Summer 2025 Newsletter

We hope everyone is staying cool and having a great summer. As for the news in Haiti, progress is very slow.  The latest news of ICE arresting some people who might be responsible for gang activities in Haiti is hopeful. It indicates that the American government is getting involved in pursuing those responsible for the unrest. This is in addition to the many efforts from the Haitian people who are fighting for change.  As for HACA, we remain committed to the improvement of the quality of life and the future of the most disadvantaged. Thankfully, the area we serve is still free from gang activities. 

The School Sponsorship Program.  Since HACA’s foundation of this program in 2014, 15 students have graduated.  A few of them went to vocational schools to learn carpentry, plumbing, and the culinary arts with HACA’s support. This academic year 2024-2025, we have five graduates, some of whom have been with HACA for over 10 years. Academically, they are ready to pursue their studies at the university level. They sent a letter to HACA to express their gratitude:  Two of them want to be lawyers; two, accountants; and one wants to pursue studies in business administration. They hope to have our continued support.  Unfortunately, their dream is beyond HACA’s reach. In general, our students succeed because they are excited to go to school. The College Methodist of Duplan where most of them go, is never closed.  Their summer camp programs are very stimulating and include the study of social skills. We are working at getting the necessary funds to replace those who have graduated as demand for our services is high.  Most parents are unable to pay for their children’ education. The cost of this primary education is still only $550 per year.  

Food Distribution Program This year again we are short on funds for our food distribution program.  Since there are no government emergency services, and international aid is not reaching these areas, one often wonders how the people survive. This service is crucial to the survival of young children in very poor families. It is more urgent than ever. Last December 2024, we spent $13,000 to distribute a 2-week supply of food to over 500 families of at least 5 members. We anticipate needing $14,000 for the same amount of food this year since prices keep going up. Every year the numbers of families we serve also increase. We urge our donors to help HACA keep this vital program going.

The Nurses for Hope Program

University Lumiere had to move its operations to the Medical School (Faculté de Médicine et des Sciences de la Santé) in Nazon (away from the center of town) this year for security reasons. Since there are no changes in the curriculum, the students had to work hard to complete the year’s program.  Summer vacations was only two weeks in July. Ketty, our third-year student, will finish four months internship in November and start her fourth and final year in December. Ferna who started her 4^th and final year in January 2025, is done with her courses.  She is now working on her thesis “Smoking in Pregnant Women Aged 20 to 35” which she will defend before she takes the state licensing exam in November 2025.  Graduation will also take place by the end of 2025.  The Haitian government seems to be recruiting nurses.  We hope the progress in stability is such that the newly graduated nurses will be hired.