Published Wed, Jun 10, 20.
Written by Rebecca Honorat.
A message from the Board of Directors,
While we, here in Canada, are in phase 2 (and eagerly anticipating the next phases), Haiti's confirmed cases have jumped from 100 to just over 3000 in the past three weeks... and there is no way to know how many actual cases there are.
Our partners in Haiti tell us that many people are complaining of a fever & cold but they are afraid to be labelled as "positive" as there is such a negative stigma attached to COVID-19 that they are afraid for their safety.
The Haitian President continues to declare a state of emergency. Churches & schools have been closed and he has requested that there be no gatherings of more than five people. This is impossible as most citizens need to interact to acquire their basic essentials.
While we wish we could do more to help, we are focused on doing what we can. With the help of generous donors we are continuing to support our students & their families with provisions, we are jump starting businesses through small business loans and we are supporting local markets by purchasing goods for our food hampers.
If you'd like more information about the general COVID response in Haiti Doctors without Borders have given some good details in this article. Sincerely, Scott, Albert, Teresa, Diane & Leanne Alongside Board of Directors
Food Hampers
This week our sponsored students received food hampers!
These hampers were unique as we were able to purchase fresh produce from local farmers and small businesses. It was a great way to provide more nutrients to our families and support the local economy at the same time.
There are still several students on our website who need sponsorships (link). If you start sponsoring a child now you will not only be giving their family the peace-of-mind of knowing their child will be able to return to school in September but you will also be providing them with regular food hampers in the meantime.
We know of many families that are struggling to put food on the table due to the COVID-19 restrictions. Even though these families are not in one of our sponsorship programs, you can help us provide them with a food hamper by making a one time donation of $25 to our Relief Food Project.
Let us introduce you to Carlencia
Carlencia’s father has a driver’s license and drives a dump truck for a local company that sells sand. He drives the truck up the mountains (about a 2 hour drive) and waits for labourers to fill the truck with sand… by hand, using shovels. This often means he has to stay overnight (sleeping in his drivers seat) so they can finish filling it in the morning. Once it’s full he drives down the mountain and tries to find a buyer. A buyer is not always easy to find. Her father is a very hard worker and works for weeks without taking a day off.
Carlencia’s mother stays at home, looking after the children & running the house. On occasion she is able to set up a small fast food booth in front of her house in the evening. Her children love when this happens as they get to eat the left over fried plantains!
Ever since Carlencia entered High School she has dreamed of becoming a Nurse. She sees how the skillset would help her care for her future family, as well as provide career options. Being the oldest, she knows how important it is for her to have a steady income so that she can help her younger siblings until one of them is able to join her in the work force… then she will be free to set up her own future.
There is a reputable College in Gonaives that has a 4 year Nursing program that she has been accepted into. If Carlencia could receive a scholarship to go into this program it would be a pivotal moment for the entire family.
Here is a link to Carlencia's BIO on our website: Carlencia
Business Loans are being repaid
Our first two business loans were motorcycles to be used as public transportation (aka "tap-tap" as the riders tap the driver when they are read to get off).
Both of the motorcycle drivers are working steady, despite the reduced movement, and as their loans are repaid we have been able to reloan those funds to a local grocery store so they can restock.
Grocery stores are the lifeline of small communities in Haiti as people aren't able to travel far to purchase supplies. Many don't have a way of conserving perishable goods, nor the resources to purchase in bulk, so purchasing small quantities from a local grocery store is the more convenient.
We have some small businesses that are waiting for loans, and more applications in process. Your donation to the Small Business fund will be a gift that continues to give!
Rebecca's Ramblings
My grandma Rose used to have this sign in her kitchen:
"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference."
The year 2020 isn't even halfway over and it's already been so challenging that many of us are feeling overwhelmed... and desperate to find a footing that allows us to take a breath, use our wisdom, and determine how we can courageously change that which we believe can be changed.
For Renel & I, this season has caused us to take a pause - a pause so that we can take time to reflect and listen to each other. We have revisited some painful experiences, talked about how we felt and what we could have done differently. We have also had to start a heartbreaking conversation with our kids that I naively thought I'd never have to have.
While we are yet to fully exit this pause, we have a renewed sense of gratitude for both of our communities (in Canada and in Haiti) and we are committed as a family to use our wisdom and courage to change what we believe we can change.
We are also grateful that we have this incredible opportunity in front of us to use Alongside as a conduit for change. Alongside's mission is to empower families by increasing access to education through scholarships and by relieving poverty through small business loans. We have a real opportunity in front of us to positively impact the next generation of Haitian children. We also have an opportunity to raise awareness of the inequalities that exist in the world and provide an opportunity for partnership and co-operation.
If you'd like more information about how you, or your business, can get involved but you don't know where to start, please email me. I'd love to have a virtual coffee with you!
