Orangeville, Ontario
The State of Starthrower Foundation
Hello Everyone,
As you may know I am back in Canada until the end of June before returning to Cap-Haitien, where the situation will be very different for the foreseeable future.
WHAT IS:
Due to lack of funds, we are no longer able to support the nutrition, medical care and education support programs at Lakay Fondasyon in Haiti. Until sufficient funds become available/are raised, I will continue to pay the rent out of my personal retirement funds. I will try to keep the house there as long as possible as it is one of a kind - - location, number of rooms, garden etc. and well suited to our needs. I have enough money to cover 3-6 months of rent in Cap-Haitien. After that everything is finished. I feel badly for everyone -- the kids, their families, our staff. With us they have had regular work and pay for the first time in their lives and it will finish July 1st. It should be interesting trying to run the house by myself.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN -- SHORT TERM:
We now have a total of $600 (Canadian) for the summer, with grateful thanks to the web site donors. Due to the banking system in Haiti, I cannot access our bank account funds unless I am in Canada, so there is always a lag between donations and cash in hand. There's a very good chance we will not be sending anyone to school next year (with the exception of Marcellus, who is being sponsored by a donor in the UK), nor providing medical/dental support nor food sacks. As June 1st approaches, I want to let you know that I am trying to keep the house with my own money, which I estimate will last 3-6 months. That is my money to live on for the rest of my life. Even though bits will come in, without a sizable donation(s) :
• the house in Cap-Haitien will be closed as a drop-in centre -- no daily meal and no tutoring, which is crucial to academic success
• no school support -- no fees paid, no uniforms, no books, no hygiene supplies
• no food distribution program, no weekly sacks-
• no medical/dental support for anyone; currently there are 10 young people in need of medical attention but we have no money.
• all current full time Haitian staff laid off and no summer jobs for Haitian students. Though we pay them a minimal salary, it has been invaluable in supporting them between school terms, and helping support their familes. The self-worth engendered by earning one's own money is priceless.
This situation will become effective on July 1st. This makes it impossible to receive shipped clothing items as there will be no distribution network. Also, because the kids have no phones and their little shacks have no addresses, many will just 'disappear' and we will never find them again. It costs $80US per box to ship to Florida. After that, it costs me money to pick up. It is so much more reasonable to send the money. It can do more good. It can save lives. Used jeans, however much appreciated, can't do that. The schools and stores want money. Plus these items do no good if these young people cannot attend school, pick up a food sack each week, go to the hospital/clinic when ill, and have no summer job.
WHAT IS BEING DONE (to the best of my knowledge)::
• Francilien, who is running in a UK marathon on June 11 in support of Starthrower Foundation, reports this week: "I am ready and have been doing a lot training. I am sure, I will be able to raise some money. Thank you once again for your social works and we do appreciate it."
• Cindy and Paula in the US report that once they have raised funds to cover their current project of sponsoring Haitian students in US schools, they will donate subsequent funds to Starthrower Foundation. Again, thanks to their (greatly appreciated!) efforts collecting and shipping supplies to Haiti, many students had new clothes and shoes. Unfortunately, as previously noted, clothing shipments are no longer viable.
• In July 2005, the board was advised to check a publication called CANADIAN DIRECTORY TO FOUNDATIONS AND CORPORATIONS (available at university or other large libraries as an in-library-only reference book or for sale at a cost of several hundred dollars) as a resource for determining those corporations likely to support charities working off shore. Unflortunately, there are no volunteers available with the time needed to travel to a university library and spend the time poring over the material. If someone in Canada can help with this resource, please contact us.
This past week, an Orangeville, Ontario resident (Bev) wrote to the local paper noting that "I am hoping that you can meet Sharon and perhaps publish an article before she returns to Haiti in late June. I believe there are many in our community who would be interested in the true story of the tragic conditions in Haiti, and who might access the Web site and ultimately help in some way. I am trying to help to raise the Foundation's profile in our community and have arranged a couple of speaking opportunities at Service Clubs." [Editor's Note: Sharon will address breakfast meetings of an international service club on May 31 and June 14 in her area.]
