Educating 1100 Students in Haiti

Our C.I.T.E. School is located in the heart of Cite Soleil, near where HaitiChildren began in 1994. The area is generally regarded as one of the poorest and most dangerous areas of the Western Hemisphere and it is one of the biggest slums in the Northern Hemisphere. 

Two weeks ago, Cite Solei awoke in shock as more gang violence erupted; sadly two of our students lost their father due to a gunshot wound. Chrisnaida (6th grade) and her brother Onelson (2nd grade) both attend our C.I.T.E. School. They are pictured here with their Mother, who is physically handicapped.  They have 4 other siblings and their father was the families sole provider.  He sold cigarettes on the street for a living, and was working when he was fatally shot this past Friday morning.

The increased violence is due to political activities regarding the upcoming elections. Please see below for an article regarding the vilolence in Cite Soleil.

Mr. Berkain, the School Director, says that the students and staff are in shock regarding the latest violence. He says that most of the students have lost at least one family member due to gang related incidents. The school has remained open throughout the latest brutality, as most students are safer in school then at home.

Unfortunately the gang violence continues, we do our best to keep our staff and students safe. Please keep them in your thoughts.

Links:

• Article regarding violence in Cite Soleil
• HaitiChildren (formerly Mercy & Sharing) Facebook Page
• www.haitichildren.org

Recently, our John Branchizio School boys basketball team participated in a basketball tournament organized by the Salesian Sisters in Thorland under the high patronage of the Ministry of Youth & Sports and Civic Education.  It was a very good experience even though our team lost in the first round.

We took away the following positives:

• Our students went and played on a regulation court that they were unfamiliar with and were able to compete.  Please note the only court they have played on until this tournament is the JB court which has just one basketball hoop.  The players and coach really wish to improve the JB court to include a 2^nd hoop and regulation lines painted on the floor.  This will really help the team in future tournaments.
• The team successfully implemented the concepts of the game they learned over the past school year.
• For the first time, our team played in front of a large audience; this is significant as we were able to raise awareness of the John Branchizio School.
• They followed up with a team meeting to emphasize the accomplishments made throughout the year and to praise their good sportsmanship.

We are very proud of our team and coaches!
Thank you so much for your support of our schools in Haiti.  With your help we are raising the future leaders of Hait.

Links:

• JB School Boys Basketball Team Practice