Reflections from a Charis Leader's Time in Haiti

The last week has presented us with some pretty bad news in Haiti. And its true, its pretty bad.

However, If I didn't know much about Haiti before the Earthquake and were just now learning about it on the news, I might not have the most positive view of the country and its people. If that's the case, or if you are simply looking for some positive news in the midst of this tragedy I invite you all to look at The Haitian Project. They are chronicling their experience on the website.

I once lived there and taught computer and religion at Louverture Cleary School, a Catholic secondary school for academically gifted but economically impoverished kids from the poorest regions of Port Au Prince. They are given a free education and taught to give back to their communities.

In this crisis, we are starting to see an incredible return on this investment.

• Former students are now doctors treating the injured.
• They are fluent in four languages, making invaluable translators for all of the aid workers.
• They are working with Catholic Relief Services (as they did before the quake) to distribute aid.
• They are working with the Missionaries of Charity, the religious order founded by Mother Theresa (again as they did before the quake) to set up a clinic.
• The investments in Solar power and deep wells allow the project to distribute water to the neighborhood, despite the scarcity and expense of diesel.
  

As you look to where to donate money to help Haiti, there are many good big charities that are helping right now: Red Cross, Catholic Relief Services and others. But for the future of the Country, it needs more students like those from Louverture Cleary School. Students that have a first class education and are dedicated to rebuilding their country. Please consider becoming a long term donor and partner in Haiti's birth.

Donations can be made online at: www.haitianproject.org/donate.htm

or by check, mailed to:

The Haitian Project
PO Box 6891
Providence, RI 02940

-Bill