Compassion Delivers

After touring the old hospital we got to see the new one under construction.  Julian took us through the building, explaining several things along the way.  First he explained where the funding came from and I was surprised — Compassion UK and a partner called LemonAid.  Then he told us how Compassion got involved.  He said that a man named Justin Dowds of Scotland had sponsored a child on La Gonave through Compassion, then came to see for himself whether Compassion delivered on all their promises or not.  He discovered that Compassion did, indeed, deliver in every area — spiritually, socially, financially, physically.  The only area that was falling short for the community was the condition of the hospital, so he decided to raise funds to build a new one.  Everything was arranged through Compassion UK and the project began.  I noticed this sign earlier in the dining room of the mission complex.  Now I knew the story behind the award.

This is an impressive facility.

They have designed it with “green” concepts such as shaded walkways, natural air circulation and the use of solar power, which will save $50,000/year in energy costs.  Julian also said that Compassion was so pleased with the design that they plan to use it again for Child Development Centers in the future.  These two wings will each house 24-bed hospital wards and an infectious disease section complete with bathrooms and sanitation departments.

Next he showed us a large hole being dug for the main part of the hospital, which will be attached to the two wards.  This will house the power equipment, surgical rooms, examination rooms, offices and other areas.

Rather than hiring one person to work an excavator, they hired 50 men to dig this hole by pick and shovel; Compassion insisted that they hire as many as possible, to help more families.  He said that although the men would gladly work for only a few dollars, Compassion insisted they pay above the daily national wage ($12.00/day — Compassion is paying them $17.00/day).  This construction project is currently the largest employment force on the island.

Julian also explained that Compassion would not allow them to use any pre-made components from the United States, but that all would be made locally, so they could learn skills for the future.  I was so pleased to hear this from a third party unconnected with Compassion.  It was exactly what I would expect of this excellent organization.

It was good to see the men working nearly every day that we were there.

There were only two characters that were not working very hard — the goats.  They purchased them with a plan to breed them with hopes that they would keep the greenery & weeds on the property cut back.  But so far, they have only been interested in eating the small white flowers that fall off the trees; they’re not doing their job!