Hello, Everyone,
It is midweek and we have (gras a dye) ELECTRICITY. That deserves capital letters. Quite possibly it will be a memory by the time this sentence is completed, but at this moment, it is cause for celebration!
Haiti Culture and Customs
Auguste was thrilled (byen kontan) to see his stories on the new Haiti Culture page of the Starthrower website. When I asked Auguste to write about his life in Haiti, I had forgotten that of course he does not have paper and pen in the ti kay (little house) that he shares with the 2 sisters he is putting through school.
Auguste told me he wrote all weekend. His stories are written on many scraps of paper, each one numbered for my benefit. I will find a plastic box (to keep out rats, mice and cockroaches) and give him writing supplies. (FYI Electricity just went out -- running on solar now.)
Summer Jobs in Haiti
Summer has arrived in all its glory (heat, heat and more heat). That means our student work force is with us. It also means heat rash and vision constantly compromised by salty perspiration. Although our employee numbers are pared down for financial reasons, I was still shocked on Monday morning when 18 young people walked through our portail; Usually, we have 5.
These kids live in the most unsafe, unsanitary conditions imaginable, yet they show up here chattering and laughing, happy to be with each other, knowing they are among the few lucky enough to have work. They keep me grounded. (There are times however, when the introvert in me counts down to the end of the work day and their departure.)
Sponsored Students, Report Card Fees. Wait List
Starthrower had 359 student visitors come through our portail (door) in June. That number will escalate this month as many students are finding themselves unable to secure the release of report cards (kane-yo) due to unpaid fees. Until these fees are paid, no reports or exam results are released to the students.
Unfortunately, we are rarely able to help play catch up; however we do add their names to our wait list in the event of a windfall -- ours or theirs! (Electricity is back -- unplug the inverter- welcome to our world!) When these students are not able to provide us with their reports (mandatory to be considered for Starthrower sponsorship), Auguste does a preliminary interview, and takes down some information.
Then at the second interview (if and when they are able to provide us with their report cards), he takes all their family history and appropriate papers are shared. Auguste does the preliminary screening, and together we interview as we get closer to 'offering a contract' that all our students sign before being accepted for Starthrower sponsorship. Because our work is about doing justice, nothing is handed to our youth. We share this journey, Starthrower and students both having responsibilities.
Programs and Projects
I realize I often talk about programs and projects but neglect to inform you about the difference. When I began to travel to Haiti on a frequent basis, many years ago, I was drawn to the area of education, most likely because I had been a teacher for 20 years, and education seemed of primary importance.
By supporting those first few youngsters in Sen Rafayel, I gained the needed insight into the reality of Haiti. It is a country of orphans, so education by itself wasn't enough. They needed the care a parent provides -- food, medicine, housing, clothing, school supplies, etc.
As we settled into the centre, and more and more young people began coming in to ask us for help, I hired Auguste. And hiring Auguste -- in effect, creating for him an internship program in Administration -- also gave me some much needed time for reflection.
As these "parenting needs" presented themselves, Auguste and I talked about possible solutions. For example, the text book reclamation project was so successful the first year, after discussion with those who had participated, and making tweaks to job descriptions, we hired Rosenie part time to continue throughout the year. A project had become a program.
Project and Program Development
Similarly, as Auguste tutors, counsels, makes home visits, liaises with all school administrations, prepares all lists for Sen Rafayel and Cap-Haitien, and creates displays for both locations, he had insufficient time to oversee those who were in need of medical/dental referrals. And so, we hired Jhennie for a 6 month project -- January to June.
We did the same with food distribution: Hiring Dieugrand full time and Erzilia to assist him with purchasing, packaging and distributing food sacks and potable water. Both projects ended in June and we sat down in separate groups and discussed the pros and cons, successes and failure.
Consequently, the Potable Water project, Food Distribution Project and the Good Health project are now permanent programs. Erzilia has replaced Jhennie, who has gone to help a sister in the Dominican Republic. Erzilia continues with food/water distribution, though they are scaled down for the summer months.
