New Vehicle, Sen Rafayel Cap-Haitien Haiti Schools, Universities, Summer Programs, House Repairs

Hello Everyone,

Here's an update on what's happening with Starthrower Foundation in Haiti. Our apologies for the long interval since the last update. It's been a very busy time.

Here's what has been happening in Haiti:

• House Repairs
• Schools, Universities Classes, Students
• Summer Programs / Travel
  
• New Vehicle, Driver

Repairs to Lakay Fondasyon

Lakay Fondasyon Cap-Haitien Haiti Quake Repairs

During my last few weeks in Cap-Haitien, we had been unable to use the internet as staff and bosses were digging through concrete and ceramic in the living room to install the support beam. The cement dust was terrible, so everything needed to be covered.

As the entire ceiling in the living room needs to be replaced (much more cement dust), it is best done while I am in Canada.

House Repairs Cap-Haitien ~ Making it safe

Repairs for quake damage, etc. continue in my absence, specifically the ceiling in the living room/dining room.

Although there are several more supporting beams to be installed, the extent of the deconstruction and the cost of materials and salaries for skilled tradespeople make it necessary to await a reply from the report I sent to the owner prior to leaving, that documented costs to date and repairs accomplished and pending.

Hopefully he will share the cost with us.

Schools, Universities Classes
Cap-Haitien High schools: Classes will continue through July in an attempt to cover this year's material.  Our new students Espania, Pico, Wilius, who lost everything in Port-au-Prince following the earthquake, are happy to be back at school  although the aftershocks (4.5 last Thursday) are keeping everyone off centre.

Each school is offering hastily created 'extra courses' for large fees in an attempt to bring in extra revenue. We are not sending our young people to these 'add ons'; They have enough work.

Rosenie is completing the 3rd year of her teacher training for Kindergarten in Cap-Haitien and Micheline her third year of Medical technology at Institute Polytechnique du Cap-Haitien.

Sen Rafayel  Schools will hold classes throughout the summer. When we travel up to Sen Rafayel in July, we will be able to see the situation first hand.

University of Limbe: Agriculture (Agronomie): Deles and Vincent are completing their 3rd year of 5 year degree program. They will write finals the beginning of July. Their program was relatively uninterrupted as Limbe was one of the very few places not disrupted by the quake and aftershocks.

University Santiago, Dominican Republic:  Elorge and Marlene are completing their first year of premed. The first year and a half was intensive Spanish. They have no summers off, as the year consists of three terms with a week off in between each.

We plan to travel to Santiago toward the end of July for a few days. Elorge and Marlene are quite excited about this visit. We will see the Santiago university campus and visit the tikay they are renting.

Home visits are easier now that we have both a reliable truck and an experienced driver. Additionally, there will be more information to pass on to sponsors.

University Port-au-Prince: Plenitude has resumed his first year of a 5 year program for a degree in electrical engineering (Genie Electrique) in an alternate location in Port-au-Prince as the school was destroyed and several students and teachers were killed.

Peterson has recovered from his injuries and is now patiently trying to reconstruct his educational history in order to apply for medical school. He was studying medical technology but having lived through the quake he now wants to be a doctor.

The problem of lost papers is enormous and will have implications for a long time. Not only did students lose what they had, but schools and government offices lost originals.
 
State university campus in Madeline: Casimyr and Osmann have resumed their first year of teacher's college at the State university campus in Madeline (outside Cap-Haitien).

Vehicle Purchase, Drivers Licences:
We have a vehicle! It is 2000 Mitsubishi Diesel truck with 4 doors, 4x4, and a new motor (2008), thanks to Ann in Colorado for her generous donation making the vehicle purchase possible. (see previous posts about vehicle).

Inspecting the new vehicle Starthrower Foundation

Jackson has been hired part time to drive for us. Auguste, Jack and Dieugrand have been to Auto ecole and could drive in an emergency. However they do not as yet have drivers licences.

While I'm [currently] in Canada, Jackson is providing driving practice for each of them. Although they already have full time jobs with us, they will be able to drive in an emergency.

The next step for them is to take a state mandated / operated seminar ($800 Haitian; $100 USD). This seminar is offered once a year in Cap-Haitien, usually in September / October.

Due to quake damages sustained by government offices, this year there may be a delay.  Upon completion of the seminar, they receive a certificate which must be taken to Port-au-Prince (more money for travel expenses and registration) and registered.

After that another paper is received which must be brought to Cap-Haitien and the DGE office, where one can then apply for a drivers permit (also for a fee: $400 Haitian; $50 USD at last update).

Haiti Students Tshirts From Pennsylvania (Thanks!)

Jackson is more than just a driver: He picks up boxes from Pennsylvania, building supplies, food supplies from the market for distribution, potable water (12 5 gal. jugs at a time); He has worked with Auguste to pick up students (Wilta, Modeline, Othanes) who are too ill to get to us and taken them to clinic, hospital and the x-ray clinic in Carfoumoustiq; and He provides security for Auguste and me when we travel to the bank or when we are paying school fees.

With Jackson taking on driving duties, he is allowing staff to continue work. And, instead of leaving when his driving job is done, he washes his hands and pitches in where needed, filling vitamin bottles for distribution, taking inventory of text books on hand, moving furniture for repairs etc.

Summer 2010 Travel in Haiti
Leogane: Our 4 nursing students were successful writing their end of year exams and will enter the next phase of their training. The Kwaf-la ceremony that marks this transition for  Gaby, Brunie, Alland and Wisly into medical studies will be held on June 25.

Auguste and I will travel to Leogane with Jackson driving, providing we can find a place to stay over. As Leogane students are sleeping in tents behind the school (which is still being used as a field hospital staffed by a team on international doctors), and most of the city was destroyed, it will be necessary to look for a place to stay in Port-au-Prince. The retreat centre where I usually stay was destroyed and many staff were killed.

