MISSION HAITI INC

Friends and Family 2011 — Building Back Better and Stronger

One measure of progress is the number of hands working together for a common purpose. The 2010 earthquake was a setback to be sure, but this year our projects in Leogane are moving forward and we look to the future with a renewed sense of purpose and hope. Working with Haitians, in new collaboration with other organizations and with your help, we can continue not just to restore what was destroyed, but to build back a better and stronger Haiti.

At Annunciation School in Leogane, not only has a new cafeteria replaced the demolished structure but all repairs at the school have been completed. Teachers are receiving continuing education to be certified to teach at a higher level. A new English teacher is on staff, as is a teacher for athletics, and a tutor to work with those who may need extra help. The school is stronger and better than ever before.

Our project to support the educational needs of teachers and students at the College Coeur de Marie (Heart of Mary School) was funded in 2011 by the Congregation of St. Joseph’s Generous Promise Grant Fund. With their help, we have been able to fund teachers’ salaries, as well as provide supplies and food. While our partners are making plans to build a permanent school, the Congregation of St. Joseph has awarded Mission Haiti a second-year grant to continue meeting the needs of these students in 2012.

The first five-acre crop of sugar cane was harvested this summer at Bethleem Farm. An agronomist is on site to improve farming practices and increase production. A wide variety of fruits and vegetables are produced on the farm, and hundreds of new animals are being tended, including goats, cows, chickens and pigs. The wall securing the farm was badly damaged, and we hope to raise funds to repair this in the coming year.

At the Village of Jesus home, the elderly, ill or abandoned women are still living in temporary structures that over time have become inadequate and unsafe. The badly damaged plumbing renders the indoor bathroom unusable, and the women are forced to bathe outdoors. These women need and deserve the dignity and safety of a real home. This coming year, our priority is to rebuild the Village of Jesus better than before.

In Haiti, there is a saying, “Nanpwen lapriye ki pa gen ‘Amen,’” which means, “There is no prayer which does not have an ‘Amen.’” Your generosity has already made a difference — your continued support is an “Amen” to many prayers and affirms the life-giving work of Mission Haiti Inc.

Please give generously. Thank you.

Jimmy Dunn

President Mission Haiti Inc.