Helping Our Partners in Cite Soleil

The Haitian Project continues to remain attentive to supporting our community while providing other vital direct assistance through our partners in Haiti. Food support for Le Bon Samaritain de Varreux School is just our most recent effort to use our resources to serve where we can while schools remain closed in Haiti.

Le Bon Samaritain de Varreux School in Cite Soleil, Haiti, is located in one of the most impoverished areas in the Western Hemisphere.

In addition to constantly evaluating how to continue to be of direct service to those in the neighborhood around Louverture Cleary School (LCS), The Haitian Project (THP) has responded to the needs of our partners at Le Bon Samaritain de Varreux School and Famille Kizito Religious Community, both in Cite Soleil, one of the most impoverished areas in our hemisphere.

Le Bon Samaritain de Varreux School (LBSV) was established in 2004 as a collaborative effort of residents and businesses in the area to respond to the issue of youth violence and gang activity. LCS Alumni have served at LBSV as English instructors and mentors during the school year and also at LBSV’s summer camp.

Despite school closures in response to COVID-19, LBSV continues to provide its vital, year-round food program to its neighborhood.

THP’s direct assistance will help feed hundreds of children from the most vulnerable families in Cite Soleil.

As we have said before, social distancing is an impossibility for many in Haiti. Pictured are students at LBSV; their bowls are large so they can bring food home to share with their families.

Claudine Auguste, who heads the organization’s accounting office, says LBSV is grateful for THP's support at "this critical moment." She continues:

[THP's] funding will help provide food security during this difficult time to more than 400 of the most vulnerable families we serve. Please accept our gratitude on behalf of all of our kids and their parents!

THP's support will help LBSV maintain the strong relationship between the school and its surrounding community.

According to Haitian private sector leader and chair of THP’s Partner Foundations in Haiti Patrick B., “This is a strong reminder of THP’s leadership position within the Haitian community.” 

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A Note from The Haitian Project

We understand that these are challenging times and that many people are confronted with significant hardships.

But this is precisely why we still have to ask and pray that those who can give, will. Our teachers and staff in Haiti rely on our support; and we are going to be there for our 360 students when schools re-open again. Please give today if you can.

The Haitian Project is Platinum!

The Haitian Project has been awarded the 2020 Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

The Haitian Project (THP) is committed to the highest level of transparency. Because of our focus on communicating actual results and impact, GuideStar has awarded us their 2020 Platinum Seal of Transparency. 

According to GuideStar, over 13 million people visit their site each year to learn more about nonprofit organizations. Many more access their data indirectly through other sites like Facebook and AmazonSmile, to name just a few. 

You can be proud of your support for The Haitian Project. Thank you for always being the help we have to give! 

A Note from The Haitian Project

We understand that these are challenging times and that many people are confronted with significant hardships. 

But this is precisely why we still have to ask and pray that those who can still give, will. Our teachers and staff in Haiti rely on our support; and we are going to be there for our 360 students when schools re-open. Please give today if you can.

Navigating. Helping. Moving forward.

Schools will remain closed in Haiti for another month, but our team at Louverture Cleary School (LCS) is busy managing our resources and infrastructure to their best advantage to support our community through the pandemic. We are continually evaluating additional ways to provide direct assistance to those in need and finding responsible ways to move forward in spite of COVID-19. Here are just a few of the activities happening at LCS right now. 

Reaching Out

LCS Director of Community Outreach Daelle E. prepares uncooked food supplies to share with families living in the neighborhood around LCS. Despite a halt in school operations, including the Koukouy Sen Kle Early Childhood Development Program and the Ekol Ankourajman after-school tutoring program which served dozens of children and young adults in the neighborhood each day, LCS is still supporting our neighbors through food distribution and providing clean, potable water to the neighborhood each day.

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Navigating and Managing

The LCS Administration continues to meet to discuss the school's further response to the COVID-19 crisis. Among other things, topics include: a plan for safely reopening LCS should the government reopen schools, second semester grading, support for the Philo (US Grade 12 + 1) class as they continue to prepare for the baccalaureate exam, and how to be in contact with and support LCS students at all levels during this difficult time.

Pictured are members of the LCS Administration (from left): THP Board Member/Chair of Fondation Haitian Project Patrick B., LCS Director of Operations Esther P., LCS Principal Marjorie M., and LCS Director General Ernst V.

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Moving Forward

Residential staff are taking advantage of a quieter campus to push ahead with major facilities projects. Maintenance Foreman Odson Jean F. (at right) and LCS Information Technology Manager Jeff B. (LCS '12) have begun wiring the computer lab in the new LCS Science Building. Benoit designed and is now installing the systems that will be used when the lab opens. The solar-powered electrical system for the new building is now fully functional. When classes resume, the computer lab will be hosting computer science classes for 360 students.

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A Note from The Haitian Project

We understand that these are challenging times and that many people are confronted with significant hardships.

But this is precisely why we still have to ask and pray that those who can give, will. Our teachers and staff in Haiti rely on our support; and we are going to be there for our 360 students when schools re-open again. Please give today if you can.

THP Featured on New Podcast & Companion to PBS' The Good Road

Looking for a break from the news?

