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The students of the Professional Center of St. Francois d’ Assisi presented a fashion show on the evening of April 5 called “The Magic of Change”. The students each made their ensembles & then modeled them for guests. We’ll follow this with a video post later this week. ![]()
Tres chic!
Today we welcome all the students and staff of St. Francis schools back from their Easter break. These students are lined up at the window of the snack bar- a great new offering on the St. Francis campus. Students of the Professional Center of St. Francois d' Assisi trade school opened the "canteen" as a business learning experience that also creates income for their projects. Students and teachers love it!
A quick update from Pere Vil: "As always, the Holy Week is a busy one for the Church. We are going to have a lot of religious services, such Palm and Passion Sunday, Holy Thursday Eucharist, Good Friday service, Holy Saturday (Paschal Vigil), and during this paschal celebration, the sacrament of baptism will be administered to more than 35 people. Then, on March 31, it will be the great Easter celebration. During this Holy Week, I will celebrate at St. Croix (photo), on Thursday 28 at 4hpm and on Easter Sunday at 10:30 am.![]()
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Our schools will go on vacation today, March 22 and will reopen their doors on April 3, 2024. At that time, we will communicate the results to the students of 3rd cycle of Fundamental and at the Secondary level. However, at the Primary school, we will communicate the results on March, Tuesday 26.![]()
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I have several meetings pastoral, liturgical and other informal meetings....It's going to be a long week, but a good one!![]()
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Your brother,![]()
Vil
These are 7th and 8th grade students at St. Marthe and St. Marie Middle School in Palma, the newest school in the St. Francis Parish school system.. Previously, kids living in these rural communities had limited options to attend school beyond 6th grade without leaving home. The first class was enrolled in the 2022/23 academic year and had a 100% pass rate. This year there are 48 students: 17 from Nouvelle Cite, 7 from Trou Jacques and 4 from Nan Mangot plus 20 from other schools. The campus construction continues! Photos by Pere Vil March 20th.
Here’s our March monthly newsletter! Check it out for the latest updates on community health.🩺💚
Lespwa- Hope.![]()
In Haiti, hope never dies. These are photos of the adult education class in St. Phillipe and Jacques school YESTERDAY. Port au Prince is exploding. It is all that you see. But on the island of la Gonâve, these elders from Trou Jacques community met as usual to study in hope to improve their ability to read and count. This week, Dr. Lazar and the healthcare network staff returned from a 3-day mobile clinic in Platon Balai (post coming Monday!)![]()
Pere Vil and St. Francois parish meet the moment for the communities of la Gonâve; they lead by example through their service, compassion and hope.
We’re excited to announce the latest round of “Kid to a Kid” recipients! Thanks to our Kid to a Kid supporters, selected students at 9 schools are receiving a goat. These students and a family adult receive training and follow up care from the goat program staff. A goat is like $$ in the bank! ![]()
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The first picture is Students and their new goats in Plaine Mapou and the second picture is Students and their new goats in Bois Brule!
