The Challenge

In the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, many schools and daycares across St. Maarten were left not only with damaged buildings but also without the basic supplies children need to learn and thrive. Simple but essential items like crayons, coloring books, puzzles, pens, and paper were scarce or nonexistent. Without these tools, many classrooms faced an uncertain future, and children’s education was at risk.

Listening to the Community

RebuildSXM knew that meaningful help starts with understanding real needs. The foundation reached out to eight daycares, six primary schools, and one high school to gather detailed supply lists from teachers and administrators. This collaborative approach ensured that the right materials would be purchased - ones that would directly support the children’s learning and creativity.

Taking Action

Armed with these lists, RebuildSXM purchased the supplies from trusted local retailers such as Action and Blokker, supporting the local economy while making sure the supplies would arrive quickly. From crayons and coloring books to puzzles, markers, printing paper, and pens - the foundation secured a full range of educational tools tailored to each classroom’s needs.

Building the Future

By providing these essential school supplies, RebuildSXM helped hundreds of children return to classrooms equipped and ready to learn, create, and imagine a brighter future. The project highlighted the importance of education in the healing process and proved that rebuilding a community truly begins with investing in its children.