Bev also wrote to Canada's Haitian-born Governor General with a view to raising Starthrower's profile in the community at large. As well, she asked the Governor General for specific help in shipping goods and for access to government funding. She says, in part :
"Excellency, I have read that you have facilitated shipments to countries in need through our armed forces. I am wondering if this is a possibility in this circumstance. Sharon's apartment is full of school supplies, vitamins, clothing, shoes, etc. She tells me a container shipment costs $10,000. We also need help to apply for and access Federal Funding. And perhaps there is a way that our cause could become known to the Haitian communities in the Province of Quebec. I am sure there are many persons of Haitian descent who would help with the Foundation's goals."
• Hamburgers for Haiti :: This annual fundraiser in London, Ontario in support of Starthrower will go ahead at St. Thomas Aquinas School only. It will be held on June 20 and I have been asked to be present. I will rent a vehicle and drive to London (I gave up my car last year).
• On the morning of June 20 (when I will be in London for Hamburgers for Haiti), I will meet with the administrator of the peace and justice degree program at the University of Western Ontario to make him aware of what we are doing and ask if he has any ideas or contacts.
And as I am in Haiti much of the time and so unable to attend board meetings, I am resigning from the board at the next meeting. I will leave with the challenge to recruit new members, and to take the initiative for fundraising. If everything we have worked for has to stop for a year while Starthrower Foundation's regrouping takes place, then we stop and regroup. The Board meeting is set for Mon. June 12 at noon, and will be held at John Paul II high school in London, Ontario, in the office of Chaplain Pat Materiuk.
Although I welcome these positive fundraising initiatives and am hoping that they come to fruition, the sad fact is that right now, there is no money. Thanks to everyone who supported us this past year, and thanks to those who are currently working to raise funds.
Like so many of the world's charitable organizations, Starthrower Foundation is greatly affected by the so-called 'Donor Faitgue' occasioned by recent natural disasters (the December, 2004 tsunami in Asia, the Summer 2005 hurricanes in the United States, and the current massive earthquake in Indonesia) that understandably draw the bulk of the world's government aid and the public's charitable donations.
Ironically, aid to the tsunami and Katrina victims is mired in distribution problems. Many months after the fact, much of it has still not reached those affected. (See Anderson Cooper 360 CNN blog and the Times report) for details.)
Donations to Starthrower Foundation go directly to those who need them, just as fast as we can get them there. None of the donations to Starthrower Foundation are used to pay administration, web site costs, travel or other expenses. Those expenses are borne by the volunteers.
'Making a difference, one child at a time' is our slogan. If we are able to help only *one* child at a time, then that's what we'll do. And keep working so that we can sponsor more and more, as funds allow.
Kenbe,
Sharon
Canadian Charity Working to Promote Social Justice & Education
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Thursday, April 20, 2006
April 20-30, 2006 Cap-Haitien
Hello Everyone!
all April we have had hydro for a total of three hours and 45 minutes. Our camera has died a peaceful death. We have tried 3 new batteries -- each one takes 2 pictures then shuts down. I guess we go digital. Unfortunately will not have pictures of our Remembrance Service tomorrow. Perhaps it will be more effective without the presence of a camera.
Cindy in Penn. is mailing the carpenter plane for Djohn. Two if the three boxes she sent arrived and we tracked them down. Our taxi bill is outrageous but we have some shoes, vitamins, Tshirts and tinned food items. It is amazing to watch how the staff become energized when boxes arrive. They take it as a sign that someone cares about Haiti.
School has resumed after Easter Break (Konje Pak) so we are swamped with new 'Starfish' looking for support. At the beginning of the term anyone who has not paid all fees is put out (Yo mete li deyo). They are trying to salvage their year but we nave no money. We have added 28 to the waiting list. If possible, we will take them on in September after our current crop is settled and paid for.
Report cards are being distributed this week and we are seeing positive results from the tutoring that has been ongoing. Of course the young people are feeling better about themselves and Abel is feeling encouraged about his work.
