Provide electricity to 500 students in Belize

Greetings!!

Our plans for Phase 3 solar --- another 5KW array to join the two current 5KW arrays -- are moving foward -- although a little slower than previously planned. Nonetheless, due to your generosity, we have raised an additional $1000 toward our goal in the last few weeks. We had an excellent response to the GG matching campaign and a new anonymous recurring donor! This is making a meaningful dent in the funds we need to account for in order to sign our Phase 3 contract with BRE. 

BRE has concluded a sight survey and due to our facility expansion plans there is no question that adding a third array plus continuing to reduce roof-top heating with reflective coat paint is the best strategy. I've attached an architectural drawing (pdf) of the expansion plans, which include 12 more elementary school classrooms, a ball-field, a chapel, and a 2-year vocational high school. Most of the "land" required will need to be land-filled since the school is constructed on the edge of a mangrove swamp in the impoverished community of San Mateo. I enclose a picture rendition of the expansion plans, which have now been endorsed by the local political authorities. BRE has also provided an updated cost estimate for phase three, which is in line with our expectations. We continue to be greatful to BRE for all they have done for the school!!

Sadly, our dedicated and wonderful principal, Miss Grace, became ill last spring and passed away a couple of weeks ago. She was the first Belizean principal to assume full and official administrative authority over the school and did an outstanding job working with teachers and students to help the school become highly ranked in national testing despite the rather desperate living conditions from which most of the students come. She was also a champion for continuing to work effectively with the volunteers that have helped the school to address the educational needs of the impoverished. She will be greatly missed, and I dedicate this report in her honor.

A new principal has been selected by the Belizean Education Ministry and he indicates his interest in continuing to work closely with our Board and the volunteers.

We still have a substantial amount of funds to be raised -- about $15,000 -- before we feel we have enough to sign the new contract with BRE. Again, recall that BRE donates all of their technical time -- including travel --- as well as sells us all panel and array components at cost. They are proposing to donate $7500 in like-kind costs for Phase 3!!

In that light -- I urge you to consider making one or more special gifts this fall that would help make a significant dent in the $15K we need to finish fund raising. We thank you for all you have done and will do for the children of Holy Cross through our renewable energy project. Let's go do it for Phase 3!

John

• Master HCAS Five-Year Expansion Drawing (PDF)