(IDEX Online) - Over 60 volunteers from Forevermark US and staff from Forevermark authorized jeweler, Diamonds International Honduras, have partnered together to rebuild, improve and expand a school for children in Roat??n, Honduras.
The five-week combined effort more than doubled the school's capacity, making it the largest in the area. Results included: greatly improving the overall space, structural quality, updated electric, proper air circulation and the opportunity for more students to enroll and receive free education.
As a part of The De Beers Group of Companies, Forevermark is committed to giving back to the communities in which it operates. The project stemmed from a recent trip to Diamonds International Honduras taken by Forevermark US Director of Business Development, Michael Rousso. After hearing about Diamonds International's plans for the school and seeing firsthand the strength and spirit of the community in Roat??n, Rousso felt it was imperative for Forevermark to join this effort, Forevermark said in a statement.
"After witnessing the commitment Diamonds International continually provides to their community, we wanted to support their efforts as if they were in our own backyard," said Rousso. "The vision and spirit of the community and volunteers coming together to build something lasting was so inspiring and we are proud to have been a part of it."
"We have dedicated the past seven years giving back to the communities of Roat??n, and this year, we wanted to put a special focus on education by rebuilding a school that was in dire need of help," said Ruth King, General Manager of Diamonds International Honduras. "All of the children who were once turned away now have a safe and comfortable environment to start their educational journey. This project will keep on giving back to the community for years and years to come."
In the school's original state, over 40 children in seven grades shared two small and run-down classrooms and a shed. Now, the school's capacity has more than doubled with over 2,000 square feet including four new classrooms and a library, allowing a safe space for nearly 100 children to receive a free education each year.
Se??ora Norma, School Director at Escuela Luis Bogran, is a driving force within the community and one of the inspirations for the renovation. She donates much of her time and money to help provide not only their education, but also students' transportation to and from school via boat.
"I am so thankful to Diamonds International and Forevermark for rebuilding our school. The parents and I will be forever grateful for the support we received when we needed it most," said Se??ora Norma.
As a part of The De Beers Group of Companies, Forevermark is committed to empowering women and children through various educational and business-related programs in its diamond producing countries. In Canada, De Beers is working in partnership with UN Women to provide scholarships and mentoring to young women and girls from underprivileged communities who want to pursue studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). In Botswana, Namibia and South Africa, programs are in place to accelerate the growth of women entrepreneurs with business and life skills to help enhance their businesses, increase their income and create sustainable jobs for themselves and their communities.