Our impact on and support of the children of Haiti achieved a new level with our recent trip to the country from July 19 to 26. Thirty Headwaters volunteers brought their time, expertise, and passion to more than 500 children during the week-long visit.
We spent a portion of one day with the students of New Grace School, one of our longstanding partners. In addition to bringing photos and greetings from our student sponsors, it was a chance for the children, along with other kids from the neighborhood, to participate in a self-portrait painting project.
A central goal of the trip was to bring a new revised edition of our book, When Haiti Shakes, which teaches children about earthquakes and what to do should another one strike. A puzzle was designed and donated by creative agency KNOCK, illustrating the earth’s tectonic plates, to accompany the book along with a teacher’s guide. With assistance from Haiti’s Ministry of Education, these vital materials will be distributed to thousands of students at schools across Haiti as part of a literacy campaign.
We continued our support of our other partners, including The Byrant Institute Bi-lingual School, where we funded the construction of a bridge across a drainage ditch, and Compassion Attentive aux Orphelins d’Haiti, purchasing books, food, and cloth for uniforms as well as bringing clothes, shoes, and school supplies to many. Luxon Boursiquot, Director of Life Christian Orphanage, wrote to us upon our return saying “on behalf of the children and staff, thank you sister Rebecca [and Headwaters] for your support. May God in his love fill you more rich with tender blessings.”
At every location, we conducted free medical clinics for these children that face so many challenges. And there was also plenty of time for singing, doing art projects, giving hugs, and simply having fun – a big hit were the hulla-hoops!
Many thanks to our volunteers who so eloquently brought the mission of Headwaters to so many children and to the donors and friends at home who made this trip possible.
View a slideshow of photos from our trip below or the full gallery in our photo section.
Alexanda Gobell, one of our volunteers, also made a video commemorating the trip.