Haiti Mission Team

FRIDAY, APRIL 6

STANLEY
RIFFIN
Stanley, shown here with his mother, Kerline, is one of the original College of Ralph Tuthill students. In a country where few children reach the 6th grade, Stanley has beaten the odds by reaching 9th grade.

His favorite subject is social sciences. He hopes one day to become a doctor and work in his community on LaGonave.

MADAME KERLINE
Madame Kerline is a member of the Women N Action, aka Bead Ladies. She is the crafter responsible for creating the wonderful market bags which are upcycled from the plastic shopping bags

THURSDAY APRIL 5

PREVILSON POULARDE
Previlson, shown here with his mother, Olivia, is one of the original College of Ralph Tuthill students. In a country where few children reach the 6th grade, Previlson has beaten the extraordinary odds by reaching 10th grade.

His favorite subjects are mathematics and chemistry. His grades are quite satisfactory, and he hopes to continue to the 11th grade. His goal is to become an architect.

MADAME OLIVIA
Madame Olivia has lived in the United States and speaks conversational English. When she has time, she helps as a teacher’s aide at the elementary school. Madame Olivia shares her story in a video posted on the Haiti Mission Team’s page.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4

MIRLANDA
Mirlanda, shown here with her mother, Elisena, is in the 7th grade. In a country where few children reach the 6th grade, Mirlanda is very appreciative of the education opportunity she had this year.

Her favorite subject is English. One day she hopes to attend the Indiana Wesleyan University Nursing Program and work in her community.

TUESDAY, APRIL 3

ENISE VALME
Enise, shown here with her mother, Enette, is a student in the 7th grade at the Catholic High School in Anse a Galets. In a country where few children reach the 6th grade, Enise is striving to stay in school. Her favorite subject is history. She enjoys working with people and hopes to go to the new Indiana Wesleyan Nursing School on LaGonave to become a nurse and serve in her community.

INDIANA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY NURSING PROGRAM
The four-year program, located on LaGonave, features a Christ-centered approach and a global point of view that prepares nurses to practice in all healthcare settings. Through advanced courses in subjects relating to complex illnesses and scientific research, students develop skills in communication, critical thinking and leadership.

The Flat Stanley Campaign, which funds the elementary students, is well underway. Stop by Founders Hall on Sunday mornings to purchase your Stanley for $50 and send him on the Back-to-School Mission Trip. You might also enjoy seeing and purchasing the handicrafts made by our indigenous artisans.

MONDAY, April 2

EMERSON
Emerson is one of our true orphans who lives at the Family of Happy Children Orphanage which is supported by Youth 4 Orphans. Emerson, as the oldest child, helps take care of the younger orphans. He’s quite responsible.

Emerson is 15 years old. His favorite subjects are math and science. He hopes one day to become a doctor on the island.

YOUTH 4 ORPHANS
Youth 4 Orphans is a non-profit that had its start with North Naples Church. Under the guidance of Jennifer and Terry Hand, the young people involved in the mission, work with orphans from Cat Island and Nassau Bahamas, and the orphans in LaGonave. To learn more about Y4O and its important work, visit https://youth4orphans.org/.

Easter Sunday, April 1, 2018

CHISELOVE VERSAILLE
Chiselove, shown here with her mother, Rosemere, is in the 7th grade at the Catholic High School in Anse a Galets. In a country where few children reach the 6th grade, Chiselove is appreciative of the opportunity to pursue her education.

Her favorite subject is Spanish and she would like to be an ambassador for her country after completing college.

MADAME ROSEMERE
Madame Rosemere is a member of the Women N Action, aka the Bead Ladies, our group of indigenous artisans who are making the marvelous baskets and purses from plastic bags and snack bags. Madame Rosemere works daily with the women’s group and supports her family through her efforts. You can learn more about Women N Action on the Haiti Mission Team’s page.

The Scholarship Program needs your support to continue. Please be in prayer and consider making a scholarship commitment. You may do this with one full payment ($500) before August 1 or two payments ($250/each) by August 1 and by January 1, 2019.

Monday, March 26
In addition to the Flat Stanleys, we support the Scholarship Program to help the children who want to continue their education go on to secondary school. This week, you'll be introduced to some of our wonderful high school students.

BEDIANA CHARLES
Bediana, shown here with her father, Tiroro, is a student in the 7th grade at the Catholic High School in Anse a Galets. In a country where few children reach the 6th grade, Bediana is an exception.

Her favorite subject is English. She hopes one day to go to the university on the mainland and study to become a doctor so she can return to LaGonave to help her community.

MONSIEUR TIRORO
Bediana’s father, Tiroro, is a local fisherman, but more importantly, he is one of the two swimming instructors. Typically, the island children have a fear of water and do not swim. Pastor Agones added swimming to the curriculum last year. It has been a positive experience and greatly appreciated by the parents.

The Scholarship Program needs your support to continue. Consider making a scholarship commitment. You may do this with one full payment ($500) before August 1 or two payments ($250/each) by August 1 and by January 1, 2019.

Haiti Mission Team
15275 Collier Blvd #201
Box 213
Naples, FL 34119

The Haiti School Mission is a ministry of North Naples Church, a 501c3. Donations are tax deductible. Make your checks payable to NNC. In the Memo write: Haiti Mission. Mail your check to the address shown above.

