Adult Education - New Initiative

The Haitian literacy rate is less than 55% and even lower in the more rural areas like the village in which we are working in Bayaha.  Here there are very real and very large obstacles to education for children, but for adults who may have never had good access to education, it could be nearly impossible to conceive.  As we all know, education is the key to a better future regardless of what corner of the world you may reside.  That is no different for Haitians.  When Plant With Purpose visited Garrot, Bayaha a few months ago, it became even more obvious how important a better educated population is to the prospect of improved economic development and a better standard of living in this community. 

Upon announcing the Adult Education Initiative within the village last month, we very quickly had 50 men and women registered to attend these classes for basic literacy and math.  We believe they would have kept coming, but this is the maximum size for our first class.  It's encouraging to see their desire to learn.  They are responsible for supplying their own pencil and notebooks and we supply the teachers. 

Here is the first class of adults, whom we are so excited to have join our newest program...

A Day of Thanks

The local pastor recently held a celebration in the new building to mark it's completion and thank God for His many blessings.  Pastor Norck reached out to churches in surrounding communities and invited everyone to come celebrate a new beginning in the village and give praise.  It was a remarkable image to see so many Chrisitans come together in a place where once only a thatched roof and four wooden posts had stood. 

A beautiful scene of thanks giving and hope restored...

 

Growing a School

This fall the school grew for the first time in three years.  We now have 65 children enrolled between pre-school and third grade.  This was an exciting step for us and the village, especially considering it coincided with the addition of 22 new children joining the local Haitian National School.  That means altogether 40 new children are learning that weren't able to attend school just a few months ago.  We owe it all to a beautiful group of women who love God and gave generously when they heard the call.  Something about dozens of children watching from a far while others were being fed and educated, just didn't sit right with these ladies and then they realized they could actually do something to change that. 

God is working on the hearts in this village and the hearts of the people right here amongst us.  He's painting a new picture for a community which once lacked all hope.

Thank you, Ladies of The Loft!

Twenty-two children joined the Haitian National School

(the concept of smiling for photos hasn't quite taken hold yet)

The children who joined our school holding their new uniforms

(some perhaps a little camera shy)

Much needed school books and supplies

and uniforms for all!