Sen Rafayel: Sometime in July we will head to Sen Rafayel (again with Jackson driving and providing security) to check on our staff and satellite office, collect text books for our repair distribution program and to pay home visits to students in crisis.

I had hoped to travel the first week of July but the school year will end at different times depending on each school administrator. We'll just have to wait for word and plan accordingly.

Cap-Haitien: While we travel, summer staff and program directors will begin the book repair program at the centre, with whatever books are returned.

It will be a challenging summer as I anticipate most textbooks being returned only a week or 2 before they are needed for the Fall term. We usually need at least 10 weeks to make all repairs etc. We will probably modify the program and prepare books as the lists come in for the new year rather than by grade and subject level.

Things We Need:
For our 4 nursing students we need :

• 4 FRENCH medical dictionaries and pharmaceutical references; most recent pocket edition
• Glucometers, watches, clamps , surgical scissors, thermometers, used laptops (wireless), scissors, blue scrubs; I can purchase some here in Canada and take them back with me, but the reference books are proving a challenge.

I head back to Cap-Haitien on June 18 via Turks and Caicos on WestJet and Air T&C. WestJet has a most generous luggage allowance, and Air Turks and Caicos has a lower fee for excess baggage, so I can take back some supplies. If you can help with some of the Things We Need for our nursing students, please contact me ASAP as I am already packing.

Starthrower Foundation Website:
Over the coming weeks, the Starthrower Foundation website will be re-designed to accommodate newer technology. Thanks to Teena at Buildawebsitetonight.com for her generous donation of technical support.

Kenbe pa lage
Sharon

PS On Friday, Auguste sent me an email, telling me, among other things, that Cap was experiencing a full day of violence: Burning tires, rock and bottle throwing, gun shots, and the citizenry running to get out of the way. The madness spread quickly from zone to zone.

Before I left, we experienced a similar afternoon where the staff remained at our centre for hours after closing due to the amount of, and proximity of, gun fire. Haiti is so fragile, with aftershocks, overcrowding, lack of housing and food, and anger.

It is more important than ever that Starthrower Foundation not only continue its work, but as funds allow, take on more of those Port-au-Prince students displaced to Cap-Haitien with nothing but the borrowed clothes on their backs.

I've looked into their eyes, I have heard their stories, I have laughed and cried and shared a meal with them. 

Some say this is a major turning point in the history of Haiti. I don't know that yet. I do know that Starthrower is already a part of the country's history, thanks to your continuing support.

Earthquake Haiti Schools, Students Aftermath ~ Hydro, Water, Food Update from Cap-Haitien

Hello Everyone,

As promised, here's an update on the earthquake in Haiti aftermath regarding students, schools, hydro, water and food supplies in Cap-Haitien, as well as a brief note about donations in kind, travel to Haiti and more Thank yous!

Starthrower Students in Haiti and Dominican
Schools are still closed in Cap-Haitien.

Guilene, a blind student at school in Port-au-Prince who received a Brailler and manual typewriter thanks to Pennsylvania donors Don H. and wife, Sharon, along with the Lions Club, and Cindy W., who supplied a portable cassette player for her, is all right, as far as we know.

Auguste received only one phone call from her, saying that she was okay, but she could not find anyone to take her to a bus station or help her find transport north to Cap-Haitien. Her belongings were destroyed, and she has only the clothes on her back.

Our nursing students (see previous update) arrived in Cap-Haitien on Monday, but I have no details about how they got there from Leogane. They came right to the center to let Auguste know they were back in Cap-Haitien.

Bruni, one of the nursing students in Leogane, likely will be trying to get home to Sen Rafayel. She has relatives in Cap-Haitien who took her in before, when she was going to summer school.

Auguste (our director of education) has only had one communique with Sen Rafayel via text message. The students are okay, but there is still no transit up and down mountain. That means Bruni won't get home unless she walks the 28 kms (18 miles).

Alland and Wisly (nursing students, Leogane) are in Cap-Haitien, but may not have a place to stay. Auguste will take care of them, however, as now he is able to get money from the bank.

Gaby (nursing student, Leogane) would go home to his ti kay next door to Carmene's, where his brother Lusnot is.

Peterson, who was injured in the earthquake and unable to travel, and Plenitude are still unable to get home from Port-au-Prince. They are not together and have no way of  connecting.

Dominican Republic Pre-Med Students
Marlen and Elorge, both in 2nd year pre med in university in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic, are among the few sponsored students currently attending school.

Agriculture Students Limbe
Deles (a sponsored student) and Vincent, in 3rd year Agriculture (Agronomie) at university in Limbe, are attending classes. January is a month of 'cours intensif' for them.

Cap-Haitien
Rosenie (2nd year Kindergarten Teacher training) and Joceline (our laundress and Mme Carmene's support staff) are washing bedding and curtains, and mopping and disinfecting the house in Cap-Haitien to get it ready for my arrival.

Carmene, who usually handles the cleaning and cooking for us, is too heart broken at the death of her son (details this post) to work. One of my first visits will be to Carmene to pay my condolences. I will be fending for myself in the kitchen for the first while.

School Closure Alternatives
If schools are still closed when I arrive in Haiti about January 31, we will implement study programs or phys ed programs (both popular with the kids) or any other activities that they suggest, as well as work programs for anyone wanting to earn some money.

Hydro, Banks, Water, Gas, Damage Repairs
As of yesterday (Thursday, January 21), there is still no hydro anywhere and no gas. We are still able to purchase potable water and locally made bread, as a few of the banks are open as of today.

Auguste borrowed a few gourdes from one of the Sisters of St. Joseph who knows us well. The kids are still coming in for rest, bathroom facilities and food.