These are dark days in Haiti. Across the bay from the island of La Gonâve, there rages an ever-worsening battle among murderous gangs and corrupt, power hungry men on the mainland. The entire country is glued to radios, social media and on-line news. There is much misinformation and way too much truth in horrific videos. ![]()
It's tone deaf to mention only the good in the face of such evil. But there is GOOD! There is the goodness of average men and women who long for the country that they dream is possible, there is good in Haiti's public servants. And there is HOPE in these children, filmed this morning in the elementary schoolyard of St. Francois school in Anse a Galets. La Gonâve Haiti Partners continues 100% of its support with our amazing partners on La Gonâve. We will not leave you nor forsake you, Haiti!![]()
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St Francis kids playing March 7 2024
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High in the mountains of La Gonave sits the community of Lotore and its church and school, St. Barnabas. This past Sunday, the area was shrouded in fog! Father Vil traveled in the LandCruiser to lead worship and visit with the amazing people there. All Saints Church in Pawleys Island, SC has supported teacher salaries and operations at St. Barnabas for decades and have spent many magical nights in this remote and welcoming community. But foggy mornings are rare indeed💕
Happy Valentine's Day from La Gonave!![]()
The preschool class and teachers at St. Francis Preschool in Anse a Galets, La Gonâve, Haiti![]()
🩷❤️
Here are photos from an adult education class in St. Croix school in Nouvelle Cite. Adult education classes are held in 11 communities for adults who never had the opportunity to attend school. These photos show the patience and skill that the Mr. Sylvain brings to his work. The classes meet weekly to learn numbers, basic math, writing, and eventually reading. They encourage each other and often have a meal together. 📚✏️
Lunch time at Saint Barnabas, Lotore and St. Jacques, Bois Brule! ![]()
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The school lunch program serves a hot, nutritious meal every school day to each child in the 11 schools supported by the partnership. Thirty cooks begin preparing their outdoor fires each morning at dawn and serve more than 325,000 lunches each school year. For many children, it is their only meal of the day. School attendance is improved and educational achievement is enhanced.
Greetings from the Center of the Universe!![]()
In spite of the problems in Haiti, Anse a Galets (the capital of la Gonave) is still busy and bustling. This photo is taken from the public park, looking across the main street to St Francis church and the campus of the school and parish. St. Francis is in the center of everything.
Anse a Galets has a large central market with many stalls. Everything you see here has been brought over from the mainland at great risk for the vendors. The market is a 5 minute walk west from the St. Francis campus.
Warm holiday wishes from LGHP! Our hearts overflow with gratitude for all that we have accomplished this year! Excitedly looking forward to all we’ll achieve together in the coming year!🎄🎊🇭🇹![]()
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Pictured: ![]()
left M. Junior Alexis, director of Good sound band, chief Inspector Gilles Motlaire and Claude Valdemar.
These students from St. Francois High School reflect the JOY of CHRISTMAS BREAK which begins this week. We wish all the students and their professors, school guardians, cooks and associates a very Merry Christmas and congratulations on completing the first semester of the school year! Bon travay! (Good work!) Classes resume January 8th, 2024. 🎄❤️
Today we are highlighting SS Philippe et Jacques, Trou Jacques! ![]()
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The teacher today is M. Lano Belgarde! ![]()
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Mr. Lano Belgarde resides in the Community, serving as the principal of St. Philippe and St. Jacques school, while also holding a leadership role within the church. He acts as an assistant and teaches at both St. Martha and St. Mary in Palma, as well as at a national public school.
Today we are highlighting Saint Barthélemy, Nan Mango! ✏️🎓📚![]()
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The first teacher is M. Therard Herode! M. Therard Herode is a former teacher at Nan Mango. He has been trained by our teacher program and has developed great leadership skills and teaching skills. He is now the principal of St. Barthelemy! ![]()
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Next we have ![]()
Ms. Joanne Verné. Ms. Joanne Verné is from Nan Mango and went to Ecole Normale de Jardiniere d’enfants. She has obtained a certification to teach kindergarten and now teaches and manages the preschool.![]()
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We are so grateful for these teachers! ❤️🇭🇹
This week we are highlighting Sainte Croix, Nouvelle Cité✂️✏️📚 The first teacher is Mrs. Fedeline Saintil. Fedeline Saintil, recently married, previously taught at our school. Throughout her tenure, she actively participated in all our teacher training sessions. She dedicated over three years commuting between Nouvelle Cité and Anse-à-Galets to pursue her teaching qualifications. Presently residing in Palma, she commutes daily to Sainte Croix school, where she both teaches and takes a leadership role in the preschool. ![]()
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The second teacher is Oldet Érié, an educational manager, previously served as a teacher within the school. He actively participated in numerous teacher training sessions, showcasing a profound understanding of the profession. He commands respect within the educational community. ✏️📚
Happy Giving Tuesday!❤️🇭🇹![]()
Each morning the 11 schools of St. Francis Parish- on the island of La Gonâve- raise the Haitian flag. Children and teachers gather to sing the national anthem and recite a prayer together. In the midst of nationwide upheaval, the rhythm of this daily ritual helps to continue the Haitian tradition of fierce love for and pride in their country. It is grounding and hopeful to begin each day in a safe and loving space, surrounded by teachers devoted to joy and learning.![]()
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These young students at St. Barthelmy Primary School in Nan Mango are the future of Haiti; their parents have great trust that education will nurture the potential that they see in their children.![]()
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ON THIS GIVING TUESDAY, PLEASE DONATE TO continue the upward trajectory of these children. Teacher salaries and school lunches, clean water, healthcare and economic development support strong families and strong communities. Check out our website to see all the amazing things we do with your gifts.
