Le College Mixte de l'Experience was started two years ago by Jean Marie Merci and his wife to serve the children of Haiti and bring hope to this beautiful island. Jean Marie and his wife, both out of work teachers, tired of watching so many eager children be turned away from schools simply because they could not afford to pay tuition. Taking matters into their own hands, they founded the Blue Tarp School out of their own homes, gathering students beneath a blue tarp to shield them from the hot Caribbean sun and seasonal rains. Their goal was simple: give the children of Haiti a free education, teaching basic literacy, math, French and civics. In so doing, the Mercis were giving these children hope, both for their own futures and that of their island nation.
The first year was a tremendous success. Teaching First through Fourth Grades and accepting students ranging in age from 7 to 17, the teachers worked without compensation, scrounging for materials wherever they could be found. Despite the difficult conditions, the smiles on the students faces testified to the impact of the Merci's work.
Then the earthquake struck.