Throughout the summer, we are providing potable (safe) water to everyone, but providing food only to those attending summer school. Thanks to a donation from the UK, Alland and Wisly will begin the premed summer school program next Monday in the hopes of gaining entrance to a Haitian university.
Rosenie and Edwina will travel back to Sen Rafayel on Monday to implement the book reclamation project for 2 months. Claudy has already hired the 3 students we decided upon. We will meet in September to discuss, review and decide on future actions.
Apprenticeship Program Under Review
We continually examine what works and what doesn't. Our apprenticeship program is now on temporary project status as we had four students who were left without work when the "bosses" we had contracted left town in Oct/Nov. We had just paid for the new year, so that money was lost.
The affected students were told to find a new boss in the same field and we would again interview and contract starting in January. They didn't come back until June, saying they were now ready. We never make decisions for someone's life choices. We offer support, discussion, perspective, and the young people know this. We are not scrapping the idea of apprenticeship with a master craftsman; however, we are leaning more toward supporting trade school training.
Escalating Costs for Rice
Erzilia and Rosenie just returned from the market, purchasing supplies for our summer school students. A large sack of rice is now $500.00 Haitian (and rising) or $71.50 USD. If we were to restart our full program in Cap-Haitien now, and begin a similar project in Sen Rafayel, it would require $700 USD per week. Lets hope things settle down by September.
Meet Loren . . .
In closing, let me introduce you to another of Haiti's children. We have a recently arrived neighbour. His name is Loren and he is 4 years old. He began coming to our portail a few weeks ago asking for mangoes. He is quite loquacious -- what some would call an old soul. He told us that his parents were dead -- both killed in a bus accident.
His grandmother was his "paran" now. He loves to colour, skip rope (as only a 4 year old can) and 'read' books. Then 2 weeks ago, he came over for a visit and told us that his gran had been killed in a flood. We had a storm go through and the water near Gonaive flooded (lamer te plen -- literally, the sea was full). His gran was in a tap tap going to visit her son to ask for help. She and many others drowned.
I spoke to the daughter-in-law a few days after the funeral. Like most Haitians, they have no money to cover funeral costs and are at a loss as to what to do with Loren because they do not have 'moyen ekonomik' (economic means) to raise him.
Variations of this story happen day after day here. Every statistic you read is about real people, real children who laugh and cry and just want a chance.
One at a time. . .
lape (in peace)
Sharon
Canadian Charity Working to Promote Social Justice & Education
Showing posts with label summer school haiti. Show all posts
Showing posts with label summer school haiti. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Plumbers, Dentists, Laundromats, Donations, Shipping, Schools and other Haiti News
Hello Everyone!
For some reason, one of my email accounts won't let me access messages, and I know that there were several messages awaiting replies. I will keep trying, but bear with me, please.
The week has been busy! The plumber finally arrived Thursday. He solved the problem of the major leak in the new sink and taps by cementing it shut. We now have no leak because we have no water flow. However, we were able to turn the water back on in the house so can now flush toilets, boil water for washing.
Dental problems continue to plague us
Ganel came down from Sen Rafayel on Wednesday, in great pain. He has family here in Cap-Haitien, so he stayed with them for a couple of nights. We sent him to the dental clinic at the hospital. Unfortunately, all they do there is pull teeth (rache), and so he lost 3 of his.
Claudy is having the same problems but has no family here. Se Ginette (Soeur Ginette) who is our medical dispensary support in Sen Rafayel throughout the school year, has found a dentist whose practice is in Pignon and who is willing to come to Sen Rafayel on Saturday mornings throughout the school terms and do a clinic. If funds allow, we will try this as a project (pwoje) for the first trimeste then evaluate. This still doesn't help for the summer months, and we still have no solution for dental services in Cap-Haitien.
Does anyone know of a visiting dentist willing to do a clinic here this summer?