Today we will be highlighting St. Simon et St. Jude, Planton Balai. ✏️📚💙![]()
The first picture is Ms. Esther Viljean. Ms. Esther Viljean, from Gros-Mangles, commutes daily to Platon Balai for the Preschool. She exhibits remarkable motivation. Similarly, other teachers from Gros-Mangles also travel to teach at St. Simon and Jude in Platon Balai.![]()
The second picture is Mr. Bien-Aimable Edver. Mr Bien-Aimable Edver who taught at the school for several years in the past, now holds the academic responsibility in the school managed by a committee. He actively participates in teachers’ meetings and contributes information concerning the curriculum.
Today we will be highlighting St. Esprit, Gros-mangles! 📚✏️![]()
The first picture is Ms Beauvoir. Currently, Ms. Sophiana Beauvoir is overseeing the preschools while Ms. Sume Roselina is on maternity leave. Ms. Roselina is expected to return in December 2023! ![]()
The second picture is Mr. Remy Volcy. Mr. Volcy, originally from Gros-Mangles, previously served on the management committee before assuming the role of principal at the school. He participated in all teacher training sessions organized by the school. His adept management skills contribute significantly to effectively overseeing the school’s operations!
Here are the statistics for Saint François d’Assise school,![]()
Anse-à-Galets, la Gonave! ![]()
The first teach pictures is Ms. Omileda Hyppolite. ![]()
Ms. Omileda Hyppolite, residing in Anse-a-Galets but originally from Platon Balai, has been serving as the preschool coordinator for a considerable period. Having obtained a teaching certificate, she has played a pivotal role in the St. Francois preschool, which now caters to more than 100 children.![]()
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Second is M. Eugène Frantzner![]()
M. Eugène Frantzner transitioned from a teaching role to become the principal of the primary section more than five years ago. He has been excelling in his responsibilities.
It’s the heart-breaking reality of life on la Gonâve that many people live on the edge of starvation. After a dry summer and staggering inflation, some families are desperate to feed everyone- the young and old are most vulnerable. Adequate nutrition is vital for healthy brain development in infants and toddlers; this lack determines their entire future. In the past year, 539 children were identified by the Bill Rice Community Health Network staff as malnourished and treated through the Medika Mamba Children’s Nutrition program in mobile clinics.![]()
Literally “medical peanut butter”, Medika Mamba is formed from a recipe and regimen based on Plumpy Nut, a product used globally to treat malnourished young children. Our partnership with Meds and Food for Kids assures that this evidence-based program is available for our community health network nurses and community health workers (ajen sante) to treat malnourished children until they reach healthy weight. LGHP support a “whole family” approach to nutrition, including family planning, prenatal care, good agriculture practices and hearty lunches served in school and adult education programs. Please support LGHP with a gift of your funds to purchase Medika Mamba on behalf of families who are desperate to save their children.
School Cooks are heroes! Monday through Friday, school cooks are hard at work to prepare lunch in the 11 parish schools, some for as few as 60 kids to as many as 200 at St. Francis school. If a school has a traditional kitchen, the cooks arrive early to prepare the fire and create coals to cook the meal for the day (beans & rice, grits or pasta with vegetables). Some schools have upgraded kitchens with stoves that use bottled propane or a gas generator; this is much safer and easier for the cooks and diminishes the local environmental impact of deforestation for charcoal. Change and progress come gradually to la Gonâve but it seems a charcoal fire will remain a back-up plan for most homes and schools until the economy improves.