I found an Internet cafe by chance when making a home visit to one of our kids. Abel and I are going to visit as many kids as possible and take photos. We have many without water and toilets, and need numbers in order to further assist. We have so many problems that I need to see for myself. In addition to no food or water or toilets, rats and mosquitoes are problematic.
Bos Plombye (plumber) came Monday and installed a new drain valve on our reservoir, leaving a masonry hole the size of an 18 wheeler, so Bos Mason arrived yesterday to repair both the hole and a leak which ran the circumference of the reservoir. Once the cement dries, we need a good rain to fill the tank and we are ready to wash.
Monday is the Fet de Travay (celebration of work/Labour Day) so only Abel and Degrand will work -- their choice -- and we will make home visits to those who live in Fo sen Michel (Fort Saint Michael).
Thursday we travelled to BelAir with Rose Claudelle (26/01/90 - grade 8AF, second year high school) to see her home. It's 2 rooms, about 5ft.x5ft each. There's a single bed in each room, an outdoor cooking area, an outdoor toilet that cannot be used as it is full. Water must be purchased for 2 gourdes a pail. There are 18 people living in the house, will be 19 when her sister Noseline returns from Port-au-Prince. She is also one of ours but became very ill in October and was taken in by an aunt.
Because of the rat problem, we are buying screening (til) in large quantities and trying to cover window openings. As the walls on the huts are often curved, it is impossible to make a frame. We found a carpenter who will make a small fence (barye) and cover it with til for the front door opening. We are trying this at Dieugrand's house. If it deters the rats we will have more made.
Julia fell on Saturday and landed on a nail which embedded itself in her derriere. The nail is apparently about 3 inches long. Her brother Jack arrived at work on Monday telling me she could not sleep well and had a fever. I sent Abel and Jack on bicycles to his house with money for a taxi and the clinic. It's the only option as she is unable to walk. She is on antibiotics but the nail has not been removed as the clinic does not have a doctor.
[a few days later] Julia's wound swelled (li te enfle) and burst (pete), expelling the nail and she is beginning to heal.
I have often wondered about the psychological dimension of the poverty these young people are experiencing. In the last month 3 of them have come to me thinking there was something wrong because they couldn't stop crying. One said, "I have a problem. I'm remembering my mother and I just cry because she left me. What will happen if you leave too?"
The grief is profound and so deep. I am grateful that it is being expressed. There are no answers and no assurances. We can only be present and listen.
Abel, Carmene and I are putting our heads together to create a 'reflection service' for our kids who have had parents and/or siblings die. The grief is so deep in most of them (and unexpressed) that I thought the time was right. We are planning on Sunday May 7th at 2 p.m.
I leave you with Martin Luther King: 'I have the audacity to believe that people everywhere can have 3 meals a day for their bodies, education and culture for their minds and dignity, equality and freedom for their spirits. I believe that what self-centred people have torn down, other centred people will build up.'
May the world d be filled with audacious people.
Beni-w (blessings),
Sharon
Hello Everyone!
all April we have had hydro for a total of three hours and 45 minutes. Our camera has died a peaceful death. We have tried 3 new batteries -- each one takes 2 pictures then shuts down. I guess we go digital. Unfortunately will not have pictures of our Remembrance Service tomorrow. Perhaps it will be more effective without the presence of a camera.
Cindy in Penn. is mailing the carpenter plane for Djohn. Two if the three boxes she sent arrived and we tracked them down. Our taxi bill is outrageous but we have some shoes, vitamins, Tshirts and tinned food items. It is amazing to watch how the staff become energized when boxes arrive. They take it as a sign that someone cares about Haiti.
School has resumed after Easter Break (Konje Pak) so we are swamped with new 'Starfish' looking for support. At the beginning of the term anyone who has not paid all fees is put out (Yo mete li deyo). They are trying to salvage their year but we nave no money. We have added 28 to the waiting list. If possible, we will take them on in September after our current crop is settled and paid for.
Report cards are being distributed this week and we are seeing positive results from the tutoring that has been ongoing. Of course the young people are feeling better about themselves and Abel is feeling encouraged about his work.
