Haiti Summer Project - July 2015
On the 12th of January 2010, a devastating earthquake ripped through Haiti killing over 220,000 people. Just ten months after the earthquake, Hurricane Tomas hit and swept away the few belongings people had pulled from the rubble. One month later, an allegedly fraudulent election heightened tension leading to riots. In December, it was reported that over 3,000 died from cholera. And today, over a million people continue to be housed in temporary shelters comprised of sticks and sheets in large camps with insufficient water and sanitation.
Countless lives have been deeply wounded and affected. While Haitians are defined as resilient, this doesn’t negate their daily struggles and physical pain.
Situated on the coast of Leogane, Haiti exists Ca-Ira, an orphanage known for pouring out love and care for orphans and children from impoverished families. For years, this orphanage has saved countless children from starvation and sexual abuse.
Yet, on the 12th of January, 2010 Ca-Ira experienced a major setback to their mission. The two-story building that housed the living quarters for the children was completely destroyed by the destructive earthquake, killing five orphans and two of the orphanage staff members. The school center and the church that sheltered 220 pupils and 20 teachers also collapsed.
To help Ca-Ira return to the hope they once brought the children, we have partnered with the orphanage over the last five years to reestablish a children’s village where
- 144 children will find refuge
- up to 700 students from nursery to school vocational school will be able to get a high quality and practical education
- hundreds of families will benefit through the medical center, school and the community outreach program
- many staff and workers will find employment
Teams from Canada have helped with this project over the last five years and we’re excited to continue this summer with a multi-purpose team.
The team this summer will be focusing on three key areas:
- Health education and health checks: the need for education in Haiti is huge. Many Haitians don’t understand the importance of hygiene and sanitation and lack the knowledge needed to keep their families healthy. We are working in coordination with our Haitian staff to put together a health curriculum for the community that will teach them vital skills. We need medical professionals to help train on these needed topics and also preform health checks in the surrounding community. (*Note: all health training will be focused in the first week of project and may continue into the second week depending on the team make-up)
- Construction and maintenance projects: our German office recently received a grant to build a kindergarten on the Ca-Ira site this year. Our July team will have a chance to work alongside our Haitian team and aid in the construction. There will also be other needed maintenance projects for the team to undertake.
- Kids’ camp: the team will be running a two week children’s camp for the children of the Ca-Ira orphanage and also those in the community. We’re excited to host a fun filled week or learning and adventure on site!
We want to demonstrate the love of God in word and deed through these activities!
Our hope is to create a place for children where they can afford to be just children, and in the process, be prepared for an independent and self-sustained future.
We need your help!
TRIP DETAILS:
Date: July 10-19, 2015 or July 10-26, 2015
Location: Ca-Ira, Leogane, Haiti
Team: open to medical professionals, those wanting to help with construction or serve at the kids camp
Cost:
- 1 week, July 10-19 - $2400
- 2 weeks, July 10-26- $2900
(Includes airfare, accommodations, transport in-country, translators in-country, meals, project materials and travel insurance (vaccinations and personal spending money not included in costs))
Application deadline: May 22, 2015
Purpose: to demonstrate the love of God in word and deed to the people of Ca-Ira, through health training, construction, kids camp and community outreach projects.
Yes! I would like to join this project!
Please complete the form below
Invalid form name specified!