Laundromat in Cap-Haitien
Washing by hand here at the house, three times a week, is very labour intensive and Joceline doesn't have the strength to wring towels etc. by hand. We have a laundromat in Cap-Haitien, so I stopped in last week to check it out, get the hours of operation and prices. It is very clean, and they offer pressing on site as well. It is powered by generator.
On Friday, Joceline and I went in with 2 loads. She was amazed with everything, including the taxi ride. To watch the emotions of awe and joy at the workings of a laundromat reminded me again of the privileged world in which I walk when not here. In Canada, I complain about walking to the laundromat.
This week Joceline will strike out on her own, going to the laundromat on half price Tuesday and Friday, in the taxi with Jackson (subject to change at a moment's notice). Jackson picked us up at the laundromat on Friday announcing the machin (car) was en pan (broken down) and he had spent the intervening hour in the garage because pa gen clutch (doesn't have a clutch.) He proceeded to prove that he didn't have a clutch on the trip home! Joceline will also be introduced to the workings of a cell phone as she will need to phone Jackson when ready to come home.
Cell Phones for Safety
We have 2 cell phones at the house, both for staff use. One is Comcel; the other, Digicel. When staff members are away from the house, we always send a phone with them for safety. For example:
Shipping and Things We Need.
In response to a couple of emails, I'll make a general response here. As much as we appreciate the thought and the support, there are a couple of reasons why I ask folks not send donated items unless they are urgently needed.
Urgent supplies
Multivitamins, vitamin C, protein powder, protein bars, pencil cases, note books, back packs, pencil sharpeners, pens. Everything else can be purchased here if sufficient funds available.
Donations
Thanks so much to Starthrower Sue in the UK for understanding that our most pressing need is financial -- for schooling, water and food programs, medical and dental, etc. With donations, and proceeds from fundraisers, etc., we should be able to continue the potable water distribution program in Cap-Haitien, and to begin the 6 month trial potable water project in Sen Rafayel. Financial donations will also allow us to plan and implement food distribution in Sen Rafayel for September, and to reintroduce the food distribution program here in Cap-Haitien.
Schools all have different start dates and so we implement programs according to the start of the term, by grade. At year end, each grade writes exams at different times, so this year, we ceased distribution using those dates as our guideline. The ideal, of course, is to have enough funds to feed these young people year round, as well as enough to pay for summer school which everyone requests.
Summer School
We have had to say "No" to summer school this summer. This is very unfortunate, as the extra class time gives the students a head start for the coming year. Summer school would also help them gain acceptance at a Haitian university, as opposed to having to go out of Haiti. Even though the few sponsors we have are OK with our students who do go out of country, we know that this is not the ideal solution. With your assistance, we will be able to do do more to keep these young people home to study.
Dominican Republic, University exams
Next week Marlene and Elorge will travel to Santiago in the Dominican Republic to write entrance exams on July 17th for the Intensive Spanish Program at Pontificia Universite Catholica Madre y Maestra. If accepted, they will be placed according to results. We are still awaiting a reply from our last email to the university, requesting the amount of their current fees, as those provided were from 2005-06. This is one of the challenges of intermittent internet access. The last reply took 2 weeks before we could access it due to signal interference.
Deles and Vincent are still awaiting their exam results. It is proving very difficult for them to go back to Sen Rafayel and sit and do nothing after the busy university schedule. They both asked for summer school but we just didn't have the money.
Home Visits Appointments
Auguste and I have been assembling a time table for home visits during July and August. The custom in Haiti is to make an appointment to visit someone, and then, when you arrive at the designated time, to again ask permission to come in and visit. The host's situation may have changed since the appointment was made, and now the time may not be convenient.
There are many homes that we didn't visit last year as there are a large number of zones that taxi drivers will NOT enter for security reasons. Also there are many places a taxi cannot physically enter as the road is in too poor shape, and the car is too low and has no 4 wheel drive. [We continue to scour the country for an appropriate vehicle. Our rental agent, M Brutus, is looking for a vehicle for us in Miami while his wife awaits the birth of their 2nd child there. Apparently he is able to navigate customs.]
