Haiti faces ongoing political and social strife. The centers in Cap-Haïtien, including Lakay Cap and the Vincent Foundation, have experienced less political violence but have still felt the effects of the upheaval with rising market prices. Timkatec and Lakay Lakou are located in Port-au-Prince and have had to deal with the gangs and violence on the streets along with closures. Don Bosco Tech in Fort-Liberté has had an influx of people fleeing the capital for the relatively safer north and has seen an increase of children on the streets.
A Salesian noted, “We appreciate Rise Against Hunger and the solidarity from the United States for sending food for our youth. We can see the joy on the face of each child after eating and when they arrive home.”
Rodnel Ball, age 16, is one of the recipients and has been living at Timkatec for five years. He said, “When I arrived at Timkatec, I started to eat Rise Against Hunger meals every day. The meals are important to me because they give me strength and they taste good. Not only did I gain weight by eating the meals, but I also found the motivation to study. I study better. I like to sit with my classmates when I eat.”
Ball explained, “In the future, I want to become a great soccer player. For the moment, I’m in seventh grade and I’m learning about ceramic installation. I simply love this job and I would like to participate in a soccer championship after training.”
The first Timkatec school started in 1994 and was founded for children who had been living on the street. Later, it was expanded to include local children who had not had the chance to attend school until ages 8-10. The vocational schools were added so youth could learn a trade for employment.
Salesian missionaries began working in Haiti in 1935 in response to the Haitian government’s request for a professional school. Since then, Salesian missionaries have expanded their work to include 11 main educational centers and more than 200 schools across the country.
The 11 main centers each include a number of primary and secondary schools, vocational training centers, and other programs for street children and youth in need. Salesian programs are located throughout Haiti, including in the cities of Port-au-Prince, Fort-Liberté, Cap-Haïtien, Les Cayes and Gressier. Today, Salesian missionaries in Haiti provide the largest source of education outside of the Haitian government.
Source: Salesian Missions
