Making a Healthplan for Life for Haitian Children

Dear Sponsors!

“First year, first try.” This is my first year as Director at Saint Dominique Sponsor Site. Our overall result is a real success. Through it all, nothing could be achieved without your help. Our great sponsors. Our sponsored children express their gratitude to you all and wish to let you know what you really mean to them. Let us show you a little about what we have achieved so far with your wonderful help.

SAINT DOMINIQUE SITE Year of Challenges

2019-202 has been such a special year, during which our country has faced severe issues. There were countrywide lockdowns due to political tensions, border closures because of poor security, and of course, the COVID-19 pandemic. Above all, we were dealing with a serious lack of food, pandemic effects on school operations, site security problems due to intruders at night because our property was not fenced, and late teacher’s wages owed from the Saint Dominique School. All of those problems would have been even worse if you hadn’t helped.

OUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENTS

This was the first time Saint Dominiques and our sponsored children have received such tremendous food assistance. These funds allowed us to support food security for our orphans for over seven months, This relieved daily concerns and met our dietetic policy that ensures better physical and mental health for our children. 

Security wall/fence construction: As mentioned above, social and political insecurities were crucial issues, and since our little community is a poor one, where living decently is just a dream for some; intrusions occur at night which frighten the children. Thanks to you, our supporters, we built a concrete reinforced wall, mostly at the back of the property. Out front, we installed metal fencing where walls wouldn't suffice. To add to this achievement, a small building for our security guard was built, to help maintain strict control over all visitors to the office. Security-wise, we can affirm that most of our concerns are now solved. We just could not live with the potential threat that the lives of a hundred children would be in danger. Thank you dear sponsors for bringing us this peace of mind and safety. 

Infrastructural achievement: Reinforcing, renovating, and rehabilitating structures were among the greatest needs of our site. Once completed, our staff, children and visitors felt a greater level of comfort. We had wonderful work don to our latrines, offices, and home-cafeteria.

• Latrines:at the very start of the year we had several sanitation and hygiene related issues; showering and getting safe water for ordinary daily tasks were remediated through your financial support. Although we still have lots of work to do, you can see the progress we have achieved. 

• Office: providing a better and more modern office where everyone feels comfortable and has their own workspace is a manager’s dream. Your assistance has provided a better place to work in an open environment that is safe, clean, and neat. 

• Renovations: the children are happy to have a better place to eat where there are no mosquitoes, pests, and other animals. The stairs were repaired, the kitchen was fixed, and cracks in walls have been made, all thanks to you. 

Christmas: Because of your wonderful hearts, our sponsored children had a wonderful Christmas. They received new clothes and gifts. You have created special childhood memories and made them feel more than proud, as they feel respected and loved as human beings. 

COVID-19: Being exposed  to and confirmed by a worldwide pandemic in a country where healthcare systems are a luxury, we had to be more than careful to ensure that the children were distanced from any strangers and/or people with frequent outside activities. Basic health and hygiene measures were rigorously followed. IN addition, Chalice sponsor funds allowed us to purchase basic material sanitizers, containers for water, disinfectants, masks, etc.

MOVING FORWARD: Having had such a difficult year, it is easy to recognise that we have faced some of the biggest challenges yet. Security-wise, we intend to finish the fences and continue to employ a security guard. We are looking forward to being able to guarantee the safety of the children. We expect to have an even greater impact on the lives of every little child in the Chalice program, at every level possible. In turn, this would be the best favour to the development of our society towards an improved and secured lifestyle. 

Thank you: Our hearts are where our faith, gestures, and actions lay and remain. May the Lord be with you all and guard you in each of your endeavors. May this same blessing reach all your loved ones for many generations to come. 

All our achievements have been made possible thanks to you and your assistance.

Wendell Alphonse, 

Director (Oct. 2020-Onward), Saint Dominique Sponsor Site, Haiti