We say education can advance a whole community–and that’s no platitude. IBSF hired a local contractor for the construction of the new classroom building at Ishahayi, and in turn he hired nine local men to complete the work. For a village that survives primarily on subsistence fishing, this is a big opportunity. While many materials do have to be brought to the island by boat, the concrete blocks used for the foundation and walls of the new building were made by these workers, on the island.

Our investment in Ishahayi pays off for both the children who attend the school and the families of the men who have built it. We’re proud that the money we spend on labor stays in the community we serve.

Ben O’Wa’s construction crew poses in front of the new classroom building.