I found an Internet cafe by chance when making a home visit to one of our kids. Abel and I are going to visit as many kids as possible and take photos. We have many without water and toilets, and need numbers in order to further assist. We have so many problems that I need to see for myself. In addition to no food or water or toilets, rats and mosquitoes are problematic.
Bos Plombye (plumber) came Monday and installed a new drain valve on our reservoir, leaving a masonry hole the size of an 18 wheeler, so Bos Mason arrived yesterday to repair both the hole and a leak which ran the circumference of the reservoir. Once the cement dries, we need a good rain to fill the tank and we are ready to wash.
Monday is the Fet de Travay (celebration of work/Labour Day) so only Abel and Degrand will work -- their choice -- and we will make home visits to those who live in Fo sen Michel (Fort Saint Michael).
Thursday we travelled to BelAir with Rose Claudelle (26/01/90 - grade 8AF, second year high school) to see her home. It's 2 rooms, about 5ft.x5ft each. There's a single bed in each room, an outdoor cooking area, an outdoor toilet that cannot be used as it is full. Water must be purchased for 2 gourdes a pail. There are 18 people living in the house, will be 19 when her sister Noseline returns from Port-au-Prince. She is also one of ours but became very ill in October and was taken in by an aunt.
Because of the rat problem, we are buying screening (til) in large quantities and trying to cover window openings. As the walls on the huts are often curved, it is impossible to make a frame. We found a carpenter who will make a small fence (barye) and cover it with til for the front door opening. We are trying this at Dieugrand's house. If it deters the rats we will have more made.
Julia fell on Saturday and landed on a nail which embedded itself in her derriere. The nail is apparently about 3 inches long. Her brother Jack arrived at work on Monday telling me she could not sleep well and had a fever. I sent Abel and Jack on bicycles to his house with money for a taxi and the clinic. It's the only option as she is unable to walk. She is on antibiotics but the nail has not been removed as the clinic does not have a doctor.
[a few days later] Julia's wound swelled (li te enfle) and burst (pete), expelling the nail and she is beginning to heal.
I have often wondered about the psychological dimension of the poverty these young people are experiencing. In the last month 3 of them have come to me thinking there was something wrong because they couldn't stop crying. One said, "I have a problem. I'm remembering my mother and I just cry because she left me. What will happen if you leave too?"
The grief is profound and so deep. I am grateful that it is being expressed. There are no answers and no assurances. We can only be present and listen.
Abel, Carmene and I are putting our heads together to create a 'reflection service' for our kids who have had parents and/or siblings die. The grief is so deep in most of them (and unexpressed) that I thought the time was right. We are planning on Sunday May 7th at 2 p.m.
I leave you with Martin Luther King: 'I have the audacity to believe that people everywhere can have 3 meals a day for their bodies, education and culture for their minds and dignity, equality and freedom for their spirits. I believe that what self-centred people have torn down, other centred people will build up.'
May the world d be filled with audacious people.
Beni-w (blessings),
Sharon
Friday, April 14, 2006
Good Friday 2006 Cap-Haitien
Hello again,
Lakay Fondasyon is closed for Good Friday, so I took a taxi to the Roi Christophe to see if I could use a computer. I am unable to continue using the Brothers' internet as they have so little hydro, they need to use the computer themselves when possible. I am searching for other locations. The best answer is our own computer with 'inverter' (I'm not sure what that is) and internet.
I am writing again because yesterday, one of our neighbors dropped dead in front of our house as everyone was leaving for the day. [The girl who died] looked to be about 14 or 15 years old. Two of the men playing dominoes in the street knew her and carried her to her home. She was so thin. This nightmare needs to see the light of day.
Yesterday, Peterson J. was diagnosed with a heart problem, rheumatism and malaria. The hospital is still on strike but the little clinic we discovered is staffed by a Cuban doctor, and seems to be an answer [to our medical needs] for the time being.
A heavy rain and strong winds on Tuesday and again on Thursday brought down most of our mangoes, so our summer crop will be sparse. Also the rain means the kids are sleeping in mud and sewage, so the sick list grows.
Boss Fleuridor, plumber, came yesterday to survey the damage to our rain water reservoir. He will be back Monday to attempt repairs.
