Children's Respite Home & Outreach Project, Haiti

Everyone who visits the respite home (Maison de Benediction) feels what a special place it is. In a society that struggles to accept disability, it really stands out as a beacon for compassionate care and dignity for children who have as much right to be happy as anyone else. We're very proud of the Maison and we can't thank you enough for supporting this special place.

Of course, much of the heart of the place comes from the people. The staff are incredible giving so much of their lives to care for the children. And the children bring so much happiness. When you visit you are sure to be greeted with several huge smiles and hugs! But there's an unsung hero which has been looking after everyone for many years and is very much part of the character there...the building itself. It was one of the first buildings on the site and has been standing by watching the neighbouring hospital grow and grow over the last 10 years.

Conditions in Haiti can take its toll on buildings and after many years the Maison was in desperate need of a refurbish. The roof was leaking in several places, there was a widespread termite infestation in the roof timber making a lots of mess but more worryingly weakening the structure. And the staff had been making do with inadequate kitchen facilties for many years.

Finding the money to run the home is a challenge so finding the money to make the repairs seemed unlikely. But our friends at The Haiti Health Trust and one of our supporting schools in the UK came to the rescue working so hard to raise around £20,000 for the work to be done. This summer the kids and staff moved out and work began to fit a completely new roof, kitchen, windows and doors. The results have been amazing and the Maison is now set to look after the children and staff for many more years.

Last month the Maison re-opened with everyone excited by the transformation. The kids made some signs saying 'MESI', meaning thank you, for all those who contrbuted to their newly refurbished home!  

In other news, the newly created Community Rehabilitation Team have been working hard over the summer to help children with disabilities out in the community. They have already visited hundreds of families providing physotherapy, education and also advocating on their behalf with community institutions like schools and churches. We are sure that this project will continue to have a huge impact on those who cannot come to the respite home but need just as much care.

Thank you so much to you for your support of this vital work. Please continue it if you can. We need your regular support. 

Links:

• HHA disability work