Haiti Culture
As we talked about the home visits, Auguste recounted a recent difficult decision he had to make regarding a visitor (known to staff) who showed up without an appointment, expecting to enter. This put Auguste in an uncomfortable position. Ultimately, Auguste let the visitor come in but he was really torn about this decision, as I had not first let him know to expect someone. The customs in Haiti are so different from North America.
As I thought about this and our own visits to students homes, I thought about the Haitians beautiful customs and that perhaps this is an opportunity to introduce more of Haiti culture to you through the eyes of a Haitian.
And so, Auguste has agreed to write detanzantan (from time to time) and ti pislin (a little at a time), explaining some of the customs, culture and history of this amazing country. I will translate his essays, and let you know when they are posted on the web site. I am only sorry we can't show his delivery -- He is a born story teller!
(Update July 8, 2008 ~ The first of Auguste's Haiti culture and customs articles is posted at Starthrower Foundation Haiti Culture
Kenbe red ala pwochen
Sharon
For some reason, one of my email accounts won't let me access messages, and I know that there were several messages awaiting replies. I will keep trying, but bear with me, please.
The week has been busy! The plumber finally arrived Thursday. He solved the problem of the major leak in the new sink and taps by cementing it shut. We now have no leak because we have no water flow. However, we were able to turn the water back on in the house so can now flush toilets, boil water for washing.
Dental problems continue to plague us
Ganel came down from Sen Rafayel on Wednesday, in great pain. He has family here in Cap-Haitien, so he stayed with them for a couple of nights. We sent him to the dental clinic at the hospital. Unfortunately, all they do there is pull teeth (rache), and so he lost 3 of his.
Claudy is having the same problems but has no family here. Se Ginette (Soeur Ginette) who is our medical dispensary support in Sen Rafayel throughout the school year, has found a dentist whose practice is in Pignon and who is willing to come to Sen Rafayel on Saturday mornings throughout the school terms and do a clinic. If funds allow, we will try this as a project (pwoje) for the first trimeste then evaluate. This still doesn't help for the summer months, and we still have no solution for dental services in Cap-Haitien.
Does anyone know of a visiting dentist willing to do a clinic here this summer?
Laundromat in Cap-Haitien
Washing by hand here at the house, three times a week, is very labour intensive and Joceline doesn't have the strength to wring towels etc. by hand. We have a laundromat in Cap-Haitien, so I stopped in last week to check it out, get the hours of operation and prices. It is very clean, and they offer pressing on site as well. It is powered by generator.
On Friday, Joceline and I went in with 2 loads. She was amazed with everything, including the taxi ride. To watch the emotions of awe and joy at the workings of a laundromat reminded me again of the privileged world in which I walk when not here. In Canada, I complain about walking to the laundromat.
This week Joceline will strike out on her own, going to the laundromat on half price Tuesday and Friday, in the taxi with Jackson (subject to change at a moment's notice). Jackson picked us up at the laundromat on Friday announcing the machin (car) was en pan (broken down) and he had spent the intervening hour in the garage because pa gen clutch (doesn't have a clutch.) He proceeded to prove that he didn't have a clutch on the trip home! Joceline will also be introduced to the workings of a cell phone as she will need to phone Jackson when ready to come home.
Cell Phones for Safety
We have 2 cell phones at the house, both for staff use. One is Comcel; the other, Digicel. When staff members are away from the house, we always send a phone with them for safety. For example:
- when Rosenie, Erzilia and Edwina went to Sen Rafayel
- when staff go to the market for book repair supplies
- when Dieugrand is purchasing potable water and food supplies
- when we sent Kenson to Carfoumoustik for radyograf (xray)
Shipping and Things We Need.
In response to a couple of emails, I'll make a general response here. As much as we appreciate the thought and the support, there are a couple of reasons why I ask folks not send donated items unless they are urgently needed.
