2022 Vocational Training for Families

It was in the January 2015 that I first shared news of the exciting new program that four of our youth would be undertaking. They had reached a level in their regular schooling, dedication and maturity that they could be enrolled in the Ocean Marine Training Institute where they would begin a two year learning and practicum journey to be able to be employed in the cruise ship industry. Well, I am excited to update you and let you know that the original four have been progressing well – and have passports! AND, we have been able to enroll an additional two students who are doing extremely well in this unique opportunity that will lead directly to employment for them all. Your continued support is making this path possible! Their learning and skills, transferable to many situations, includes: International Culture; Cruise Hospitality; First Aid; Fire Prevention; Housekeeping; Food and Beverage preparation and service; Personal Survival and Safety; Health and Fitness; intensive English and Spanish – AND multiple international certificates are earned throughout the process! I have attached a photo of the group in an English tutoring session at our Safehouse. We also have dedicated participants, previously street youth, enrolled in mechanics apprenticeships.

We will be hosting a workshop for those currently involved in vocational training focused on Leadership, Personal Finance and Personal Development. The innovative and inspiring Haitian that has designed and will be delivering this workshop focuses on overcoming obstacles and leadership through learning and practical activities.  This summer we will have a visiting volunteer working on special art therapy projects, a mural, environmental awareness campaigns and projects as well as another focusing on staff training and leadership building skills. We hope to be able to enroll some of the youth in summer vocational training through your support.This would ensure that the connection between the school year learning and effort - and the practical opportunities for work and self-sufficiency are established.

Education at many levels! Building confidence, good team skills, work habits and speaking skills are definitely part of training toward obtaining and holding a job in the future, so we have included some of our youth, and some of our employees, in important partnership work with local authorities. Together they have been executing a Community Outreach Abuse Prevention and Child and Women Rights Campaign with trainings focussed on prevention of violence and sexual abuse (photo attached). In several communities in Haiti’s south, these informative sessions are provided to school classes as well as at ‘town hall’ sessions for community leaders and the general community population.  At our Girls Safehouse, we also host sessions to explore women’s health and well-being discussions. We are active partners in a larger group on deinstitutionalization meeting regularly in Port au Prince to discuss the shift from orphanages/ institutionalization to family & community based approaches, and our key members of our Haitian team participated in a training led by LUMOS organization regarding preparation for family reunification. LFBS has been invited to join a network of local authorities and organizations focussing on preparedness and disaster relief efforts in preparation for hurricane season. Collaboration and partnership is key – entire communities are being changed!  We are now able to achieve an ever increasing level of impact, while still maintaining very personal contact with the children which is why our work has made such inroads.

Little Footprints Big Steps vision and focus are to empower locals and the sustainability of the learning and collaboration at all levels. We recognize and value the importance of reconnecting Haitian families, of changing the mentality and situation of youth as well as entire communities, of building up local authorities’ capacity, of teaching Haitians to invest in and help each other, or empowering youth and parents to seek sustainability.

Inspiring and sharing far and wide. As noted in our previous report, Morgan Wienberg, LFBS founder and Head of Haiti Operations, work was recognized by the Government of Canada with the Meritorious Service Cross Medal. The photo below shows her receiving this incredible honor from the Governor General. Before returning to Haiti, Morgan traveled to New Delhi, India as a delegate and presenter at the Udayan Care International Conference. She shared our program and service model in her presentation “Emotional Preparation to Transition Vulnerable Youth into Socially Responsible Youth” to an enthusiastic audience and was voted best poster presentation at the event (photo attached). 

For more photos, Blogs, videos, media interviews, please visit our website at www.littlefootprintsbigsteps.com.

To view a terrific recent interview with Miami TV host/reporter James Pierre:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1VMeKKTxkM&feature=youtu.be

 Imagine the impacts, today and into the future, near and far, that your partnership with Little Footprints Big Steps is enabling! YOU are a critical part of that. Please share with your friends. 

Links:

• Interview with Miami TV host James Pierre
• Kelowna Daily Courier article
• Little Footprints Big Steps website

Hello and Happy 2016! We are filled with hope and excitement for all of the continued big steps toward a self-sufficient future that the year ahead will bring to the hard-working children and youth in Haiti.

Actively learning teamwork, creative leadership and gaining self-confidence is embraced by the group of Little Footprints Big Steps youth working together planning all of the details to host an annual celebration for the Association of Parents with Handicapped Children. Putting on skits, writing and performing songs, planning food and logistics require tremendous skills and critical thinking. Photos of the planning group and of one of young women speaking at the event are attached.

Two of our senior youth have been actively involved in teaching others in our "Community Trainings for Prevention of Sexual Assault and Violence". Incredible to think that these teenagers were once in abusive situations themselves, and are now working alongside local authorities to educate other youth about their rights! A photo of one of those awareness sessions is attached.

Along with making great progress academically at school, Ysaac continues to apprentice with a local motorcycle repair company on Saturdays. One of our young ladies, Erline, is enrolled fulltime studies to become a professional seamstress. With all school students needing uniforms each year, seamstresses are in great demand!

The students enrolled in the Ocean Link Maritime Institute training program, which will lead to full time employment in the cruise ship and hospitality industry, have been doing regular apprenticeship training at local hotels and are also having classes in English language by a new professor we have hired to assist in this key area of learning for their future employment opportunities.

This year is going to be incredible.

Little Footprints Big Steps' co-founder and Head of Haiti Operations is currently in Canada as she is about to be honored with the Meritorious Service Cross Medal in recognition for the amazing accomplishments in Haiti and the evolving partnerships, program models and inspiration broadening daily. While in Canada, Morgan Wienberg has been speaking to numerous school and service groups and at a gala fundraising event in her home town of Whitehorse, Yukon. Photos of that event, and the wonderful table top heart decorations made by local elementary school students are attached. Before returning to Haiti, Morgan will be traveling to India where she will be presenting and sharing Little Footprints work at an International Conference in New Delhi.

Thank you for helping make it possible for these youth the opportunity to have a real future, with real skills and real options. 

Links:

• National TV Interview February 8, 2016