Justice and Human Rights Haiti Project #2230

Children's Respite Home & Outreach Project, Haiti

by Hope Health Action

Project Report | Feb 19, 2024
Trip Report - February 2024

By Tim Holmes | Fundraising Coordinator

Earlier this month, our Development Director, Merren, travelled to Haiti during another period of social unrest in the country. Despite many challenges she was able to spend time at the Maison de Benediction. Here's her trip report:

As you may have heard, some of our team have just got back from a trip to Haiti to visit our projects, meet partners, and catch up with with our incredible local team. It ended up being a difficult week, with widespread protests and roadblocks making travel to anywhere but the hospital nearly impossible, and almost all of our plans being changed or cancelled as a result. That said, we were able to visit the Maison - always a highlight of any trip, and a particular ray of sunshine and hope during a visit that was otherwise heavy with tension and complications.

We were delighted to see the beautiful Baby K, who is progressing at an incredible rate, and is now able to walk five or six steps, unassisted! She also has an eye surgery booked in, which will involve the construction of an eyelid, aiding the healthy development of her face. She is, as always, filled with a joy that is infectious to everyone around her. It was particularly lovely to see how the other children interacted with her, encouraging her to walk, and picking her up out of her cot when she wanted to be involved.

We were also able to see the new inclusive playground equipment in action - including a spinning ‘cosy cocoon’ and an accessible giant xylophone (which is the perfect height for wheelchair users). The kids are clearly delighted with their new games, and the moment we arrived (following the barrage of hugs), we were pulled outside and the equipment was proudly demonstrated, with much laughter and excitement.

Perhaps most striking was the fact that, in a week when schools across the country were closed, and less than half of the hospital staff were able to make it to work, the Maison had stayed open. This meant that there was a safe space for these children throughout the chaos, violence and unrest. It was a real joy to see the commitment of the staff - and the happiness of the children - in spite of the difficulty of the week.

Thnk you so much for continuing to support the amazing work that happens at the Maison!

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