Jackson, who drives for us, will probably do what he did before the earthquake to get gas. He knows exactly how much gas is needed to drive to the Dominican Republic, so he fills up there. Jackson will pick me up at the Cap-Haitien airport and take me to the center.

We will repair our water system first, then fill  the cracks that need it. Currently we are unable to do any repairs to the students' houses as we can't get to them to do estimates because of the gas shortage. Our students are scattered about the Cap-Haitien area, and at quite a distance from us.

We will also form students in work groups to help repair their houses. Others students can work in the garden, trim the trees, cut the grass etc. Joceline, and Rosenie can keep the house running while I will take turns in the office and the kitchen making sandwiches etc.

We want to establish some kind of normal routine as soon as possible to help deal with the earthquake aftermath.

How To Help Inquiries ~ Donations in Kind, Volunteer

Over the past week Starthrower has been receiving well-intentioned but misguided offers of donations in kind (blankets, tents, clothing, etc) as well as offers to help from those who want to travel to Haiti NOW to help rebuild.

And all we can tell them is thanks, but no thanks. Here's why:

First of all, we work in Cap-Haitien, in the north of Haiti, not the south, where rescue and recovery efforts are centered. For reference, Cap-Haitien is about 130 km (81 miles) north of Port-au-Prince. The road is rough in spots and typically takes 8-12 hours to drive from one city to the other.

If you have been following the updates from Haiti in the media, you will be aware that even large aid agencies and governments are unable to deliver and distribute supplies efficiently or at all, due to quake damage in Haiti.

Even CNN (and George W. Bush, in a statement to the media), asked that donors simply send money, as money is the easiest thing to ship to Haiti. This agrees with Starthrower's long held position and donations in kind. It may seem felf-serving, but it is really the most practical and cost-effective route.

Haiti already has tradespeople, and access to goods and services, What they don't have is money to pay for them.  And if a carpenter, for example, travels to Haiti to volunteer to rebuild, he takes a job from a Haitian and spends money to travel there that could have been better spent to help support a Haitian.

At the best of times, visitors to Haiti use resources better allocated to the residents, and in time of disaster, these scarce resources are even scarcer. Also, at the best of times, shipping to Haiti is a challenge. Following the earthquake, it's even more so, with damage to ports and disaster relief ongoing. Currently we do not know (no one does) when shipping and more reliable air travel will resume in Haiti.

In Charities, Smaller is Better
As well, I am pleased to hear media reports advocating donations to smaller charities and NGOs (non-government organizations) such as Starthrower Foundation because, they say, that these smaller aid groups are already on the ground in Haiti, know the culture and know what is needed and who needs it.

As well, these reports explain, most of the funds donated to smaller NGOs go directly to the intended recipients, with a tiny amount going towards administration costs.

Large fundraisers dominate major media, but it's hard to track their accountability and disbursements.

Thank You, Donors!
Thank you to everyone who has sent a donation. Once I am in Haiti, and am able to visit students' homes to assess damage, etc I will have a better idea of the money needed for dealing with the extra expenses due to the earthquake. We always need funds to support our students, and for food and tuition, and medical care. I am taking with me anti-malaria meds and Cipro, as I don't know what is available in Haiti.

Thanks to Orangeville Ontario Canada business people for supporting Starthrower Foundation:

Thank you, Sigrid at From the Kitchen to the Table for taking our need to the BIA (Orangeville Business Assn).

Thanks also to owners Janie, Sue and Deb at Mochaberry Coffee, who have set up a donation jar.

Thanks also to Dianne, owner of Acheson's, who is doing a fundraising blitz this week.

Thank you to Kathleen. owner, and staff at Henning's Salon who are also collecting donations via jar on the counter.

It means so much to have the support of my local community, and from Starthrowers around the world.

If you are unable to make a cash donation, you can still contribute to the work in Haiti by telling your friends, families and social network sites, and sending them the link to this page and to our web site.

On a personal note:
As of today I have been discharged from home care by the wonderful nurses of St. Elizabeth health care. My wound is manageable, and the restrictions placed by the surgeon will be followed to a T.

So for those who have written concerned about me travelling and living back in Haiti, know that I go with the blessing of my medical support team.

Thank you, Lesley, Jenna, Pam, Elyse, Peter and Dr. Pham.
Thanks also CCAC case workers Barb and Cheryl.
Thanks to Red Cross manager Carrie and PSWs Joanne (both of them), Elizabeth, Kim, and Nancy.

My life has been so blessed by your presence and expertise over the past 15 months.

As more updates come in, or we get other news from Haiti, I'll post it and let you know. I leave for Haiti in just over a week, but will be in touch before I go.

Blessings,

Sharon

PS Here are two links to articles about the crisis in Haiti that you may like to read:
Ted Fellows The Broader Crisis in Haiti  and the Wall Street Journal Leogan.

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Resources from Amazon
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Food, Water, Exams, Supplies Cap-Haitien Haiti, and Thanksgiving

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Hello, Everyone!

Here's our news about the food, water, and supplies on this day of Thanksgiving in the USA. In a few short weeks it will be Christmas, the students will have written their exams, and the web comic will have posted its final pages. A busy time for us all!

Web Comic
To Daniel, thanks and congratulations on your wonderful web comic www.starthrowerinhaiti.com.

For those of you who haven't had a chance to read it, do try to find the time, and feel free to post a comment to Dan and pass on the link to friends, colleagues and family.

Dan is not only receiving positive peer reviews on his amazing talent, but also educating people about life in Haiti and raising funds for our students in post-secondary.
 
Food, Water, Proba
Auguste, our director of education, writes that many students in both Sen Rafayel and Cap-Haitien have malaria, and that hunger is again a major problem.

Although we really don't have funds for rice, beans, oil and charcoal, we are doing what we can to help feed these kids:

Thanks to Mme Cindy who has been sending us protein powder, we have begun distributing it in zip lock bags, along with plastic glasses and spoons.

