Dominican Republic - Algodon Classrooms

Your support can help us overcome unexpected challenges and ensure a strong, safe, and durable school for generations to come.

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The Challenge:

During the construction of new classrooms at Algodón School, our engineers discovered a critical issue: the water table in the soil is extremely high, causing water to emerge just 60cm below the surface. This poses a serious risk to the structural integrity of the building, including potential cracks, water leaks, and even collapse if not addressed.

To ensure the safety and durability of the school, we need to implement additional measures, including:

• Confinement beams to strengthen the structure.

• Improved drainage systems to redirect rainwater and prevent water buildup.

• Reinforced columns and slabs to support the second level of classrooms.

These changes are essential to meet safety standards and protect the children, teachers, and staff who will use the school every day.

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The Solution:

Thanks to the expertise of Engineers Carlos Acosta and Henry Guillén Feliz, we have a clear plan to address these challenges. Their recommendations include:

1. Building a stone-walled drainage channel to efficiently redirect rainwater and protect the foundation.

2. Adding confinement beams and reinforced columns to ensure the structure can withstand the high water table.

3. Completing the second level of classrooms with uniform beams and a roof slab for long-term durability.

By investing in these improvements now, we can avoid costly repairs in the future and ensure the school remains a safe, functional, and inspiring place for learning.

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The Impact:

This project will transform the lives of children in the Algodón community by providing them with:

• Safe and durable classrooms that meet national education standards.

• A computer lab to equip students with 21st-century skills.

• A clean, well-maintained environment that fosters learning and growth.

Your support will not only help us complete this project but also ensure that the school becomes a beacon of hope and opportunity for generations to come.

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Why Your Support Matters:

The unexpected challenges we’ve faced have increased the project’s budget, but we remain committed to delivering a school that is safe, durable, and transformative. By donating today, you can help us:

• Mitigate risks associated with the high water table.

• Strengthen the structure to ensure it lasts for decades.

• Provide a better future for children in the Algodón community.

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Budget Breakdown:

The additional costs for these critical improvements include:

• Construction materials: wood, sand, gravel, cement, blocks, rods, and plumbing/electrical items.

• Labor and engineering expertise to implement the recommended changes.

• Drainage system installation to protect the foundation.