Check out this interview with THP President Emeritus Deacon Patrick Moynihan on Philanthropology, a bi-weekly podcast with engaging co-hosts Earl Bridges and Craig Martin of the new PBS TV show The Good Road.

The Good Road and its companion podcast take a close look at global philanthropy as told by those "on the ground" making change happen. This new travel documentary began airing this month. Check your local PBS station for listings. 

““I have been given the opportunity to work with young men and women in Haiti.... What we share together is a version of how it is going to be utterly and completely different in the future. And we keep our eyes on that. Because there has to be a way out.”

—THP President Emeritus Deacon Patrick Moynihan, Philanthropology, March 10, 2020”

Louverturian and Medical Resident Navigates Coronovirus in Haiti

Medical Resident Jean-Lochard L. (LCS '14)

Jean-Lochard L. (LCS '14) is completing his medical residency in Gonaïves in Haiti’s Artibonite region. When the government of Haiti declared a state of emergency on March 20th, the residency program was temporarily suspended and some residents returned home, but Laguerre continues to go to the hospital to do the best he can to serve his patients.

Many of the supervising doctors travel long distances to Gonaïves for work, so if there is a roadblock or other issue, Jean-Lochard and his colleagues are the only ones there for their patients. Additionally, like so many places around the world, there is a dire shortage of PPE.

Despite this, Jean-Lochard remains dedicated to his responsibility to care for his fellow Haitians:

"Today I am still in Gonaïves, not working as usual, but doing what I can to help my patients. I am not saying it's easy, but it's something that we have to do as professionals. We have 62 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Haiti, and I know that things can get worse very fast. I am careful while I am working and praying that things will get better soon."   

Jean-Lochard is not alone among LCS alumni. When 25 percent of LCS students go on to study medicine and 90 percent of our graduates remain in Haiti to build a brighter future for their country—the imperative of THP’s mission has never been more important.

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A Note from THP President Reese Grondin

Dear THP Community,

For many people, stimulus checks simply can't come soon enough. With nearly 30 million people unemployed in the US, the stimulus payments are sorely needed, or may serve to help family and friends in need.

But for some, it may present an opportunity to help others. I am one of those fortunate ones. My family has seen our employment continue.

So, when we recently received our stimulus check, we gave some of it away. The Haitian Project was first on our list, but it was not the only charity we supported at this time. We have taken this as an opportunity to do what we can to help the marginalized in our world weather this storm.

We recently wrote about how The Haitian Project is the "stimulus program" for our community in Haiti. If you are fortunate enough to be able to do so, we hope you will consider sharing a portion of your stimulus check with those charities in need—whether that’s locally or in Haiti.

Please stay safe and well,

Reese

Wè Jodi-a, Men Sonje Denmen (See Today, but Think About Tomorrow)

by Colby Bowker (THP Vice President)

Like so many during this challenging time, The Haitian Project (THP) has been busy adapting to the new and evolving realities imposed by COVID-19.

THP’s US staff has been working remotely since March 16th. Meanwhile in Haiti, Louverture Cleary School (LCS) had been following the guidelines provided by the Haitian Ministry of Health for schools and taking steps to promote the safety of students and the LCS community.

Then, on March 20th, Haiti’s government abruptly ordered all schools in the country to shut down as part of a state of emergency declaration in response to the first confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Haiti. THP takes pride in working with and through local institutions rather than around them, but the order to close schools was nevertheless tough to receive. The stability, community and promise for a better future that LCS represents to its students was evident in the school’s Philo class (US 12th grade + 1), most of whom had tears in their eyes as they left campus.

As THP President Emeritus Deacon Patrick Moynihan recently said, “The concept of social distancing in Haiti is practically impossible given the housing density and need to go to the market daily for food. Most people barely get by on daily provisions. Social distancing is not only completely impractical, it is a sad reminder of how Haiti has been ‘distanced’—marginalized—throughout so much of its history.” 

In the face of these new challenges for Haiti, LCS is continuing to provide water to the neighborhood and is evaluating other ways to be of direct assistance under these conditions.

Most importantly, THP is committed to making sure that paychecks to Louverture Cleary School’s teachers and staff will continue. In Haiti and in the US, The Haitian Project’s team members have served through very thick and very thin—economic downturns, earthquakes, government failures, cholera outbreaks, and political unrest. THP’s top priority is making sure they have the financial resources available to manage this situation and to support their families and their communities as much as possible.

Whenever schools re-open in Haiti, it is THP’s mission to make sure that LCS will be there for its students and to continue to develop the human capital that Haiti needs to better manage natural and manmade disasters in the future.

As ever, it is THP’s community of supporters, like its team, that has been there for the Project’s mission—through very thick, and very thin. “Everyone at The Haitian Project is sensitive to the disruptions and hardships ripping through our communities and our world right now,” says THP President Reese Grondin. “We are hoping and praying that those who can still give at this time, will. We will put it to excellent use.” 

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A Note from The Haitian Project

We understand that these are challenging times and that many people are confronted with significant hardships.