Normally we distribute a container of our own home made peanut butter mixed with protein powder (Proba).

However, we do not have any jars (bokal yo) in which to put the Proba mixture, so we are doing the next best thing by distributing the powder, spoons and glasses.

We are distributing potable water daily, as well as distributing peanuts and hard boiled eggs, which Carmene prepares Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Exams, Students Updates
Exams will be taking place over the next couple of weeks so study space at Lakay is at a premium. We hope to have an update on all our post secondary students at the Christmas break in a few weeks.

Marlene, our student in Santiago, Dominican Republic, was in hospital with a severe infection, so she missed a week of classes. Now she is being treated for dental infections. Hopefully she is able to find better dental care than we have in Cap-Haitien.

Auguste has wired extra funds to cover these unexpected expenses. However, she is still alone, and ill in a strange country.

Supplies, Brailler, etc.

Some supplies are arriving at the centre in Cap-Haitien. Boxes from Pennsylvania have arrived, as have the back packs Daniel sent in July.

We are still waiting for Kayla's supplies as well as the house supplies I sent in September (this post).

Communication to and within Haiti continues to be a challenge. Claudy and Auguste have been attempting to contact our blind student, Guilene, to find out how the machines provided by Don and the folks at the PA Lions club are holding up.

As Guilene is back at school in Potoprens (Port-au-Prince) and we have no address, phone number, school name, it will probably be Christmas break before we have news. I'll let you know as soon as I hear from her.

Thank You!
Thanks again to the folks on the UN committee in Boulder, Colorado! The fund raiser which I attended in September has reaped more benefits, so our potable water program is in very good shape.

Thanks again to Mme Cindy for all the support from her and her 'helpers'.

Thanks, too, to Teena in Australia, who is also raising funds through her artful scarves!

On a Personal Note
On Nov. 11 my wonderful, courageous, high spirited mother, Betty Anderson, died of post op complications after emergency surgery.

Unfortunately I have been experiencing post op complications myself and had landed back in hospital the day she died. I was unable to travel to the funeral, but had spoken with her daily.

My sister who was so instrumental in my air lift to Canada from Haiti last fall, once again guided the family through another life changing transition. Thanks, Boo! You are the best!

Thanks so much to all who sent emails and cards, or phoned. This journey with the destructive E coli has again challenged me physically. Although the reversal has been successful so far, my doctor says he'll review my condition in about 6 months, and that one more surgery will be necessary.

I will be able to return to Cap-Haitien before then, although the current complications are slowing recovery.

Wishing  our friends in the States a joyful Thanksgiving!

Beni-w Sharon
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Starthrower in Haiti Webcomic Fundraiser For Education Program Launched

Starthrower Foundation is pleased to announce the launch of a unique fundraiser to raise funds for the Education Program in Haiti.

Starthrower in Haiti is a web comic, an online version of a graphic novel, created by Dan Lafrance that tells in picture form the story of Starthrower Foundation and Sharon Gaskell's work in Cap-Haitien and Sen Rafayel, Haiti, to sponsor Haitian youth in school.

Begin with the Starthrower in Haiti Welcome page  and the Prologue, which tells the story of Loren Eiseley's The Starthrower in picture form. Follow the Next links to read the full story. The story of daily life in Haiti begins with Home Visits. Use the Next or Previous buttons to read ahead or go back in the story.

New Pages
New pages will be posted Tuesdays and Thursdays from now until Christmas. You can use the Email sign up box on the web comic site to have new pages delivered to your inbox as they are posted. This is done automatically, so your email is not divulged to anyone.

Backgrounder Starthrower in Haiti Webcomic
Dan Lafrance is a Toronto, Canada-based professional storyboard artist who has been working in animation for more than 24 years. Last March, Daniel contacted Starthrower Foundation with his unique fundraising idea to tell its story in a graphic novel format.

Daniel wanted to reach a wider audience and a totally different demographic to tell the story of life in Haiti, and to raise funds to help our students get an education.

After months of meetings and phone and email discussions with Sharon to make sure the graphic novel portrayed Starthrower Foundation as accurately as possible, Daniel began drawing his wonderful pictures.

He enlisted the help of Cassi Fuertez, a talented colorist, for the prologue and the webcomic banner.

How Webcomics Work

The practical business-minded will be asking, "How do webcomics raise funds?" In the webcomic community, creators are shown appreciation by the inclusion of a Tip Jar - a Donate button on the comic pages.

Why not have the webcomic Tip Jar/ Donate button go directly to Starthrower Foundation's Canada Helps page, Dan thought, so all tips would go directly to the Education and Food Distribution programs.

The donate link is on the web comic site, and at the bottom of the web comic email updates.

More Than a Fundraiser

But Starthrower in Haiti is much more than a fundraiser in novel format with lovely images: It is also a fantastic resource for educators everywhere who are looking for ways to teach units about Haiti, charities, and social justice.

If you are a teacher, or know someone who is, send them the link to the web comic. The graphic novel format is appropriate for all ages, and many levels of reading skills.

How You Can Help Raise Awareness

If you enjoy the web comic and appreciate the incredible amount of time and work that has gone into its creation and development, then help spread the word.

Send the web comic link to your contacts that would enjoy reading about life in Haiti. Post the link on your Facebook status and your Twitter feeds and MySpace pages.

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then Starthrower in Haiti speaks volumes. And though the web comic is scheduled at this time to run for a few short months, the content is evergreen and will be an ongoing, online global resource.

What Next?

Daniel is currently looking for ways to publish Starthrower in Haiti in print form. If you can help, please contact him through the web comic site.

To Daniel and all who supported this project, a big Thank You from Starthrower Foundation!

