Building Brighter Futures for Haiti’s Children

The people of Haiti have experienced unimaginable challenges. From devastating earthquakes to ongoing political unrest and violent gang activity, the country has faced crisis after crisis. Yet, amid these difficulties, there’s a story of hope – thanks to the tireless work of the local church.

A crisis beyond measure

The last few years have seen the situation in Haiti go from bad to worse. Gang violence has ripped through large parts of the country, especially in the capital of Port-au-Prince. Families are living in fear, with seemingly no way out of the turmoil. Compassion’s partners, however, have been working around the clock to ensure that every child in their projects receives the support and care that they need.

In areas impacted by violence, local church partners are doing everything they can to stay connected with children and families. Your ongoing support has been a lifeline, providing everything from food and hygiene kits to virtual educational support.

Your support in action

Even before the recent wave of violence, Haiti was still recovering from the devastating earthquake that struck in 2021, claiming over 2,000 lives. One of the places to suffer was the Abricot Child Development Centre in L’Asile. The earthquake severely damaged the school, church, and other vital facilities. For months, children had no safe space to learn.

But thanks to the generosity of Compassion supporters and our local partner’s dedicated work, the community now has something to celebrate. Compassion Haiti has rebuilt better, with earthquake-resistant classrooms, a new church, and a child and youth development centre with modern sanitation facilities.

What’s been achieved so far?

Here’s a snapshot of how supporters of Compassion UK have helped transform the Abricot community:

• Safe learning spaces: 12 earthquake-resistant classrooms now provide an environment where 326 children can continue their education in safety.
• Holistic development: The new child and youth development centre offers space for activities that support emotional and spiritual growth.
• Health and hygiene: The centre is equipped with 10 toilets and 2 showers, promoting better hygiene and reducing the risk of disease.
  
• Recreation and community: The updated facilities include safe play areas for children, fostering social interaction and healthy recreation. The church has also been restored, giving 300 members a place to worship together.
• Resilience: Built to international seismic standards, the new buildings offer protection against future earthquakes.

‘They can now safely go to school’

Pastor Maxo, who leads the local church, describes the transformation: ‘After the earthquake, the children’s hopes seemed to be slipping away. Some of them lost their homes and their schools, raising concerns about continuing their education. Many children have suffered from stress as a result. Thanks to the construction of these new, attractive, earthquake-resistant facilities, their state of mind has changed radically, and they can now safely go to school.’

And 16-year-old Faby, who attends the project, shares: ‘I feel much better than before… I breathe differently, which allows me to enjoy good physical and mental health! This intervention will enable me to live, increase my intellectual capacity, and become economically self-sufficient. It has also helped my family, since thanks to the income generation programme, my mother has been able to expand her shop.’

Looking ahead with hope

Compassion Haiti’s work is far from over. With ongoing political instability and gang violence, the country remains in crisis. Yet, through local church partners, Compassion is standing with the most vulnerable, Haiti’s children. Your continued support ensures that there’s a path forward.

‘On my behalf, and on behalf of the participants, the church leadership, and the community, we would like to share our special thanks to those who have made this possible through their financial support,’ says Pastor Maxo.

We’d value your ongoing prayers for all the children in Haiti, for their caregivers and all those coming alongside them to offer support and love in such challenging times.

Every prayer, every gift and every message of encouragement to a child living in poverty is making a difference. Thank you.