HAITI TEEN CHALLENGE

Haiti is a broken nation. It is a land of intense poverty, political instability, corruption, and massive unemployment, made much worse by the recent devastating earthquake. Yet this situation as been going on for generations even though millions and millions of dollars have been poured into the nation.

In February 2011, after over two years of prayer and planning, Haiti Teen Challenge (HTC) opened its doors. The Mission is to train and mentor young men to become godly, servant leaders of integrity that will transform their country from within.

Why men? Over 80% of outreach and aid programs in Haiti are for women and children, young men’s issues are not being confronted and the challenges of the men increases the burdens and sufferings of the women and children.

The HTC 12 to 15 month residential program is built upon a foundation of discipleship, and teaches life skills, provides vocational education and leadership training. It equips young men, ages 16 to 22, so they are empowered to change and freed to make meaningful choices.

Two to three students are selected from the same community so that these young men will together serve their communities, make a living and train other young men. Collaboration with HTC alliances and partners provides support and opportunities for service, internships and jobs.

This is a process of bottom up change, empowering the young men of Haiti to confront their challenges and restore their nation, so that "They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that that have been devastated for generations.” Isaiah 61:4

Haiti Teen Challenge is lead by Executive Director, Dr. Julio Volcy. Julio was born in Haiti and understands what it is to be a young man in Haiti with no role models, no direction, no purpose, but his life was changed when he was mentored in life skills, character and integrity.

This is now his calling, to mentor and to spur growth in young men; growth through transformation in their relationship with God, restoration in their valued purpose, commitment to service to others and integrity in stewardship.

Julio provides the students with an example of community transformation with his own village. By leading and equipping the members of his own community they have constructed a safe water system, accessed electricity, and built a health clinic and a school.

Twenty-three young men are now at Haiti Teen Challenge. God has assembled a team of Haitian men to disciple and equip these young men, so that they will disciple and equip other young men, and together they will change their nation.

For more information please visit the Haiti Teen Challenge web site at:

www.haititc.org.