Djohn D., carpenter's apprentice, is in need of a 'rabot' (carpenter's plane). If anyone can help with tools, used or new, it would really help.
Marline V.has an ear infection and the list goes on.
Blessings, Alapwochen,
Sharon
Hello again,
Lakay Fondasyon is closed for Good Friday, so I took a taxi to the Roi Christophe to see if I could use a computer. I am unable to continue using the Brothers' internet as they have so little hydro, they need to use the computer themselves when possible. I am searching for other locations. The best answer is our own computer with 'inverter' (I'm not sure what that is) and internet.
I am writing again because yesterday, one of our neighbors dropped dead in front of our house as everyone was leaving for the day. [The girl who died] looked to be about 14 or 15 years old. Two of the men playing dominoes in the street knew her and carried her to her home. She was so thin. This nightmare needs to see the light of day.
Yesterday, Peterson J. was diagnosed with a heart problem, rheumatism and malaria. The hospital is still on strike but the little clinic we discovered is staffed by a Cuban doctor, and seems to be an answer [to our medical needs] for the time being.
A heavy rain and strong winds on Tuesday and again on Thursday brought down most of our mangoes, so our summer crop will be sparse. Also the rain means the kids are sleeping in mud and sewage, so the sick list grows.
Boss Fleuridor, plumber, came yesterday to survey the damage to our rain water reservoir. He will be back Monday to attempt repairs.
Djohn D., carpenter's apprentice, is in need of a 'rabot' (carpenter's plane). If anyone can help with tools, used or new, it would really help.
Marline V.has an ear infection and the list goes on.
Blessings, Alapwochen,
Sharon
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Hello Everyone!
First of all, for those who have been asking about our financial needs ::
* House $400 US per month ($4,800 US/year)
* Food distribution $1200 US per month ($14,400 US/year)
* Per youth (school, apprenticeship, medical, dental, housing etc.) $1000 US
(150 youth @ $1,000 US = $150,000 US/year)
I am squeaking by with $500 US per student/year and $400 per month for food distribution. If we could provide enough for one meal every day, we would cut down on the amount needed for medical support.
The *good* news this week is that the owner of the house is very pleased with the improvements we have made and has invited us to stay on *without* a rent increase. [Note: The 'improvements' were minor, and necessary to make the house habitable.]
Gas has reached $70 Haitian/gallon (about $10 US/gallon) if you can find it. Several strikes and much frustration.
The hospital is still on strike, so I am sending folks to small clinics. However, like the hospital, they are understaffed and overextended. Many people are sick as a result of recent rains: Jean Ricot is being tested for malaria; Rosenie for TB, Esmann for intestinal infection; and Volcy has a fungal infection on his face.
Alex needs a tetanus shot. He stepped on a nail and it went through his shoe, and his foot is infected. We'll try again tomorrow to get a number at the clinic.
Jetho (apprentice with Boss Paul for masonry in Sen Rafayel) is ill. Sr. Jeanette could not diagnose, so she sent him to Dr. Anne., who also could not diagnose, so she sent him to the hospital in Milot.
Dens Excellent came in today to say his 10-year-old sister, Djeniflor, died earlier that morning. He needs money for burial and suitable clothes. Our money is gone. She is the 2nd sibling to die in that family in less than a year -- Benji, age 3, died last summer.
Djohn Dejoie was in this morning, too, from Sen Rafayel, in need of food and another bed. His was stolen in December. Although he only slept on it for 3 months, he finds that he has pain everywhere again from sleeping on the ground. Unable to help him right now.
Abel greeted 115 people at our 'portail' during the last 2 weeks of March. We have added another 20 names to our waiting list. When finances turn around, we will hopefully become proactive instead of always being reactive.
A work group from Rayjon [Canadian charity] came in last week. They were painting for Sr. Rosemary [Sisters of St. Joseph] and all of them came to lunch on Saturday. I have asked them to send a photo for the web site.
