October 2014
President's Update
Education is the key to assuring a future for Haiti’s children. It is true for every country. Sadly, many children in Haiti do not have the opportunity to go to school and even if they receive a high school education, there are minimal options for college or vocational training.
Without an education, a child born into extreme poverty is guaranteed a future of poverty and hardship. Fortunately, this is a belief shared by many both in Haiti and abroad. There is a concerted effort to meet this challenge.
HMP has placed a major emphasis in ensuring that all the children in our program attend school. We have been working with the SAES Board in Haiti to determine ways to provide basic life and job skills to the older youth even while they are in middle and high school.
During my recent trip to Haiti in October, my time was spent meeting with the Engineer and local builders (pictured here) to discuss a plan of action to implement the design for the HMP Vocational School. During our productive meetings, we began to lay out a schedule for construction, a schedule for payments and a structure for our oversight of this project. I have every confidence in the team and they are determined to build a structure that will serve the needs of the children.
Our local builder has assembled a qualified group of local subcontractors to perform key disciplines including the electrical and plumbing work. We are taking every measure to ensure that the building is energy efficient using natural light and ventilation. The building will be earthquake resistant and structurally sound. One of our board members from our sister organization in Mirebalais will meet weekly with the contractor, review work on site and provide us with photos and updates during construction. We also plan to visit the site during construction.
I am grateful to you, our friends and supporters for your continued support. We continue to work closely with our sister organization in Haiti to find creative ways to support the children and young people in Mirebalais. Our children will have a place to come after school and learn such basic skills like sewing, computer training, painting and carpentry. Our volunteer board in Mirebalais is thrilled to engage this next phase in our program. This training center will serve the children in their growth and development.
Finally, I want to give thanks to our staff in Mirebalais for the amazing work they are doing to care for the HMP children and the community. The children are doing well and they want me to greet you and thank you for your prayers and support. Thank you!
Faithfully,
Fr. Joseph M Constant
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