Two young girls enjoy a meal at the new school built by Helping Hands for Haiti
It was an exciting day for Helping Hands for Haiti and the community near our Mission House a few weeks ago. We opened a new “free” school and the nearby village rolled out the red carpet.
The literacy rate in Haiti is about 61%. It’s even less in rural areas such as ours and less for girls than boys. So education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and building a better life.
Joined by Helping Hands for Haiti friends, Zachary and Nichole Fevilien, our recent trip to Haiti was was uneventful. But because of recent violence and unrest in Haiti, we had to keep our trip quiet until Dave and his team returned to the U.S. It was a risk, but Dave felt it was necessary. COVID and the violence had prevented him from visiting Haiti for almost two years. We urged our slightly stubborn leader to take ‘extra precautions’. For Dave, that means flying into Cape-Haitien instead of Port-au-Prince and taking a 90 mile, eight-hour drive on bad roads to the Mission House! (He is a South Dakota farmer after-all.)
The grueling drive was all worthwhile as Dave and his team got to experience the dedication and opening of the new school amidst much hoopla. Highlighted by a march down the highway led by students carrying the Haitian flag and the school banner and everyone kept in step by the rhythm of local musicians in a ragtag band. The many issues that trouble Haiti took a temporary backseat to the gala celebration.
A parade on the highway near the school to thank Helping Hands for Haiti
Dave addressed the overjoyed gathering of parents, teachers, and students with words of gratitude: “The funding of the school was primarily from one individual who had come to Haiti and seen the need and offered his support, said Dave. Most of the uniforms were the result of fundraisers from a high school girl in Ponca, Nebraska. And the books came from a generous donation from a retired friend with a big heart who has never even been to Haiti.”
Dave said, “there were countless others who helped with the books and uniforms and now the community of Mauger had the responsibility to help maintain the facilities and encourage the students to attend. Education is the road to a better life!”
School was in session the following day and the students enjoyed a hot lunch prepared on site at the school kitchen. There were many smiling faces throughout the day, especially the ones captured on a selfie! Thanks to all who helped make this day possible!
If you’d like to support the school or our mission, please visit the Giving page or send us a message at ‘dave@helpinghandsforhaiti.com’.
God Bless