Promoting Haitian Reconstruction

October 11, 2012

Sacre Coeur school in Port-au-Prince is being rebuilt by Haitian firm Kaytek.

Haitian entrepreneur Mathias Pierre, founder of Kaytek, S.A., and U.S. Embassy Economic/Commercial Chief John G. Robinson tour Port-au-Prince's Sacre Coeur school, which was destroyed in the 2010 earthquake.  Currently being rebuilt by Kaytek, the 1300 m2 school educates 610 girls from middle school to high school. With funding from the Clinton-Bush Haiti Fund, Kaytek has trained 200 Haitian engineers who have completed the project in just 2 1/2 months. Kaytek's steel beam technology ensures greater earthquake resistance.  

Together, Kaytek and the Clinton-Bush Haiti Fund are supporting long-term reconstruction by promoting jobs, cultivating entrepreneurship, and building capacity in Haiti’s construction industry.  The Cap Haitien-born Pierre is also the founder of the “Etre Ayisyen” Foundation, whose mission is to promote the success of Haitian youth and develop young entrepreneurs. His book, The Power of a Dream, shares his story.  Funding for reconstruction of Sacre Coeur is thanks to donations of alumni and other supporters.