For over a decade, St. Margaret Mary has journeyed with parishes in Haiti with the theme of “You can do it. We can help.” Our programs have included projects which provide a self-sustaining impact and crisis funding as natural disasters have required.
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July 2023: Teachers from 4 schools in the parish participated in a 3 day Mathematics training encompassing measurement, problem-solving, geometry and mathematical operations. Our ministry partners with P4H Global, an internationally recognized Haitian teacher training organization to provide a training and coaching program consisting of workshops, classroom observations, and telephone/whatsapp support. P4H will return to our parish in September to offer a training week before the school year begins.
August 2023: Youth enjoyed a week of music camp. Advanced students helped welcome a new class of 9 to 14 year olds from each chapel in the parish. After camp, the new students began a 6-month music theory class and the advanced students resumed their weekly music lessons in either keyboard or guitar. Students from the music program contribute their skills playing at weekend liturgies and feast day celebrations.
Two local Haitians, Jean Bony and Baba, interviewed a number of people at Our Lady of the Assumption, the parish we our currently working in, who have benefitted from one of our programs.
Our Lady of the Assumption Church
December 5th was a special occasion for our sister congregation in Haiti. This day was when the newly built Our Lady of the Assumption Church was dedicated. We are grateful for your prayers and financial support and ask you to continue to make the programs of our various Haiti committees possible.
View the video:
The Program
The program is based on 4 principles:
- Haitian Self-Determination: Haitian needs are diverse and the most successful projects are identified and designed by our Haitian partners. They can do it, we can help!
- Sustainability: The projects we co-create with our Haitian brothers and sisters are designed to be self-sufficient and sustainable long after our season with a particular parish comes to an end.
- Transparency: Any exchange of money or remuneration of any kind is transparent and well known to all participants. Each person's role is clearly defined and expectations outlined.
- Clear Exit Time: The Haitian parish knows that our active involvement with their community is for a 5 year term. "If you stay too long, you become part of the problem, not the solution."
The Committees
Economic Empowerment
Livestock, village banking and agriculture.
Health
Disease prevention, water accessibility and purity, and supporting destitute seniors
Education
Teacher development and livestock bonus programs, student enrichment opportunities, and curricular and facilities support.
Faith and Worship
Training for chapel leaders to conduct services, music and sacrament preparation. Extra support for couples getting married
Peace Program
Youth program focusing on leadership training and promoting peace through conflict resolution and mediation skills
Videos about the Haiti Ministry
If you are interested in starting a mission program at your parish, we can help you get it off the ground using "Ken's Model" for Haiti. If you have a current mission program, regardless of location, these methods can be implemented.
Contact us and we will set you up with a member from our ministry!