Provide electricity to 500 students in Belize

As noted in our last project report dated about the 15th of April 2013, we still needed approximately $14K to complete Phase 2. Our target dates were 1) to complete all fund-raising for Phase 2 by July 1, 2013; (2) formally sign the procurement contract with Baker Renewable Energy over the summer; and (3) initiate a the procurement, shipping, and installation of the second 5KW array with an expected completion date of March or April of 2014. I am thrilled to report significant progress since that time. First, an external grant was successful and resulted in an award of $9000.00 toward the overall budget, and a second $1000 gift was also received externally. These additional funds were sufficient to allow the HCEF board to proceed to finalize and sign the contract with BRE for Phase 2.BRE has also stepped up to the plate by keeping costs low --- providing up to a $10K like-kind donation for travel, installation, and other ancillary expenses. Thank you Baker Renewable Energy: http://bakerrenewable.com. Formal signing took place on July 9th. As a result, I have reduced the amount needed through our GG partnership by $10,000 -- this will be reflected as of July 20: overall, this means that we now need approximately $4000 to complete all fund raising for Phase 2. We are nearing the finish line in terms of raising funds for this phase.

In addition to this good news, the Board met in late June as part of the school graduation. HCAS graduated 37 8th grade (Standard VI) students this year, all of whom passed the Belizean national high-school qualifying exam. This achievement ranked us second among the 25 or so Anglican primary schools in the nation in terms of academic achievement. Way to go teachers, students, and staff!! Due to continued need for additional classroom space near San Mateo, we have been asked by the local town officials to consider starting a high-school, and this is under consideration by the Board. I have attached a few graduation and Board meeting pictures associated with this year's activities. Again thank you so much for your continued interest and support!!