John Charmont’s photo on display at Johnny’s Library in Roatan. His memory continues to help children and this February the Charmont Bilingual Academy is opening, a K-9 School in Roatan.
The memory of a Drumheller boy who tragically lost his life in 2010 on a holiday in Mexico is fueling change for dozens of children in the Roatan.
This coming February, a community on the Island of Roatan in Honduras is anticipating the opening of the Charmont Bilingual Academy. This will be a K-9 school offering quality education to students in need.
In November of 2010, Chris Charmont and his 10 year old, were killed in an explosion at a hotel in Mexico while on family vacation. John Charmont was passionate about supporting the Morgan Jayne Project. Less than a year later, his mother Terra established “Johnny’s Fund”, an ongoing commitment to the Morgan Jayne Project. From this came “Johnny’s Place”, a playground and then taking the next step, established “Johnny’s Library” to assist youngsters with access to education and literacy.
Along the way, the community of Drumheller was supportive of the efforts. The next step is the Charmont Bilingual Academy.
“The new school was created from a need for better quality education for students, more similar to the quality our Canadian kids receive. The bilingual aspect allows the students to become proficient in Spanish and English,” explains Terra. “This helps them obtain better paying jobs in their own tourist industry. It also gives students a chance to move on to higher education by qualifying for sponsorships and scholarships.”
Right now students in Roatan are on their seasonal break. During this time, a house is being renovated to become the new school. This will be a small school able to accommodate 40-60 students. It will house Johnny’s Library and the hiring of high quality educators will be facilitated through student sponsorship. They are offering students a breakfast program as well as a soup lunch for students.
They have been scrambling to get all the necessary supplies put together to open the school, and while they have been successful, they still have a ways to go.
“It started with a request for 40 desks which would be donated with nameplates. They were snapped up instantly and most have already arrived in Roatan, wow! We have sent down everything from whiteboards, wall hangings, curriculum, playground items, school supplies and more,” explains Terra. “There are lots of priority items still available in every price range if anyone would like to help. Every single bit helps, in fact it is adding up to something pretty huge!”
To facilitate donations, they are taking a similar approach that the Christmas Miracle campaign did this year and have set up an Amazon wish list. Those wishing to give to the school’s efforts can go to www.amazon.com and search for the Charmont Bilingual Academy. There you will find a complete list of what is needed and can order it with the click of a mouse.
“One of the biggest benefits of using Amazon now is it cuts out the crazy shipping fees so more of your money goes right where it counts. Amazon ships the items to Florida where a shipping company takes them to the island for free. The wish list also allows people to choose what matters to them and know exactly what their money is going towards.”
Those wishing to donate funds can do so by going to www.dawnlanfoundation.com.
Terra is grateful for all who have helped this effort. “Thank you so much to everyone who has done so much to make this a reality. These babies we have saved via the Morgan Jayne Project will have new opportunities and great lives. They will, in turn, change their own families and communities for the better. That kind of ripple is pretty amazing. Whether you wiped and packed books, donated supplies or sent your best wishes… This is your ripple too and something you can be proud of.”
