Help with Food
I have been to Haiti several times and totally of more than 15 months after the earthquake three years ago. It's been an emotional roller-coaster. I've seen suffering in many different ways and levels. But gradually, I also experience many positive things.
Star of Hope in Haiti has made many efforts since the earthquake. First, it was necessary to save lives, Star of Hope sent several medical teams during the first few months to help with surgery in general, and then to carry out a health survey of the Star of Hope projects.
Star of Hope has rebuilt and strengthened the schools that were destroyed and damaged. It has also expanded the school, made new desks, brought in water, brought in electricity. Everything to make the school environment better and safer. I think that's good. Real schools in poor villages a must to keep families and children, so they do not move to larger cities.
An important part of Star of Hope's work in schools is the daily lunch to be distributed. For many of the children is the only goal with hot food.
In efforts to get people to stay in the villages, you have to also work on the overall development of the village, which the Star of Hope has done for many years. It has helped farmers with seeds and tools banks. Since 2008, after the heavy stormy autumn, Star of Hope seriously distribute goats and chickens in the villages. To date, more than 900 goats and 800 chickens distributed villages. And the more we want to share.
After the earthquake, the Star of Hope organized three sewing schools, allowing locals after completing the course to monetize on their new skills. Many of the students have already started to work as seamstresses. Another reason to stay in the village. Several times, all schoolchildren received school supplies. Many are so poor they can not buy their own school supplies, making it difficult for them to keep up with the school properly. In addition, all teachers received training in recent years through the Star of Hope so that they can work in a more professional manner with the children.
Star of Hope has also sent various volunteer groups, called StarTeams to Haiti to perform various tasks. Among other things, various professionals trained local people to build school desks and more.
Just when everything started to roll in Haiti for the Star of Hope and the schools to be rebuilt ten months after the earthquake, the cholera epidemic came and paralyzed much of the country. Star of Hope toured the projects and vaccinated schoolchildren and teachers, plus we made sure that all projects had access to safe drinking water. It delayed a lot of other work.
The schools affected by the earthquake are rebuilt, but we continue to ensure that the villages we work to get better educations centers. Right now we're working with a preschool in Marigot, and we hope to build a primary school building in Bois Negresse shortly also.
It's a shame for the people in Haiti, they are regularly affected by disasters and will never come out of poverty. Hopefully it's on the right track now. Star of Hope is moving on in the projects that they work.
There has been too much suffering in the country. I've seen a lot. I hope it can turn and that the country and its people slowly but surely coming up on a higher level. I hope the authorities can stabilize the economy and fight forward for the good of the people. Star of Hope has done very well in the villages, but I hope the Star of Hope can continue to do their bit for the greater extent and development of the villages we work in.
