Over the last two months, promises have been made and promises have been kept in Haiti.
In April, we kicked off our HAITI PROMISE initiative focused on sustainable commitments that provided our supporters with a variety of ways to invest in the well-being of Haiti’s most vulnerable families. The people we partner with in Haiti need our commitment for the long haul because there are no quick fixes to the problems they face. So, even if you didn’t get the chance to make your promise by the end of May, it’s never too late to commit to supporting the children, families and communities of southern Haiti. There are many ways to make your promise still, so check out this page for opportunities to invest your time, talent and treasure. And, we are so grateful for the 67 promises that were made during the last two months! Together, we are building a stronger Haiti.
Meet the Tarius Family
Our partnership with the Tarius family is a perfect example of our HAITI PROMISE – long-term, sustainable support focused on engaging, equipping, encouraging and empowering.
From family reunification to business training, we've walked alongside Maxon, Carline and their five children every step of the way. And we're not finished yet. Because when we partner alongside a family, we make a minimum commitment of three years to guide them to sustainability and independence.
"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ."
- Galatians 6:2 -
Highlights from April & May
After School Students Learn to Cook!
At ESPWA, education expands beyond the classroom to after school programs that offer tutoring, socialization, creative arts, sports and an introduction to many vocations. Learning how to cook is just one of the many opportunities for youth to learn life skills and explore career paths. Recently, the students participating in after school made some pretty tasty creations! We’re so proud of the important life skills they’re gaining and the fun they’re having while they do it.
First Communion
Many of our students from Camp Perrin participated in their first communion this month! This was such a sweet and celebratory moment that was only able to happen because these children have access to a school that prioritizes both their academic and religious education. Because of the scholarships you help to provide, many of the families we work with are able to invest in the futures of their children through education. Camp Perrin is a rural school that educates students from kindergarten through ninth grade with more than 300 students. After an unprecedented year with the pandemic and political unrest in Haiti, our students and teachers have gone above and beyond in the 2020-2021 school year. ESPWA and Camp Perrin continue to prioritize the academic, spiritual and moral growth of their students!
Haitian flag day
Ongoing political unrest and crisis have impacted Haiti for the past 218 years and have been extremely volatile as of late. However, Haitians and Overture International recently celebrated Flag Day in the spirit of hope. We turned our attention to the flag and focused on the Haitian motto in the center of the flag – “L'union Fait la Force” or “Unity Makes Strength.” Yes, it does! Thank you for uniting with us in our mission to serve Haitian families.
Mother’s Day
Moms are crucial everywhere, but especially for the Haitian families we serve. These women embody strength and resilience as many of them care for their children single-handedly.
Empowering moms in the Haitian community directly impacts the well-being and future success of their children, so it’s important for us to equip them with the means necessary to provide for their children and love them well. It was a gift to honor the mothers and mother figures on Mother’s Day at the end of this past month!
Information Session: Overture's Role in Public Health
During three different virtual information sessions at the end of April, we discussed Overture's role in public health in Haiti. Especially in the wake of a global pandemic, the importance of this conversation cannot be overstated enough. Most of the families in the communities we serve have limited access to health care, either due to the absence of the care itself or inability to afford the services. Often, they’re not using good practices that prevent illnesses or injuries from happening in the first place, due to a lack of education. That’s why Overture’s work in partnership with ESPWA seeks to provide education to parents to promote and protect the health and well-being of their children. Learn more about our Public Health efforts.
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