 22 boys, were rescued from the rubble alive on November 8.[5]

October  8, 2016

Gone but not forgotten.

Gone but not forgetful.

President Michel Martelly and First Lady Sophia Martelly were busy loading building materials for distribution throughout hurricane damaged areas.

We can remember one time, long before their Presidency, when the Fondation Rose et Blanc distributed a lot of stuff in Fontamara. We were there when 3,000 or 4,000 greeted them on the streets.

We also remember November 7, 2008 when the Collège La Promesse Évangélique (“The Evangelical Promise School”) collapsed at around 10:00 a.m. local time (15:00 GMT). About 700 students from kindergarten through high school attended the school; however, it is still unclear how many were in the three-story building when it collapsed.

At least 93 people, mostly children, were confirmed killed, and over 150 injured.

Many were trapped in the collapsed structure.

These children were buried beneath a tremendously unstable pile of debris when Sophia, and a Doctor  crawled down into impossibly claustrophobic tight spaces in their efforts to save the kids. It was a tremendously brave effort and Sophia Martelly was honored by President Preval for her actions.

At least 35 students, 13 girls and 22 boys, were rescued from the debris.

Some have forgotten.

It is time to remember.