As much as fundraisers are urgently needed to keep our university students in school after Christmas, and as urgently as funds are needed to re-establish the Food Distribution program, this web comic will be invaluable for helping others understand life in Haiti, and the difference between Charity and Social Justice.

Like It? Comments?

Please take a minute to leave a comment on the web comic site, to show your support or to ask questions or make a comment about a particular issue.

Start Reading

Here's the Welcome Page. Working together, we CAN make a difference!

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Haiti News Students, Airline, Shipping, Schools, Hydro, Heat, New Campaigns

Bonjou tout moun / Hello Everyone!

I am back, safe and sound from Cap-Haitien. The trip was all too brief but certainly very busy and rewarding! Here's some news about shipping, new airline to Haiti, and pictures of some of the post-secondary students and life in Lakay.

Student News - Good News
Auguste and I reviewed the finances, and requests for aid from students, and then took Jackson's taxi to town to do the banking. As always, a challenge in Haiti, but they're all sorted out now.

Nursing School Students: Wisly, Alland, (Sharon) Brunie, Gaby

Looking over the papers from the School of Nursing, plus a phone call for clarification, we found out that what appeared to be a yearly fee of $200USD per student for dormitory and cafeteria use is actually turned out to be a monthly fee. Yikes!

Vincent, Auguste, Sharon, Cap-Haitien Haiti

Vincent, our third year agriculture student at the university in Limbe, and Plenitude had both received the demi bous (half bursary) they applied for. Vincent 's dormitory fees were waived for the year.

Plenitude demi-bous for the university in Port-Au-Prince to begin a 5 year program in master electronics. There is no dorm or cafeteria there, but a small allowance from Starthrower will allow him share a ti kay (house) and to eat daily.

Casimyr, Sharon, Osmann ~ Teacher's College Haiti

Casimyr and Osman were both admitted to the 5 year Teacher's College program. We provide a small stipend to assist with room and board. This is a new state university highly recommended by one of the nuns currently in second year. A phone call from Rosemary yesterday provided new information: There is free bus service for these students to the school. It is a fair distance outside of Cap-Haitien.

Micheline ~ Year 2 Medical Technology

Micheline successfully entered the second year of the Medical Technology program. It was so good to talk to all of them, and catch up and celebrate their successes with them.

Rosenie, back from her trip to France, also successfully entered the second year Kindergarten teacher training. Talking with Rosenie was a riot! I didn't have to say a word. All she could talk about was the trip to France and every new experience from airplane rides to the food to the Eiffel Tower, to meeting young people from all around the world to the challenge of many languages!

I am so proud of our staff and students. In my absence everything continued. As there were enough funds in the bank to get everyone enrolled in to school and cover tuition until Christmas, Auguste and I agreed to go moso pa moso (pay a portion at a time) and leave it to the universe to provide for January to June. This is a strategy we have employed many times.

Haiti Shipping
On the way to Haiti, in Ft. Lauderdale, I purchased, packaged and delivered supplies needed in Haiti and took the boxes to CAS Xpress (the new shipping company), who assured me that the supplies would arrive in Cap-Haitien via Port-au-Prince on October 20. We shall see. We are still waiting for boxes sent in June and August.

Florida Coastal Airlines
Since Lynx Airlines, the usual carrier, has ceased operations, Marjorie, who travelled with me from Ft Lauderdale, and I flew to Cap-Haitien on the new Florida Coastal Airline (see Lynx site for details). The plane had 31 seats and a lavatory, though no running water. WOW! After a smooth flight, then the usual dance through customs, we were finally out the door to meet Auguste and Jackson, our usual taxi driver. I was HOME. I would have kissed the ground except that it is too difficult for me to get down and up!

Lakay Fondasyon - Our Home in Haiti
In the taxi to the house (kay la), we all talked non-stop as we caught up with each other's news. Then to greet me at the house were Carmene, who takes care of the house and cooking, Joceline, Jack, Wisky and Diuegrand. It was so very good to see them all.

And the garden! How it had grown. The house was spic and span, cleaned by Joceline and Carmene. Because my surgical dressings must be changed daily, the house had to be as clean as it possibly could. It also smelled heavenly!

Carmene had cooked us dinner, her variation of traditional Haitian foods -- Mayi Moulen (a cornmeal mush cooked with kidney beans, coconut, peppers, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese) and Militon Gratine, a very mild pepper-like vegetable. A real treat! Sister Rosemary and long time driver, Jud, joined us for a catch-up visit. So much has happened while I have been in Canada.

Hydro and Heat
Once again, I woke with the roosters at 4 a.m. and, miracle of miracles, we had electricity! Hydro seemed to work during the night for a few hours, so that made it the ideal time to do my dressing change. It was also a little cooler then. When we arrived, Sister Rosemary reported that the temperature in the courtyard at the convent was 47 C (117 F) in the shade. This is very unusual heat for the end of September; It was more like July.

Dr. Coq, Sister Rosemary, Dr. Jerome, Sharon

On Sunday just before Marjorie and I left to go to the airport for our flight from Cap-Haitien to Ft Lauderdale, in addition to Rosemary, Dr. Coq (surgeon) and Dr. Jerome (Internal Medicine) came to our kay la. They had heard on the street that I was back in town, and they wanted to say hello and take some pictures of 'the team'. My gratitude to them is boundless: They literally saved my life!

I'm so glad I took the time and took the chance to make the trip to Haiti. Seeing how well the centre is running, and knowing for sure how the staff and students are doing will help me through my upcoming surgery and recovery.

Two New Campaigns for school, food program
Although Starthrower Foundation welcomes individual sponsors for our students, we decided that 'many hands make light work'. That is, many small donations soon add up! The two new campaigns will be ongoing, and run in tandem.

We need to raise $20,000 USD to cover costs for our post secondary students, and a similar amount to restart our Food Distribution Program for secondary school students. This week we received $660.00 USD. Thank you so much! We are on our way!

