NPFS Haiti Day Camp for Vulnerable and Displaced Children
Luke age 8, and his sister Violetta, age 6, were overjoyed to arrive at the day camp. This six-hour event gives Luke and Violetta the opportunity to get out of their makeshift collapsed home and away from the destroyed community in which they live. Only five blocks away from St Damien Pediatric Hospital, this community dubbed "Near the American Embassy", is one of four targeting communities that our team services.
The children are picked up in the morning (7-ish) and brought back in the afternoon around 3 pm. Hermanos Mayores, or youths that grew up at our home in NPFS Haiti, organize activities and prepare the food for the children, with the supervision of Program Director, Alfonso Leon and Social Worker, Philippe.
Today's agenda consisted of singing, a blessing from Fr Rick, karaoke, soccer, jump rope, games, animated skits and a reading lesson.
Shortly after the 86 children arrived, they ate a Francisville freshly baked whole-wheat roll with peanut butter and a glass or milk. For lunch it was rice and beans, hot dog, lettuce, tomato and corn salad.
Luke explained that since the earthquake, his family does not have much food to eat. Violetta said that she likes to come to the camp and wishes she could come everyday. Right now the communities arrive for day camp on a rotating schedule.
Over thirty Hermanos Mayores were the key in making this activity a successful event. After suffering many losses themselves, they are able to have the inner strength to reach out to these children and create a special atmosphere for them. It is truly a testament to Fr. Wasson's philosophy of sharing and practicing charity.
Who We Are
We are a group of returned volunteers living in Ireland who have worked mainly with Nos Petites Freres et Soures NPFS (Our Little Brothers & Sisters - Haiti).
If you would like to donate funds directly to the Irish branch of NPFS the bank account details are below:
Account Name:
Our Little Brothers and Sisters
6 Brookwood Avenue
Artane
Dublin 5
Sort Code: 900746 Bank of Ireland, Dublin Airport
Account No: 42863621
Since our return we have all shared a hope and passion for Haiti and her people, keeping in contact with our friends and colleagues there and at home.
These past few days have shocked us all. We are so thankful for all those who are safe and well and continue to keep everyone in our thoughts and prayers.
Our Aims Are Simple
To help to keep the spirit of hope alive by offering support and encouragement to our friends and colleagues in Haiti
We wish to create a hub of communication between friends and colleagues with shared experiences working in Haiti
Background
Irish and International Aid Agencies have worked alongside many dedicated local people on sanitation, communication, health, education childcare and environmental / shelter programes.
The Irish have always been well represented working away quietly and diligently – with help of funds raised in various parishes, clubs, communities and private donations in Ireland.
Practical Things You Can Do
Send a message of support and love by posting a message on this blog or emailing it to us and we will post it for you. Our email address is : irishresponse@gmail.com
Donate money or organise a local fundraising event
Keep yourself informed
Spread the word
Donate money or organise a local fundraising event
Keep yourself informed
Spread the word
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment