Overall, the population in Haiti is experiencing increased suffering. Port-au-Prince was once the economic hub, with goods passing through the capital before reaching other regions. Now, companies must pay gangs to move goods, severely disrupting supply chains. As a result, goods are often not delivered, and when they are, they are extremely expensive. The cost of living has risen sharply, and inflation remains very high.
Access to quality education is becoming increasingly difficult. Many schools have been destroyed or are being used as shelters.
For children, we operate social centres where we provide education. We also create child-friendly spaces where children can play, learn, and simply be children.
We ensure the safety of children temporarily in our care. When necessary, we accompany them and ensure that appropriate safety measures are in place if they need to move outside.
To help them cope with difficult circumstances, we provide extracurricular activities such as dance, music, and computer classes. Children are at the centre of every decision we make.
Holidays and traditional celebrations are important opportunities for connection, bonding, and community inclusion. Children participate in events such as Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Carnival, Christmas and more.
Role models for hope
We strongly believe it is our responsibility as adults to help address these challenges while continuing to create safe spaces where children and young people can hope, dream, and succeed.
Role models are essential. I always tell our staff: “You don’t come here for a job; you come here because you love what you do and the purpose of it.” They continue their work even while facing personal hardships. Some have lost their homes or have sick children of their own, yet they remain committed, giving their best to the children. This is why I believe there is hope.
We try to show children that even in very difficult circumstances, it is possible to overcome challenges. Many of our staff come from vulnerable backgrounds and have faced significant hardships themselves. We aim to be examples for the children. We introduce them to professionals such as doctors and lawyers, some of whom grew up in alternative care. When children see this, they begin to believe: “Tomorrow, I too can become someone like that.”
For children in our care who have parents, we provide support to ensure families can be reunited as soon as possible. We make sure children maintain a bond with their parents and understand that separation is due to circumstances, not a lack of love.
When parents thank us and tell us that their child is alive, or that their family is together because of our work, it reminds me of the impact we have on people’s lives.
We support families as far as our resources allow. This support focuses on empowerment, helping them build more independent lives. As we help them pursue their goals and projects, they become better able to care for themselves and their dependents. Our work goes beyond supporting children—it includes strengthening parents, who are the foundation of the communities we serve.