Supporting Haitian Orphans and Families

                                                                               James 

When we first met James, we assumed he was an orphan.   16 year-old James lived and worked the streets, begging for money and washing car windows—in hopes to have enough pocket change to help feed himself and pay for his school fees. Our assumption was completely wrong.  Although James seemed to be on his own - he was not an orphan. Raised by an unemployed single mother in the crime-ridden slums of Cité Soleil, James and his siblings have had a very rough life so far. His dangerous work on the streets nearly cost James his life last year when he was hit by a taptap, the local transportation. Thankfully James received the necessary surgery, saving his leg and his life, due in large part to generous REBUILD donors whose contributions helped offset the costs of his medical care.

Because donors like you support RG staff to live and learn in Haiti.  We are able to target the root problem for children like James.  Now, James’ life is completely different. This year, he is a REBUILD Apprentice and enjoys a full academic scholarship along with artisan technical training and life skills classes on Saturday. At his weekly tutoring session James works on his 6^th grade math and language subjects. He is excited to be in school and knows what an amazing opportunity it is, “You can’t go anywhere in the world without school. You need it,” gushes James.

With your generous support, REBUILD globally is also able to address the root cause of James’ struggles: his mother’s unemployment. After obtaining a micro-loan for safer housing, James’ mother is now a full time artisan at the REBUILD shop. A portion of her salary goes toward paying off her loan; the rest goes home with her and her family.

This family is an amazing example of the holistic approach REBUILD takes on community development when supported by people like YOU. We know that poverty, hunger, homeless children, and education are all huge problems in Port-au-Prince; we also know that all of these issues can be addressed by providing the opportunity for gainful employment and family reunification. By giving James an alternative to living on the streets and investing in his education, as well as providing the living-wage occupation of his mother, together, we have created a lasting and meaningful pathway out of poverty for their entire family.

We can't thank you enough for changing lives for children and families in Haiti.

In Solidarity,

The RG Family

Links:

• RG website
• RG Facebook