No surprise: 2020 has not been a laugh a minute in Haiti either, but as we mentioned in our last newsletter, the COVID death rate has been lower than in the U.S. Almost 50% of the population is less than 18 years of age and (sad to say) there are far fewer folks who survive to become “elderly,” which may account for the lower rate.
Schools at all levels are open in the north and catching up on lost lessons. That includes Institute Marantha’s primary and secondary classes, the professional school, adult education classes, plus the Maroquee School, Beaujoint School and Carmilot Primary (all of which your gifts sponsor). Have a look at some of Maranatha’s 1,250 primary and secondary students!
Schools at all levels are open in the north and catching up on lost lessons. That includes Institute Marantha’s primary and secondary classes, the professional school, adult education classes, plus the Maroquee School, Beaujoint School and Carmilot Primary (all of which your gifts sponsor). Have a look at some of Maranatha’s 1,250 primary and secondary students!
Maranatha is all about education, but there are a lot of other things going on that bring some interesting contrasts. Consider this: the oxen plowing the new garden (below left) represent an ancient farming method that is still common in Haiti; meanwhile, just a few yards away, students like this young woman are hooked into the internet and learning 21st-Century skills!
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So much of the fascination and spirit of the Haitian culture is the coming together of these “layers” of life, especially in rural areas. Surely adequate safe hygiene seems preferable and desired, but who is to say that electrical lighting somehow improves upon night’s darkness when followed by the dawn? These things are “pa senp”…not simple but complicated.
The crops of a garden such as Maranatha’s are varied and traditional, most might be found in a family’s subsistence plot: beans, peas, melon, spinach, plantain, bananas, manioc, tomatoes and carrots. Citrus trees of many types, coconut palms, breadfruit and mangoes may line the fences. Rice, the major source of calories is not in the common garden because of its great water requirements (sad to say, most of Haiti’s rice is imported from the U.S. not grown in Haiti) The Maranatha Institute agronomist is overseeing their new and expansive garden.
People sometimes ask us about the hen/egg business. It is an interesting adventure. Over the past year eggs have been distributed, usually without cost, throughout the community. The original gang of 150 hens has gradually lessened, but are still producing 75 to 90 eggs per day. Hens that have passed their laying years become solid nutrition in the orphanage. And new hens are on the way!
The crops of a garden such as Maranatha’s are varied and traditional, most might be found in a family’s subsistence plot: beans, peas, melon, spinach, plantain, bananas, manioc, tomatoes and carrots. Citrus trees of many types, coconut palms, breadfruit and mangoes may line the fences. Rice, the major source of calories is not in the common garden because of its great water requirements (sad to say, most of Haiti’s rice is imported from the U.S. not grown in Haiti) The Maranatha Institute agronomist is overseeing their new and expansive garden.
People sometimes ask us about the hen/egg business. It is an interesting adventure. Over the past year eggs have been distributed, usually without cost, throughout the community. The original gang of 150 hens has gradually lessened, but are still producing 75 to 90 eggs per day. Hens that have passed their laying years become solid nutrition in the orphanage. And new hens are on the way!
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Fun facts: The Institute has a young man who grew up in the orphanage now finishing law school! Also, two orphans have graduated in civil engineering, two are nurses and a dozen more are in college. Many of the graduated secondary students have gone on to technical training, as well. Some become carpenters. Others still have plenty of time to decide their paths...
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All of our funds continue to arrive safely, wired from our US bank directly to Maranatha’s account in Cap Haitien. Not a dollar has ever been lost, ensuring that 100% of your gifts arrive safely (thank you).
Our best and most sincere wishes from everyone at Institute Maranatha and the Ford Haitian Foundation. May the year 2021 bring you and your loved ones peace and comfort.
Our best and most sincere wishes from everyone at Institute Maranatha and the Ford Haitian Foundation. May the year 2021 bring you and your loved ones peace and comfort.
Ford Haitian Foundation
3522 Red Hill Road
Charlottesville, VA 22903
www.fordhaitianorphanage.org
and on Facebook
3522 Red Hill Road
Charlottesville, VA 22903
www.fordhaitianorphanage.org
and on Facebook
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