It bears mentioning that when one donates through Canada Helps, it is not necessary to register or set up an account (see information in right menu). And already, several fundraisers are being planned in Ontario. Working together, we CAN make a difference!

Thanks, Everyone, for your continued support.

And Happy Thanksgiving, Canada!

Beni tout moun
Sharon

PS If you are planning a fundraiser, do let us know and we can post details on the web site.

PPS Rose Youdeline's sewing machine arrived last week. It has been assembled and will be delivered up the mountain to her in Sen Rafayel this week. See photo on this post.

Haiti National Exam Results ~ Starthower Students Make Us Proud!

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Haiti Exam Results are now posted for the country as a whole, and overall, Starthrower's high school students are more than holding their own, they are doing better than the national average!

This is especially gratifying for us at Starthrower, since these Haiti - wide results include all socio-economic levels, while Starthrower sponsored students are almost exclusively drawn from the poorest of the poor. Yet, once again, these hardworking and motivated young people have demonstrated that given proper support, they can not only compete with Haiti as a whole, they can and do excel!

I am not sure of whom I am prouder: Our students for their hard work, our staff who tutor them, or our sponsors who enable them to go to school! A pat on the back and big hugs to all of you!

2009 Exam Results are In
For 2009 Haiti overall: 23.42 percent success (16.27 percent en rhéto; 32.68 percent en philo) [Selon les statistiques fournies par le Bureau national des examens d'Etat (BUNEXE)].

Starthrower students' 2009 average is currently at 40 percent but hopefully that will improve after the rewrites.

[For those wanting more information, go to Haiti MENFP. Unfortunately, we don't know the breakdown for Haiti north, as the site only gives a breakdown for 3 of the 6 departments in the country.]

Last year, 2008, we had 100 percent pass at the Philo level.(see post July 2008) This year, Deles was unable to tutor students in Sen Rafayel due to his own school schedule, and his absence was keenly felt. Both he and Auguste are natural born teachers, and their tutoring and mentoring is a large factor in the students' success.

The 2008 Haiti country average was 62.19 percent. Quite a drop in 2009, notes Charles, who follows the results from Switzerland, considering the general calm this year in Haiti. But remember, too, that the 2008-9 school year began a month later than usual due to the series of tropical storms and hurricanes that hit in September.

For Starthrower Students July State Exams
Sen Rafayel: 2 pass Philo; 4 ajournee
Cap-Haiien: 2 pass Philo; 2 ajournee.

There were no failures at this level. Those who are ajournee (adjourned) will rewrite exams from August 24-27.

Congratulations to Gaby D. (Philo) and Rose-Guerlande B. (Rheto) who were bon (passed).

(Anna and Cindy from Penn. were able to meet and talk to Gaby, as he happened to be doing a bit of maintenance on the house.)

Gaby has worked very hard since he came to us 5 years ago. He has had malaria at least once every year, as well as other infections. The little kay (house) in which he and his brother, Lusnot, live has been flooded every year. And so every year, the boys have to find temporary shelter while cleaning up.

Now that he has graduated, Gaby wants to continue on to become a nurse, or a medical technologist. I have asked him to decide before we ask for a sponsor. Luckily, either course of study is less expensive than university tuition, and either one will lead to a good job when completed.

Alland and Wisly dropped by the other day. They originally wanted to be doctors but when they didn't get in to State University, and also decided the cost was too prohibitive for sponsorship, they settled on Agriculture at the University at Limbe, which costs between $4500 and $5000 per year.

Now they have been talking and thinking that they would like to apply to the new School of Nursing program at Leogane (they probably talked to Gaby!) which costs about $3,000 per year, and includes room and board. With their original interest in medicine, and with nursing school costs much lower than medical school, a much lower amount of sponsorship money is needed. Conversely, donations go further when programs cost less, and so will benefit a greater number of students.

Inskripsyon Registering for Fall Term
Auguste, Starthrower's director of education, is starting to visit area schools to pay for inskripsyon in order to hold places for our sponsored students. And we still need backpacks for September, though not as many as we did last week, thanks to Daniel in Toronto. He is trying out a new shipping route to send some of the needed backpacks and pencil cases, and will let us know how successful it is!

Post Secondary Sponsors Needed

As well as students listed above,sponsors are needed for Casimyr and Osman, Teacher's College (5 year Co-op), about $3000/year.

That will include a small allowance for room and board as well as travel twice a year home to Sen Rafayel.

If Micheline (see photo here) passes her Philo, she will return for the second year of the medical technologist program. Cost is about $1500/per year which includes a daily travel allowance as well as a stipend for room and board.

Elorge and Marlene, our current students in pre med in Santiago, Dominican Republic, need $5,000-$7,000 per year. This includes apartment, food, travel to Haiti twice a year.

We subsidize the sponsor money as there are always costs popping up throughout the school year which we cannot anticipate.

Johnley wishes to attend the Ecole Professionelle to apprentice electrician. (This is different from Plenitude in that it is not a University program; the requisite is 5 years of high school, or Rheto which he has.

It is a very well known and respected school. Cost per year is about $1500. Will have to check length of program but know that all are co-op. Diplomas are awarded and valued.

For more photos of these and other students see pictures on the Starthrower site.

Once again, thanks to everyone for helping make this possible. And we welcome any and all initiiatives to continue to support these deserving young Haitians!

Sharon

Rice and Beans (diri ak pwa) a Cure-all? If Only!

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Salye tout moun (Hello Everyone),

I hope those of you fortunate to have free time are enjoying or did enjoy a restful March break. Activites in Orangeville certainly seemed to slow down last week.

Although I am (for the time being) still grounded, Starthrower continues to function effectively. I spoke with Auguste and Carmine last week. Mme Carmine told me that if I could get her a passport, she would come and cook for me; she is certain that her diri ak pwa (rice and beans) will cure anything!