23 March
The importance of Play is an interesting concept in any culture. As our January Mission Team made its way up the mountain to Nan Le Bron we spotted two children engaged in play.

22 March
The Flat Stanley Project is the team's major fundraiser for our elementary school and the scholarship program. To help you understand the magnitude of the project, here are just a few of the facts about education in Haiti.

EDUCATION
Enrollment & Retention
- 50% of children do not attend school. (World Bank 2013)
- Approximately 30% of children attending primary school will not make it to third grade; 60% will abandon school before sixth grade. (UNICEF 2008)
- Only 29% of Haitians 25 and above attended secondary school. (USAID 2015)

Quality
Almost 80% of teachers have not received any pre-service training. (USAID 2015)
Half of public sector teachers in Haiti lack basic qualifications. (USAID 2015)
90% of primary schools are non-public and managed by communities, religious organizations or NGOs. (USAID 2007)

So how does our school, The College of Ralph Tuthill, stack up?
- Pastor Agones opened the school in 2010 with 12 students. Today our enrollment is 165, K thru 6th grade.
- In 2017, the 6 rising 7th graders passed the State Exam with flying colors and were offered scholarships to go to high school. All 6 took the opportunity and are doing well academically.
- This year we have 15 6th graders who are looking forward to the challenge of the State Exam and the possibility of continuing their studies.
- Of the original 12, 3 will complete high school next year if the scholarship program remains in place.
- Our 3-6th graders receive formal instruction in mathematics, social studies, experimental science, Creole, and French. Swimming is added March thru June. Music has just been implemented this term.
- Our teachers are some of the lowest paid in the area, but they are diligent, hardworking, and committed. The difficulty comes at the end of the school year. Some will move to another school for a higher wage; others will leave the island for Chile and hopes of a better life.
- Each school year, our teachers receive in-service training provided by Monsieur Toussaint, the Curriculum Director for the local Catholic High School. Monsieur Toussaint is a Master Teacher. He was the mentor to Pastor Agones and to many of our young staff while they attended school.
- Our kids are receiving a good education and one that is preparing them to make a difference in their community.

You'll find a short video on this site in which Pastor Agones discusses the impact Flat Stanley has had on the community.

21 March
It is difficult to describe the people on LaGonave Island and the experiences and feelings that are common to those of us who have made the journey. As I was surfing the web for information, I found a journal entry of a missioner that aptly and sincerely reflects the sights and emotions many of us have shared. I share these memories with you as food for thought as you begin your day.

'[Our discussions with the pastor include] ... construction, uniforms, food for lunch which in many cases is the only meal a child may have that day, wages for the teachers and staff who may walk 1-2 miles each morning to get to school, clean water, toilets, educational materials, and the action of caring Christians. Seeing the needs of these people up close and personal and knowing the magnitude of the work that lays ahead was at times overwhelming. Despite the challenges that these communities live with everyday the heartfelt prayers and blessings that they bestowed upon me and the team reminded me that with God’s help anything is possible. Each visit touched my heart in ways that will remain with me the rest of my life especially when the children sang and welcomed me with a song they had learned in English expressing their happiness to see me. There are not enough words in English, French, or Creole to convey my gratitude to them for accepting me with open arms. I am deeply humbled.

A simple pair of glasses are an astonishing gift.

These communities are rich in faith and trust. They trust that we will guide them to a better future for their children. Much progress has occurred ibefore my arrival-much more remains after it. The challenges on the island of La Gonave are perplexing. There are no roads only dirt and rocks. There are no cars only travel by foot, donkey, or by motorcycle if one is fortunate. There is no running water only wells dug by hand through rock reaching 100-400 feet below ground or those in communities fortunate to have had a drilled well. There is no electricity only generators that run a few hours a day on gasoline that is brought up the mountain from the mainland at over $5.00 per gallon. There are no jobs on La Gonave the unemployment rate is 95%. Life in Haiti is difficult. Life on the island of La Gonave-unimaginable. You have to see it for yourself in order to comprehend it.

My part of this mission continues to make itself known to me. I know that arriving back to the states I have much research to do for ways to positively help. I will continue to pray for the pastor as he wears many hats for the people of his community. He is an angel sent by God-a person who is determined to make a difference. Not only a pastor, but a father, counselor, friend, accountant, doctor, city planner-he is the tie that binds this community together. He needs our continual prayers. He needs our unrelenting help. He told me, “Haiti is two countries in one country.” My eyes and my heart are now open to his passionate message. The island of La Gonave has been forsaken by the government and mainland. It should not be forsaken by us.

Soon, my feet will be touching US soil. My soul however, remains in La Gonave "

Tuesday March 20
The Stanleys are quite the travelers. They have airport security, passport control, and customs down pat.

To get to the island of LaGonave the Stanleys and the Mission Team will take a small five-seater hop from Port-au-Prince to the airfield very near the church. In the background you can see the LaGonave air terminal.

18 March
Today begins the third week of the Flat Stanley campaign. Your check for $50 will purchase a handmade school bag, the five state-approved textbooks, school supplies, and a uniform for one elementary student. Be part of the Stanley movement.