haiti
(mission news wire) in Haiti, thanks to a partnership between Salesian Mission, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, and Rise Against Hunger, the international humanitarian organization that campaigns to end hunger globally. Salesian students received healthy nutrition. The shipment was received by the Salesian-run Vincent Foundation and distributed to seven Salesian centers and schools in the second half of 2023. More than 3,100 youth were impacted by the donation.
Located in the southwest of Cap-Haitien, the Vincent Foundation School was founded in 1936 by President Vincent. In 1955 it was taken over by the Salesians. This vocational school offers courses in tailoring, furniture making, auto mechanics, electrical and agricultural technology. In addition to this school, the shipment was shared with Don Bosco Technique, Lakay Don Bosco, Timkatec, Lakay Foyer and Atelier, Lakou CDR and Atelier.
Salesians serve vulnerable youth throughout the country. In late 2023, Cap-Haitien faced high levels of general insecurity, including looting and hostage situations. The region also faced extremely high inflation and near-total unavailability of fuel for transportation.
Due to the deteriorating security situation in Cap-Haitien, many school activities that involved travel, such as educational trips and family visits, were canceled during this period. The Rakai Center also stepped up home gardening efforts to combat food insecurity caused by inflation.
The local economy is unstable and entirely focused on agriculture. The Salesian school lunch program motivates parents to send their children to school. This diet will help students prepare for their studies and achieve more success.
Drucillian Evens, 14, is one of the students who received a Rise Against Hunger meal. He lives with his parents and two younger sisters. His parents are out of work and have difficulty getting food. He is worried about his sisters and himself. Mr. Evens says he can see the pain of my parents who cannot feed their children.
Evens explained: “My life has changed since I arrived at the Vincent Foundation. I don’t have to worry about food anymore because I get hot food every day so I can eat to my heart’s content. Sometimes I even bring something to my sisters. Yes. Without this food, students cannot work in the classroom. If we arrive at school without eating, we will have stomachaches and headaches. When we eat something, we will be happy and follow the teacher. If you go home and can’t find something to eat, don’t worry because the school already provides you with enough.”
Salesian missionaries began working in Haiti in 1935 in response to a request from the Haitian government to establish a technical school. Since then, the Salesian missionary has expanded its activities to cover 11 major educational centers and her more than 200 schools throughout the country.
Each of the 11 major centers includes a number of primary and secondary schools, vocational training centers, and other programs for street children and disadvantaged youth. Salesian programs are located throughout Haiti, including in cities such as Port-au-Prince, Fort Liberté, Cap-Haitien, Les Cayes, and Gressier. Today, Salesian missionaries in Haiti provide the largest source of education outside of the Haitian government.
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Photo courtesy of the Salesian Mission (please contact us for permission to use)
fight against hunger
Salesian Mission – Haiti
World Food Program – Haiti