Blessings, Kenbe,
Sharon
First of all, for those who have been asking about our financial needs ::
* House $400 US per month ($4,800 US/year)
* Food distribution $1200 US per month ($14,400 US/year)
* Per youth (school, apprenticeship, medical, dental, housing etc.) $1000 US
(150 youth @ $1,000 US = $150,000 US/year)
I am squeaking by with $500 US per student/year and $400 per month for food distribution. If we could provide enough for one meal every day, we would cut down on the amount needed for medical support.
The *good* news this week is that the owner of the house is very pleased with the improvements we have made and has invited us to stay on *without* a rent increase. [Note: The 'improvements' were minor, and necessary to make the house habitable.]
Gas has reached $70 Haitian/gallon (about $10 US/gallon) if you can find it. Several strikes and much frustration.
The hospital is still on strike, so I am sending folks to small clinics. However, like the hospital, they are understaffed and overextended. Many people are sick as a result of recent rains: Jean Ricot is being tested for malaria; Rosenie for TB, Esmann for intestinal infection; and Volcy has a fungal infection on his face.
Alex needs a tetanus shot. He stepped on a nail and it went through his shoe, and his foot is infected. We'll try again tomorrow to get a number at the clinic.
Jetho (apprentice with Boss Paul for masonry in Sen Rafayel) is ill. Sr. Jeanette could not diagnose, so she sent him to Dr. Anne., who also could not diagnose, so she sent him to the hospital in Milot.
Dens Excellent came in today to say his 10-year-old sister, Djeniflor, died earlier that morning. He needs money for burial and suitable clothes. Our money is gone. She is the 2nd sibling to die in that family in less than a year -- Benji, age 3, died last summer.
Djohn Dejoie was in this morning, too, from Sen Rafayel, in need of food and another bed. His was stolen in December. Although he only slept on it for 3 months, he finds that he has pain everywhere again from sleeping on the ground. Unable to help him right now.
Abel greeted 115 people at our 'portail' during the last 2 weeks of March. We have added another 20 names to our waiting list. When finances turn around, we will hopefully become proactive instead of always being reactive.
A work group from Rayjon [Canadian charity] came in last week. They were painting for Sr. Rosemary [Sisters of St. Joseph] and all of them came to lunch on Saturday. I have asked them to send a photo for the web site.
Blessings, Kenbe,
Sharon
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Hello Everyone!
Here is my update, with an urgent plea for donations.
We were able to purchase propane on Saturday, and so are able to cook daily again. Also, I have had success with a combination of peanut butter (mamba) and protein powder in restoring energy, but the protein powder is now gone. Any help from anyone would be appreciated.
Hospital Justinien is on strike again as the doctors have not been paid.
The boxes arrived from Pennsylvania last week. The jeans and t-shirts fairly flew out the door as everyone is writing exams and schools are going on field trips. The new clothes are just wonderful, and the kids were all so excited, I took a picture with the last of my film. Eleven students asked for field trip money (We sponsor 150 students in total), and it was only a few dollars each. For the girls, it was the first time they had worn long pants. The field trips are to various sites, like to Labadie to climb the mountain and see the historic ruins, to the Citadelle, and to Kenscott, a small city also with ruins. There are lots of ruins in Haiti. This is the first time our kids have been able to go on the trips.
Cindy in the U.S.(who arrangesd the t-shirts and jeans, etc.) is preparing more supplies and they should arrive mid April. Now we need a container to ship donated goods still waiting in Canada. Can anyone help with this?
In preparing the birthday lists (an idea borrowed from Ron and Diana, a couple from the States who run an orphanage in Petit Anse), I realized that I have miscounted and we currently have 150 students on our lists. Ron and Diana take all the children in their orphanage to swim at a local hotel pool once a month to celebrate birthdays. Our birthday party will be on a smaller scale -- cake and pop on the last Saturday of every month.
Many do not know their actual birthday. Dieugrand's mom died when he was 10, his dad when he was 12. He raised his sister, Christamene. When the opportunity arose for him to go to school, he had no birth certificate. Sister Cecilia talked with women in the village who had known his family, discerned an approximate date and presented that information to the local magistrate for an 'acte de naissance' (birth certificate).
TJ was left as a newborn in a garbage dump. The people who took him in gave him a name and a birth date.