But this is precisely why we still have to ask and pray that those who can give, will. Our teachers and staff in Haiti rely on our support; and we are going to be there for our 360 students when schools re-open again. Please give today if you can.

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The April Edition of Haitian Project News is Here!

The Haitian Project in-country missionaries Amanda Haluga (second from left) and Rachel Thelen (third from right) sit with students from the 2020 LCS Philo (US 12th grade + 1 ) class.

The April 2020 edition of Haitian Project News is here! CLICK HERE to read about:

• Louverture Cleary School alum Clovesky Pierre (LCS '17) who is studying political science and international relations at Université Quisqueya on a scholarship from The Haitian Project with the goal to unite every citizen to work together toward improving all aspects of Haiti

• How THP’s in-country missionaries have worked daily to strengthen the charism and culture at the school for students and fellow staff

• The latest progress in planning and building The LCS Network

• And all of latest THP happenings and feature stories in the April issue of Haitian Project News!

We Are the Stimulus Program for Our Community in Haiti

Louverture Cleary School (LCS) Head of School Ernst V. (center) and Director of Operations Esther P. with LCS graduate in June 2019.

In the coming weeks, most US Americans will be receiving their stimulus checks as part of the CARES Act. For many people, these checks simply couldn’t come soon enough.

But for some, this will be an opportunity to help others in need, locally and around the world.

Louverture Cleary School Principal Marjorie M. (LCS '07) with class

The Haitian government does not have the means to send stimulus checks to its citizens. In many ways, The Haitian Project is the "stimulus program" for our 89 teachers and staff in Haiti who are the ones who will be welcoming our 360 students back when schools re-open again.

And with 25 percent of our graduates going on to study medicine in Haiti, the imperative of our mission has never been more clear.

If you are fortunate enough to be able to do so, we hope you will consider giving a portion of your stimulus check to those in need—whether that’s locally or in Haiti.

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A Note from The Haitian Project

We understand that these are challenging times and that many people are confronted with significant hardships.

But this is precisely why we still have to ask and pray that those who can give, will. Our teachers and staff in Haiti rely on our support; and we are going to be there for our 360 students when schools re-open again. Thank you for your consideration and understanding. Please stay safe and healthy!

An Easter Message from Deacon Patrick Moynihan

Dear THP Community,

When I heard that Mass had been canceled by Seán Cardinal O'Malley (Archbishop of Boston) to avoid the spread of the coronavirus, I understood, but was immediately sad. It is true that I did cause a lot of trouble in Mass as a child—enough to get my mom to send her eighth child out of church on a number of occasions. However, as an adult, I go as often as opportunity allows. Since I am a deacon, I may even have reason to go more than once a day.   

In that moment, it also occurred to me that Easter is canceled—at least, as a public liturgy. 

What is a year without Easter?

Left without the opportunity to celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord as a community, we may feel we are indeed in a Easter-less year. However, the Lord has risen! 

Entombed in our homes, we must work extra hard this year to have Easter bloom within us.

The gift gained for all humanity in the resurrection of the Lord is not reliant on the Easter Liturgy, no matter how important this Mass is to the community, especially our brothers and sisters who have prepared to join the Faith. 

However, it may be difficult to really be joyful with a pandemic blackening the sky. This is especially true for those who have lost family and friends.

But, Easter will bloom in our hearts nonetheless.

Because Easter is not simply an annual liturgy—it is a people! We are the Easter people. We shall soon emerge from our homes—hopefully with an even greater commitment to the Light, to life, and to others. 

Deacon Patrick Moynihan is President Emeritus of The Haitian Project.

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A Note from The Haitian Project

We understand that these are challenging times and that many people are confronted with significant hardships.

But this is precisely why we still have to ask and pray that those who can give, will. Our teachers and staff in Haiti rely on our support; and we are going to be there for our 360 students whenever schools re-open. Please give today if you can.

Good Friday: No Greater Love

Since we are unable to gather together as community during this Holy Week, we want to bring community to you in the ways that we can to be present to one another in faith and spirit during this difficult time.

Each Holy Week, before departing school to observe the Triduum and celebrate Easter at home, Louverture Cleary students enact Shadow Stations of the Cross. Though the beautiful event was missed this year, our community—in the U.S., in Haiti, and around the world—are united in prayer and solidarity. We wish a blessed Triduum to all.

I give you a new commandment, says the Lord: love one another as I have loved you. —John 13:34

While so many aspects of our lives are different this Holy Week, something that cannot be canceled or taken away is Christ’s immense love for us. Though we are sinners, Christ endured the suffering of the cross and laid down his life for us that we might live with him eternally.

As we remember his suffering, let us renew our love for others that we may always love one another as Christ has loved us.

Join Us for Stations of the Cross

THP invites you to join the community to virtually pray the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday, April 10th, led by THP Staff and LCS Campus Minister Amanda Haluga. If you would like to participate, please email us at [email protected] for information to join. All are welcome.

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A Note from The Haitian Project

We understand that these are challenging times and that many people are confronted with significant hardships.

But this is precisely why we still have to ask and pray that those who can give, will. Our teachers and staff in Haiti rely on our support; and we are going to be there for our 360 students whenever schools re-open. Please give today if you can.