Auguste assures me that the staff continues to work cheerfully, taking care of all, including our youth, cats, dogs etc. Last night I spoke with Sister Rosemary (Sewoz), who also assures me that we have the best staff in Cap-Haitien. I already knew that. :-)

Our friend and sponsor Mme Marjorie is currently in the Dominican Republic with a team of nurses, organizing and carrying out eyeglass clinics. She took with her 2 new laptop computers, a gift from her for our 2 pre-med students -- Elorge and Marlene -- in Santiago, DR.

These laptops will be of great assistance to these students. Two other students -- Deles and VIncent -- in their second year Agriculture in Limbe are both in need of laptops. As well, Vincent needs a new sponsor (or group of sponsors) to see him through the last 2 years of the program.

Our waiting list contains six high school grads from last year who would like the opportunity for post secondary education. I know this is not wholly within our mandate, but it means so much to these young adults. There will be more graduates this year, as well. These young people, given the opportunity, are the ones who will lay the foundation for change in Haiti. Thanks to all who have and continue to support them and the younger students.

I am out of hospital and once again being supported at home by the amazing visiting nurses from St. Elizabeth health care, and several personal support workers from the Red Cross. What a difference they make to my quality of life!

As Karen reported, the surgery went well. It just wasn't the surgery I had anticipated. As there were still abscesses at the time of my second surgery, surgical time was spent draining and repairing. The colostomy reversal will wait for a third surgery, the date to be determined by the surgeon. I 'll be back at St. Mike's hospital on April 6 for my follow-up appointment.

Once again, thanks to all who phoned and sent cards. Your thoughtfulness and moral support are much appreciated. Who would have thought that E Coli was so destructive?

In the meantime, I am once again regaining strength, being careful to do as little as possible for 6 weeks, and getting comfortable with the miniature size of the netbook laptop I use to stay in touch with staff and Starthroweres. If only my fingers were younger! The keys are so close together. (What a great excuse for the typos I make regardless of keyboard size.)

Take care of each other, and ala pwochen (until the next time)

Beni-w
Sharon

Student News, Sen Rafayel Update, and Ice Cubes

Hello Everyone!

The staff just arrived en masse and with great noise. They were carrying Auguste in celebration of his "bon" Philo results. (He passed!) When I said they would have to do the same for Jhennie when she arrived after her hospital appointment (she was bon also), they replied No, because Jhennie is young, the right age for a student. Auguste, they said, is a ti gran moun (usually a person who has reached 100 years old. He is 30.)

Jhennie now must decide what she will do next as her Philo was bon. Unfortunately Frantzy was pa bon. He will rewrite in December. If his medical entrance exams were bon, they will hold a place for him to start in January (so we are told). Elorge, Marlene and Frantzy survived medical school entrance exams, although the boys had to purchase new clothes (dress shoes, pants, shirts) in order to be allowed in to write them.

Auguste is going to stay full time with Starthrower Foundation as Director of Education. He will liaise with all school administrations and students, and do intake, monitor their school progress and attendance, pay for medical, dental etc consultations, facilitate home visits, tutor all subjects, all levels. In addition, he will take courses in Enfomatik and English.

Rosenie will go to school (Rheto) evenings and work 3 days a week here managing (purchase, prep, distribution) all supplies, like text books, hygiene products, meds etc. We will hire one new staff member for food prep and distribution on weekends to help Dieugrand.

Deles and Vincent began classes at the University in Limbe on Monday. We will visit them with our next visitor, Jeff, when he arrives, as Jeff's brother is sponsoring one of the boys. Elorge, Marlene and Frantzy survived medical school entrance exams although the boys had to purchase new clothes (dress shoes, pants, shirts) in order to be allowed in.

In addition to his duties as house manager, Jack does all liaison with the bosses with whom we place students in trades. This mroning, he is meeting with Bos Emile at his garage in Pont Neuf. He will check the premises for supplies, other apprentices, talk with the Bos re his credentials. If he is satisfied, he will pay the bos for the year and all parties will sign a contract. Fabien, the student beginning to train as 'mekanisyen' will come back to the house with Jack for funds for work shoes and clothes as well as a back pack with hygiene products.

Our guest from NC left on Sunday. everyone misses her enthusiasm and smile. While Steve and Mark did not stay at the house, they did come bearing gifts. 4 wireless think pads. We are told 2 printers will follow so we have organized the house for usage once the school year is in full swing. Many of our students still have not started as uniforms are not ready.

We have a lot of problems in Sen Rafayel. Poor Claudy and Louisena, the staff there. People in the village think we owe everyone in the village free education, and, as they see only our staff (we cannot travel there due to lack of vehicle) life is full of harrassment for the two of them. I have deliberately not placed Sen Rafayel first year high school students on the wait list as we may have to finish with the students we currently have, then concentrate on Cap-Haitien students. Perhaps when a vehicle arrives the situation will be reviewed.

The amount of electricity has been greatly reduced as the gas supply in Haiti has temporarily dried up, and we need gas to fire the generators. We are out of water, but I have asked Jack and DIeugrand not to pump it until the hydro goes off again. We have to turn off EDH to 'monte dlo-a' (pump water) which means the fridge won't work. I haven't the heart on this first day of hydro to turn it off. We actually have ice cubes today - 10 of them!!
Pita anko
Sharon

Back to School in Haiti, With Your Help

Hello Everyone,

We have had a very busy two weeks. Our visitors from Canada were here for 10 days working with the staff and travelling into town. It's a good thing they've had wilderness training as the pipes around the house were completely "bouche" (plugged up), so David and Mark helped dig up the cement and the old pipes, then lay the new pipes, and mix and apply new cement. They also travelled to our 'home' hardware store to purchase supplies. They had some culture shock,but I will let one of them elaborate about that.