We have sponsored Guilene Mesadieu for 8 years. She is blind from birth, and attends a special school in Port-au-Prince. She has asked that we try to find a manual braille typewriter and a portable tape recorder.
I have never put out a special request for funds but the reality is that without an infusion of new money over the next 2 months, Lakay Fondasyon will close at the end of June 2006. Two years ago, I was given a generous, anonymous donation to "keep me safe" in Haiti. I chose to put it into creating a place where many others, too, could feel safe. That money is gone and the lease on Lakay Fondasyon ends in June.
Last year, I sold my house and car and used that money to sponsor the program. Some wonderful people in England, Canada and the United States are working very hard to support us. However, six people cannot shoulder the burden of this work. It requires many more.
Our web master tells me that we get more than 1200 web site 'hits' each month. If you are reading this, why are you reading this? What is your interest in Starthrower Foundation and in Haiti, and what is your response? Do you think this [situation in Haiti] is sad? Or do you recognize the injustice and want to help? If so, what are you doing about it? Please help keep our doors open and give these young people 'possibilite'.
Blessings, Namaste
Sharon
Here is my update, with an urgent plea for donations.
We were able to purchase propane on Saturday, and so are able to cook daily again. Also, I have had success with a combination of peanut butter (mamba) and protein powder in restoring energy, but the protein powder is now gone. Any help from anyone would be appreciated.
Hospital Justinien is on strike again as the doctors have not been paid.
The boxes arrived from Pennsylvania last week. The jeans and t-shirts fairly flew out the door as everyone is writing exams and schools are going on field trips. The new clothes are just wonderful, and the kids were all so excited, I took a picture with the last of my film. Eleven students asked for field trip money (We sponsor 150 students in total), and it was only a few dollars each. For the girls, it was the first time they had worn long pants. The field trips are to various sites, like to Labadie to climb the mountain and see the historic ruins, to the Citadelle, and to Kenscott, a small city also with ruins. There are lots of ruins in Haiti. This is the first time our kids have been able to go on the trips.
Cindy in the U.S.(who arrangesd the t-shirts and jeans, etc.) is preparing more supplies and they should arrive mid April. Now we need a container to ship donated goods still waiting in Canada. Can anyone help with this?
In preparing the birthday lists (an idea borrowed from Ron and Diana, a couple from the States who run an orphanage in Petit Anse), I realized that I have miscounted and we currently have 150 students on our lists. Ron and Diana take all the children in their orphanage to swim at a local hotel pool once a month to celebrate birthdays. Our birthday party will be on a smaller scale -- cake and pop on the last Saturday of every month.
Many do not know their actual birthday. Dieugrand's mom died when he was 10, his dad when he was 12. He raised his sister, Christamene. When the opportunity arose for him to go to school, he had no birth certificate. Sister Cecilia talked with women in the village who had known his family, discerned an approximate date and presented that information to the local magistrate for an 'acte de naissance' (birth certificate).
TJ was left as a newborn in a garbage dump. The people who took him in gave him a name and a birth date.
We have sponsored Guilene Mesadieu for 8 years. She is blind from birth, and attends a special school in Port-au-Prince. She has asked that we try to find a manual braille typewriter and a portable tape recorder.
I have never put out a special request for funds but the reality is that without an infusion of new money over the next 2 months, Lakay Fondasyon will close at the end of June 2006. Two years ago, I was given a generous, anonymous donation to "keep me safe" in Haiti. I chose to put it into creating a place where many others, too, could feel safe. That money is gone and the lease on Lakay Fondasyon ends in June.
Last year, I sold my house and car and used that money to sponsor the program. Some wonderful people in England, Canada and the United States are working very hard to support us. However, six people cannot shoulder the burden of this work. It requires many more.
Our web master tells me that we get more than 1200 web site 'hits' each month. If you are reading this, why are you reading this? What is your interest in Starthrower Foundation and in Haiti, and what is your response? Do you think this [situation in Haiti] is sad? Or do you recognize the injustice and want to help? If so, what are you doing about it? Please help keep our doors open and give these young people 'possibilite'.
Blessings, Namaste
Sharon
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
LinkWithin
