LEARNING CENTRE
FRIENDS was impacted by the loss of our education centre and offices during Hurricane Dorian in September 2019. The silver lining to this tragedy is the plan for a new Learning Centre to fulfill the environmental education needs of Abaco for years to come. We invite you to join us on our journey to rebuild and become part of a sustainable future for Abaco!
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Save the date for the grand opening of our Learning Centre! Thursday, May 11th 2023. Please RSVP here.
Our Education Centre faithfully saw us through 12 years of programs, and while we are emotional about its loss, the time has come to cast our eyes forward to a promising future in a new and improved Learning Centre!
FRIENDS envisions a campus that becomes a site for inspiration; drawing the community in and playing an important role in environmental education and island sustainability. New construction integrates seamlessly with existing structures and sets the stage for sustainable development and operation. Our grounds become an oasis in the middle of Marsh Harbour, offering a destination to enjoy the outdoors and ignite curiosities about Abaco’s environment in an interactive Exploratorium. Our classroom will once again become alive with the excited chatter of students as they discover new wonders of the Bahamian environment.
With your help, we will establish a new Learning Centre that will meet more needs than our old facility and serve Abaco well into the future.
CHARTING PROGRESS
Rebuild Stages | Planning | Funding | In Progress | Completed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Finalize architectural plans | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Solar repairs | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Kenyon Centre repairs | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Lithium batteries installed | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Building permits approved | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Move and reinstall water pump | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Demolish old building | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Move cottage | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Preparing site for construction | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Materials ordered (shell) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Materials ordered (interior) | Yes | Partial | Yes | In progress |
Sea Wind Construction sets up on site | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Break ground | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
ICF walls in place | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Community Construction Open House | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Roof on | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Windows and doors installed | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Building Cost
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2.4 million​
Outfitting
$350,000
Funds Raised​
$2,051,485
Funding Gap = $698,515
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JOIN THE JOURNEY
In-kind Contributions: Bulk construction materials, paint, office furniture, technological services. Your partnership could provide the missing link in our project! Please contact us to discuss opportunities.
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Naming: Become an integral part of FRIENDS’ legacy on Abaco. Name part of the new Learning Centre for your loved one or in memoriam of someone you wish to recognize for their impacts. For example: Classroom - $250,000, Conference Room - $125,000, Office - $25,000.
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Exploratorium: Dedicate an exhibit space, or support design and install of a display featuring Bahamian ecosystems or species. Contact us to discuss your ideas!