Urgent supplies
Multivitamins, vitamin C, protein powder, protein bars, pencil cases, note books, back packs, pencil sharpeners, pens. Everything else can be purchased here if sufficient funds available.
Donations
Thanks so much to Starthrower Sue in the UK for understanding that our most pressing need is financial -- for schooling, water and food programs, medical and dental, etc. With donations, and proceeds from fundraisers, etc., we should be able to continue the potable water distribution program in Cap-Haitien, and to begin the 6 month trial potable water project in Sen Rafayel. Financial donations will also allow us to plan and implement food distribution in Sen Rafayel for September, and to reintroduce the food distribution program here in Cap-Haitien.
Schools all have different start dates and so we implement programs according to the start of the term, by grade. At year end, each grade writes exams at different times, so this year, we ceased distribution using those dates as our guideline. The ideal, of course, is to have enough funds to feed these young people year round, as well as enough to pay for summer school which everyone requests.
Summer School
We have had to say "No" to summer school this summer. This is very unfortunate, as the extra class time gives the students a head start for the coming year. Summer school would also help them gain acceptance at a Haitian university, as opposed to having to go out of Haiti. Even though the few sponsors we have are OK with our students who do go out of country, we know that this is not the ideal solution. With your assistance, we will be able to do do more to keep these young people home to study.
Dominican Republic, University exams
Next week Marlene and Elorge will travel to Santiago in the Dominican Republic to write entrance exams on July 17th for the Intensive Spanish Program at Pontificia Universite Catholica Madre y Maestra. If accepted, they will be placed according to results. We are still awaiting a reply from our last email to the university, requesting the amount of their current fees, as those provided were from 2005-06. This is one of the challenges of intermittent internet access. The last reply took 2 weeks before we could access it due to signal interference.
Deles and Vincent are still awaiting their exam results. It is proving very difficult for them to go back to Sen Rafayel and sit and do nothing after the busy university schedule. They both asked for summer school but we just didn't have the money.
Home Visits Appointments
Auguste and I have been assembling a time table for home visits during July and August. The custom in Haiti is to make an appointment to visit someone, and then, when you arrive at the designated time, to again ask permission to come in and visit. The host's situation may have changed since the appointment was made, and now the time may not be convenient.
There are many homes that we didn't visit last year as there are a large number of zones that taxi drivers will NOT enter for security reasons. Also there are many places a taxi cannot physically enter as the road is in too poor shape, and the car is too low and has no 4 wheel drive. [We continue to scour the country for an appropriate vehicle. Our rental agent, M Brutus, is looking for a vehicle for us in Miami while his wife awaits the birth of their 2nd child there. Apparently he is able to navigate customs.]
Haiti Culture
As we talked about the home visits, Auguste recounted a recent difficult decision he had to make regarding a visitor (known to staff) who showed up without an appointment, expecting to enter. This put Auguste in an uncomfortable position. Ultimately, Auguste let the visitor come in but he was really torn about this decision, as I had not first let him know to expect someone. The customs in Haiti are so different from North America.
As I thought about this and our own visits to students homes, I thought about the Haitians beautiful customs and that perhaps this is an opportunity to introduce more of Haiti culture to you through the eyes of a Haitian.
And so, Auguste has agreed to write detanzantan (from time to time) and ti pislin (a little at a time), explaining some of the customs, culture and history of this amazing country. I will translate his essays, and let you know when they are posted on the web site. I am only sorry we can't show his delivery -- He is a born story teller!
(Update July 8, 2008 ~ The first of Auguste's Haiti culture and customs articles is posted at Starthrower Foundation Haiti Culture
Kenbe red ala pwochen
Sharon
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
More Violence in Cap-Haitien and Sen Rafayel
Hello Everyone,
The hydro just came on again so I am sending on some news about what's happened in the past few days. It seems lawlessness here is at an all time high.
In Cap-Haitien:
The Caisse Populaire( village bank) in Sen Rafayel was robbed by 6 men on Monday. As in the past, the police hid in the station. The local priest (the same priest who charges folks for communion) has a radio station. He told everyone listening that a robbery was taking place.
