It starts by talking about the current turmoil and how Haiti, which is the Western Hemisphere’s second-oldest republic, appears to be collapsing. While it gives a lot of history, it focusses on the impact mission groups have had on Haiti’s current situation.
(image taken from article)
The article suggests that mission groups have built a parallel state to the government (and often the culture) - sustaining the Haitian people while the ineffective, and often brutal, leaders ransacked the Haitian state.
“All of this primed Haiti for the implosion happening before our eyes. The blame, of course, does not lie solely at missionaries’ feet. It is shared by entire nations, by international organizations, and by individuals. But for now, to the plank in our own eye: If there is a next era of missions in Haiti, it will be judged by what we do in this moment—and by whether we can recover the spirit in which Haitians first called us there.” (quote taken from article)
There are many thought provoking ideas in the article - both encouraging & infuriating.
I hope some of you will take the time to read it. If you do, and it sparks an idea of how we can better serve our Haitian families, please send me an email.
Our aim is not to show our families how to live, but to walk alongside them in a way that enables them to make decisions that are good for their families.
We believe that empowering parents is the best way to build strong families.
We believe strong families produce strong children, and strong children become strong parents.
We believe that it is imperative to build relationships, based on mutual respect, with those we want to empower in order to effectively break the cycle of poverty.
Change is possible!
We recognize that change takes time and too often a child’s education is cut short when the family has minimal resources.
You can come alongside a family, and help them achieve financial sustainability, by sponsoring their child to attend Elementary School, High School or Post-Secondary Education. A sponsored child will have their tuition & fees paid. Families are encouraged to participate in the education process by providing uniforms and transportation (when necessary). We believe it is important for families to be part of the process and if they are not financially able, they will be encouraged to participate in our Small Business Loan program.
Change is coming!
Will you join us in supporting families in Haiti?
Rebecca Honorat rebecca.honorat@gmail.com Executive Director
