Back to School

It’s “back to school” time here in Haiti! However, although our own three schools are now officially open, the students are returning at a snail’s pace. Our school in Sainte-Philomène boasted of 9 students this morning, even though it has an enrollment of over 100. Why? Because, on the average, Haitian families have to dig deep for anything beyond what constitutes their “daily bread.” Unfortunately, at times, even the daily bread isn’t daily. Tuition, uniforms and books put more than a pinch on their pocketbooks. A common prayer offered up during this time of the year is, “Lord, please help us send our kid(s) to school.” All over Haiti, schools have opened a month late due to the hardships that families bear.

A few of our faculty.

Haitians put a great value on education. Our students love school. They know it’s a privilege to sit in a classroom when so many others miss out. From day one, their parents drill into their heads the privilege of learning. It’s not unlikely that, next semester, the money may not be available for them. I’m guessing by this photo that some of the children’s uniforms are not ready. Normally, they don’t come to school without their uniforms on.

Feeding Program

Rehoboth Ministries strives to lighten the load of these parents who love their children as much as we do. As many of you know, we have been providing two hot meals every week for the last two years in all three of our schools. With the help of generous supporters, we have been able to put a smile on a child’s face and subdue the gnawing hunger in their bellies, even if only temporarily. Our students come to school with high hopes they’ll find a hot meal waiting for them. Parents share that hope, knowing that, a meal at school removes a burden from off those at home.

We are still raising funds for this project that is so dear to our hearts. Would you like to help? Roughly $40 feeds a child two meals a week for the entire school year. We will have distributed approximately 93,600 meals this year alone for over 1,300 students, staff, and workers!

I (Dana) received this beautiful note from a friend in North Carolina that has pledged to help. I was so touched that I wanted you to read it too.

Tina says:

God gave me a job this past Thursday and just laid it in my lap. I did not even have an appointment for a job interview! I am working, so I need a way to get some money to you every month for the school feeding program.

Would you like to join Tina in helping to lighten our load? We can’t do this alone, but we can do it together!