Help with Food
Dear Sponsors and Friends,
Greetings to all our friends and sponsors across the United States! We hope you are doing well. As you work through the challenges in your personal lives, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. May God continue to bless and protect you always.
Life in Haiti remains extremely difficult. The ongoing political crisis and severe socio-economic challenges pose constant threats to everyone here.
Despite these hardships, your support has been unwavering. This year, once again, your generosity has made a significant impact. The children and their communities are deeply grateful for your continued presence during our toughest times. They understand that life is challenging worldwide, perhaps even in your own lives and countries. Yet, your support for the children never wavers. Year after year, you are always there for them. May your generosity be rewarded abundantly!
Current Situation in Haiti
The situation here is critical. The lawlessness and criminal activities, concentrated around the capital city of Port-au-Prince, affect everyone. Commercial activities are paralyzed in the capital and barely functioning in other cities. Domestic and international flights have been halted for over two months. The soaring prices and shortages of food, basic goods, and fuel (diesel and gas) contribute to the socio-economic nightmare we are experiencing.
Positive Developments
However, there is good news. The school year has continued with little interruption for the Star of Hope Haiti children, as they are in predominantly rural areas. The current school year ends in the last week of June, and the children are preparing for their final exams. Six out of seven Star of Hope schools are operating full-time, thanks to your generous support. This is particularly notable as more than 1,000 schools across the country have not opened since January 2024.
Due to deteriorating security conditions, we have limited our visits to the schools in the south and completely stopped visits to those in the north and central parts of the country. Unfortunately, the Rigaud schools have not been functioning since October 2023.
Despite these challenges, our school projects continue to function well, thanks to our dedicated staff and reliable village leaders who provide regular reports and photos.
Notable Activities
Bois Negress School: The school is thrilled with the quality and speed of internet service provided by the Star Link system installed in Q4 2023. It is less expensive and more reliable than their previous cellular system.
Agricultural Tools Pilot Project: This project for the Bois Negress and Hesse parents was a success. Despite an unfavorable farming season, farmers achieved 80% of their expected production. We hope to provide seeds, fertilizers, and additional support next year as phase 2 of the project.
Transitional Government: An internationally supported group of leaders has taken office to lead a transitional government, aiming to restore normalcy and conduct national elections in January 2026.
Resumption of Flights: International flights are expected to resume later this month.
Deliverables
School Meals: Due to high inflation and its impact on our budget and food costs, we had to reduce the number of daily hot meals for school children from five to four days a week.
Gift Distribution: Extra gifts from certain sponsors were distributed to the children.
Food Kits: Food kits were distributed to 2,000 families at the end of December 2023.
As the children celebrate Mother’s and Father’s Day here in Haiti over the next four weeks, they will also celebrate you. In their eyes, you play a vital role in their nurturing and upbringing. On behalf of the children, we wish you a Happy Mother’s and Father’s Day.
How to help us in Haiti provide more food?
text lunch to 71777 or visit Give a School lunch
Warmest Regards,
Antonio Boursiquot
Star of Hope Haiti
Project: LUNCH BUDDY HAITI | Partner: Star of Hope Haiti
