2010: Haiti Challenge

Your projects generated $500,000 to rebuild Haitian schools

January 2010 — May 2010

In the first-ever Students Rebuild Challenge, students raised funds to benefit those affected by the earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12, 2010. Students Rebuild partnered with Architecture for Humanity and Global Nomads Group so students and educators could raise much-needed funding for the reconstruction of four schools.

Challenge Overview

It all started when a devastating earthquake struck Haiti on January 12, 2010.

When Haiti was struck by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake just outside Port-au-Prince, over 100,000 people were killed and 250,000 homes collapsed or were severely damaged. About half the nation’s schools were affected, leaving young people homeless and without access to safe places to learn.

Students around the world answered our call, and their efforts helped rebuild 4 schools.

Over 3,000 students from nine countries came together to raise funds, and with a matching donation from the Bezos Family Foundation, a total of $500,000 was donated. Architecture for Humanity used these funds to rebuild four schools that serve primary and secondary students around the country.

These efforts helped provide classrooms for 1,850 Haitian students. Working closely with school leaders, Architecture for Humanity built schools that celebrate Haiti and improve the learning conditions for future students.

Increased enrollment after rebuild of a school in Collège Mixte Le Bon Berger.

In 2010, Collège Mixte Le Bon Berger was a six-classroom, 12-grade school built just a few years prior. It needed to be entirely replaced after the earthquake. The Haiti team began design by conducting collaborative sessions with designers, school owners and faculty. They worked with Haitian builders and artisans to pinpoint Montrouis' identity and passion for learning. The reconstruction of eight classrooms for a 400-student school devastated by the earthquake brought national praise and 25% increased enrollment.

Gallery

Projects in all shapes and sizes to raise money for Haiti.

In the first ever Students Rebuild Challenge, our teams put their creativity to the test and hosted their own fundraisers. They held bake sales, computer fixing drives, and even a rock concert. We were blown away by students around the world who responded to help their peers.

Students at Pegasus High School who helped raise funds to reconstruct schools after the earthquake in Haiti.

When students met with Architects for Humanity volunteers, they dreamed up some pretty great ideas for their new school.

Youth Rock the Rebuild for the Haiti Challenge.

With their school finally opening, the school children put on a spectacular show of contemporary dance, singing and rapping.

Peace and Love from a Haiti student.

Students at the rebuilt Collège Mixte Le Bon Berger light up our day with these bright smiles!

Where we came from

Caring across borders

Here are the places our Haiti Challenge teams call home. Click through the map to learn more about each team.

Registered
Teams

Submitted
Art

Your Team

Challenge
Projects

Haiti Challenge Teaching Materials

The Challenge is over, but you can still make a difference.

Teaching materials from the Haiti Challenge are available for free download at any time.

Teaching Resources

Find curricula, videos, and more resources from all Challenges in our resource library.

Resource Library