Finding Harmony in the Midst of Adversity

“When can we go back into our building?” is the heartbreaking question regularly posed by the wonderful students of Harmony School, a small, affordable, nonprofit private preschool, kindergarten and elementary school with aftercare nestled in the heart of the Forest Acres area at 3737 Covenant Road, in Columbia. Founded in 1988, the learning center offers a very unique multiyear curriculum of Montessori, Waldorf-inspired and inquiry-based learning, including arts and music, in a self-paced, multiage classroom setting. The school actively promotes a sense of community and helping others. Kindergarteners and elementary students visit nursing homes, recycling centers, historical exhibits and other places—all geared toward learning the importance of investing in others and increasing the students’ understanding and compassion for all people. Children learn to show loving kindness toward themselves, others and the planet.

            Why do the kids ask this question one might ask? As was the unfortunate case for so many families, businesses and organizations throughout Columbia and the greater Midlands area, life completely changed for the Harmony School family (students and staff alike) as a result of the historic flooding that devastated many areas in Forest Acres in early October last year.    

            The main building and playground were significantly damaged as a result of the flood waters. While the playground has now been repaired, the school building still requires extensive renovations. The entire preschool building was flooded throughout with numerous academic lessons, books, Montessori materials, furniture, supplies and other items damaged or lost in the process.

            As a result, classes have currently been moved to portable buildings on campus until main building renovations are completed. The need is urgent and great, most notably for monetary donations, which will go directly to the rebuild and restoration process. Harmony School has flood insurance, which covered a portion of the funding necessary, for which the school is very thankful; but, unfortunately, due to the extent of the impact, much more is needed to complete the effort.

            States Harmony School Director Debbie Holmes: “The main building is an old building, and due to the repair and reconstruction necessary to bring the building up to industry standard, thousands more dollars are needed—money our small nonprofit school does not have. Our hope is that everyone that can will consider giving a donation to help Harmony School at this time. Our children, parents and staff would be so grateful and appreciative of the critical financial help—allowing us to continue to offer our wonderful and effective education programs and services for another 30 years!”

            For this reason, a Harmony School GoFundMe page was created. A $10,000 goal has been set, but the need is actually closer to $50,000. The faculty, staff, students and their families are eager and ready to continue turning the pages of progress with great optimism and enthusiasm; and, with the compassionate help and acts of kindness from community members and friends, Harmony School’s best days lie ahead. “Last year was a very tough time for Harmony, but the adversity has truly brought out the best in our staff, families and students. We look forward to the next phase of Harmony School in our stronger, better building,” adds Holmes.    

To give a gift of love, visit GoFundMe.com/HarmonyFlood. For more information, call 803-787-1899, or visit HarmonySchoolSC.com or Facebook.com/HarmonySchoolSC.