Kat (Kathleen ) jumped right into helping clean, repair and recover our textbooks for September. She also travelled by taxi with Auguste to inskri (register) some of our kids at school. Our reservoirs on the roof are on their last legs, especially with the extra people using the system every day. We had to pump water twice daily. The day after the visitors departed, the connection sprung a leak so we have just been filling pails for washing.

Our rental agent came in yesterday; he had been away for 5 weeks. He will ask the owner for the funds to purchase a new holding tank for our water. The plumber dropped by today to tell us that he has recommended changing the entire system of drawing our water as it is 'ansyen' (old). We sent Jean Ricot to the hospital in Milot on Friday to see if they could help him. He has had a constant headache since the motorcycle accident in April. Apparently, there is a piece of 'fil' (wire) inside his right eyebrow that is holding things together. The doctor recommended removing it, so that is on our list of things to attend to. We have to get him there and back, as well as find someone to travel with him by public transit. It may be Christmas holidays before that happens.

Deles and Robert travelled to Limbe on Friday to get the results of their entrance exams to study agronomy at the university there. Both were accepted. Micheline has applied to the institute in Vaudreille to study medical technology. Marlene, Elorge and Frantzy will head back to Port-au-Prince the second week of September to write entrance exams for medical studies.

I say this calmly but with a sense of pride in them, and in our progress: These young people represent the first of 'our' students to graduate high school and go on to university.

All of this is happening with the hope that people will open their hearts to help these amazing young people realize their dreams. We have another 140 waiting to start the school year, and we only have enough funds for about 40. That's only 100 to go.

Jack travelled to Port-au-Prince on Sunday with Jud and another driver in a large rental vehicle to pick up a donation of meds from Canada. The trip back took them nearly 9 hours. They travelled through flash floods in the Artibonite and half the cargo was soaked with mud although the truck was canvas covered.

I had asked some staff to come help 'debarke' (unload) the vehicle once they finally arrived back here. They arrived at 6, the electricity arrived at 6:15, so they sat and played checkers and cards on the gallery. Due to the storm, the load arrived at 8:30. The travellers were exhausted and promptly left.

We began unloading and quickly realized that the wet cartons needed to be opened immediately. We worked until 11 p.m. placing the dry cartons in our covered parking space, opening the wet cartons and individual containers, wiping off the mud and piling everything on the table on the gallery,and placing others inside the living room. This being Haiti, the staff were all too frightened to go home at that time of night, as public transit had stopped. So we found a place for everyone to sleep (after eating). The hammocks make great beds.

Everyone was up when I rose at 5 a.m. The boys were sweeping the compound, and Rosenie was opening the gates. After breakfast, we worked all day sorting meds and making space for storage in case of more rain.We will try to distribute them before new visitors arrive next week. We donated some to a small local dispensary today, making many trips with our shiny new (red) wheelbarrow (bouret-la). Our old faithful wheelbarrow died a very ungraceful death while our visitors were here. We are looking for a place on our lawn to bury it full of flowers. A fitting end.

Every year, after paying inskripsyon (registration), I pay only the first trimeste fees. Usually there is not enough money to pay for the full year, anyhow, and sometimes the students cannot complete a full year due to illness or worse. When 'the worst' happens, we are not obligated to pay the remainder of the year. It sounds harsh, but it's a fact of life down here. There have not been many students in that last category, but enough to underscore the wisdom of paying for just one trimeste at a time. The average cost per trimeste is about $300 Haitian ($40 USD) per student per trimeste. Each student also needs a uniform and black shoes (they are not allowed into school without those). This required clothing costs $400 Haitian ($55 USD) per student.

Additionally, each student needs text books, back packs, notebooks, pens. While we recycle many textbooks, we always need to purchase some new ones. Then, by the end of September, we need money for rice, beans and oil, as that's when we begin weekly food distribution on weekends. And so many of them need eyeglasses. As well, all of these activities require staff.

The bottom line for Right Now is we need $10,000 USD, which allows about $100 USD per student times 100 students.

Ala pwochen
Sharon
P.S. See the updated list of Things We Need.

Cap-Haitien Exams, Sponsor for Medical School

Hello Everyone,

GOOD NEWS ! Marlene has a sponsor for medical school! Everyone is so excited for her. She is studying night and day. That means all of the ones applying now have sponsors, provided they are successful writing entrance exams. Now to find sponsors for the two in Agronomy.

The Not-So-Good news is that Marlene just arrived back from the hospital. She is anemic and has a UTI infection. Sometimes, every day is filled with minutes like this: Good news, bad news, good news.

Esmann also arrived to say that Alex did not come to work this week as he has a fever and needs to go to the hospital. Once again, having a vehicle is so important. I wish the bicycle had a trailer attached.

Auguste dropped in yesterday, taking a study break. When they rewrite next week, it is 8 hours a day for 4 consecutive days. I believe it is the same for university entrance. Then today, when he arrived to work, he told me that yesterday he went past the Department of Education to double check that Monday, Aug. 13 was the date to begin rewrites. When he got there, he saw that the dates had been changed without them informing anyone.

Rewrites now begin Monday, August 20, since Wednesday August 15 is the Feast of Notre Dame. So, if the kids finish writing by August 23rd, we won't have any results before September, which means all bets are off for school opening first week of September, uniforms won't be ready etc...

Sherline just arrived and she is dezole -- she missed her pass by .2 points. She attended Boukman, the high school that was closed half the year because the teachers were on strike because the state didn't pay them. Rodney arrived in tears also -- he missed his year by .1 point.

What a roller coaster! Jack's uncle died this morning. He was 31 with a 6 month old. Auguste and I visited his tikay on Thursday when we made our home visits.

Kenbe,

Sharon