The villagers pursued the 6 (who are known kidnappers). The villagers had machetes; the robbers, guns. One robber was killed, 2 are imprisoned, 3 got away with all money. Several villagers were killed, and Jack's cousin, who led the charge, was shot in the derriere. He was brought by taptap down the mountain to Lopital Justinien. The doctors recommended surgery to remove the bullet, and gave him prescriptions for pain meds. He had no money so the doc's discharged him.
Jack and his brother Wisky both said they had never seen someone in such pain. He travelled back to Sen Rafayel on kamyonet. He needs $700 Haitian or $100.00 US for the surgery. I can't believe the magistrate is not helping, or the doctors, for that matter. I have said we would pay the surgery costs so am waiting to hear back.
Perhaps someone who reads this would like to help pay for his surgery?
We are still desperately seeking a vehicle to purchase. In the meantime, we only use one taxi -- Jackson's. If he is not available, I stay put. This morning he informed me that he will not stop for anyone else if I am in the car and he does not have his brother for security. Good to know I am taken care of.
Pi ta
Sharon
PS
Update 3:30p.m. EDT
Alland (He came Monday asking for food) is just leaving. We sent him to the clinic yesterday, results came today. He has malaria, anemia , UTI. Auguste and I had diagnosed this even before we sent him.
We will see illnesses increase now, with the end of food distribution program. Poor kid is so sick. He just finished Philo, and wants to be a doctor. Two local physicians have started a summer course for students wanting to enter medical school in Haiti.
A great idea but $100.00 US plus books, uniform. We just don't have it but it would be a great test. If he got in to medical school, we would know the system can be changed.
The hydro just came on again so I am sending on some news about what's happened in the past few days. It seems lawlessness here is at an all time high.
In Cap-Haitien:
- A 23year-old kidnapped from our katye was killed as her parents had no money to pay ransom.
- A doctor kidnapped from the corner paid $50,000.00 US for his freedom.
- A friend of Jack's was kidnapped last night while riding a taptap; the same ransom demand ($50,000). He has 2 small children, no job.
The Caisse Populaire( village bank) in Sen Rafayel was robbed by 6 men on Monday. As in the past, the police hid in the station. The local priest (the same priest who charges folks for communion) has a radio station. He told everyone listening that a robbery was taking place.
The villagers pursued the 6 (who are known kidnappers). The villagers had machetes; the robbers, guns. One robber was killed, 2 are imprisoned, 3 got away with all money. Several villagers were killed, and Jack's cousin, who led the charge, was shot in the derriere. He was brought by taptap down the mountain to Lopital Justinien. The doctors recommended surgery to remove the bullet, and gave him prescriptions for pain meds. He had no money so the doc's discharged him.
Jack and his brother Wisky both said they had never seen someone in such pain. He travelled back to Sen Rafayel on kamyonet. He needs $700 Haitian or $100.00 US for the surgery. I can't believe the magistrate is not helping, or the doctors, for that matter. I have said we would pay the surgery costs so am waiting to hear back.
Perhaps someone who reads this would like to help pay for his surgery?
We are still desperately seeking a vehicle to purchase. In the meantime, we only use one taxi -- Jackson's. If he is not available, I stay put. This morning he informed me that he will not stop for anyone else if I am in the car and he does not have his brother for security. Good to know I am taken care of.
Pi ta
Sharon
PS
Update 3:30p.m. EDT
Alland (He came Monday asking for food) is just leaving. We sent him to the clinic yesterday, results came today. He has malaria, anemia , UTI. Auguste and I had diagnosed this even before we sent him.
We will see illnesses increase now, with the end of food distribution program. Poor kid is so sick. He just finished Philo, and wants to be a doctor. Two local physicians have started a summer course for students wanting to enter medical school in Haiti.
A great idea but $100.00 US plus books, uniform. We just don't have it but it would be a great test. If he got in to medical school, we would know the system can be changed.
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