LGHP just received some beautiful photos from Jean Williams Jules taken around the goat barn and gardens in Nouvelle Cite. For many parts of the island, this is a lush and productive season, as the summer heat begins to abate and some decent rainfall occurred in September. Jean Thony Joseph, the Director of Agriculture for the parish of St. Francois is working with his team to make the most of this weather; they hope to get a bountiful harvest of vegetables from the productive gardens they planted in areas with good soil. This will pump up the flavor and nutrition in school lunches. And the goats enjoy the leftovers!
Congratulations to L’Eglise St. Francois on the annual celebration of the Feast Day for St. Francis of Assisi, October 4th, 2023. It was a beautiful day to celebrate God’s mercy and abundance in nature and with humankind. ![]()
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In the second picture: Pere Vil lifts up Madame Mona and the Women's programs that she leads. Layleader for St. Francois, Alexis Artur is seen in the background.![]()
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In the third picture: Oere Vil recievs a token of gratitude from the Women of St. Francois
⭐️⭐️You made this happen! ![]()
Last week La Gonâve![]()
Haiti Partners wired your gifts for the completion of the library at St Francois campus! In October, students and teachers will have a beautiful, well-lit area to read their text books and to study. New solar panels, furniture and books have been procured to fill these beautiful handcrafted shelves. ![]()
We thank our amazing Georgia partners at Shallowford Presbyterian, Madison Presbyterian and Trinity Presbyterian churches and all our individual donors; you and the students and teachers at St Francois never gave up hope. This will be life-changing!!🤍![]()
#lagonavehaitipartners #donations
Meet the first-ever journalist for St. Francois d’ Assisi Parish, Mr. Jean Williams Jules. Jean Williams grew up in Bois Brule and received his primary education at St. Jacques school. He completed middle school at St. Francois in Anse a Galets and then moved to Port au Prince for high school and a scholarship. After studying journalism and camera work, he received an internship and then worked for 3 years for a radio station in PAP, covering the demonstrations- a very intense period to be getting started in! He left the dangerous situation to return to the safety of home on la Gonâve. We are thrilled to support him in his work as he travels about the island to photograph and learn about the activities of the Parish.![]()
Kreyol![]()
Mwen se timoun Bwa Boule. Se la mwen fèt. Mwen te gen chans pase nan lekòl Senjak, Bwa Boule. Lè saa direktè ki te lekòl la se te Edbuche Foneis.![]()
Mwen fè Preskolè rive nan Sizyèm (6è) ane fondamantal nan lekòl Senjak, Bwa boule. Apre mwen kite bwa boule mwen monte Ansagalè al kontinye etid la nan Senfranswa Dasiz. Se la mwen fè 7è, 8è ak 9è ane. Apre lekòl fondamantal la, mwen kite lagonav rantre Pòtoprens pou m kontinye rès etid la. Rive Pòtoprens, mwen te jwenn yon lekòl ki te banm yon demi bous, mwen aprann Jounalis Repòtè ak Kameramann. Mwen te fè 3 mwa estaj nan yon Radyo nan Kapital la. Apre estaj la, yo te nome mwen kòm Repòtè.![]()
Mwen pase twa (3) lane nan travay la, apre mwen te pwofite ak yon lòt Radyo. Mwen te nome kòm kameramann. Mwen te gen pou reskonsabilite kouvri manifestasyon pou yo. Rive yon lè (apre yon tan), pwoblèm ensekirite fèm pat ka kontinye ak aktivite mwen. Mwen te oblije kase tèt tounen lakay. Mwen rantre lagonav poum kontinye travay la.![]()
Mwen pako marye. Mwen santi mwen kontan mwen ka travay Senfranswa Dasiz
Haiti opened its schools nationwide on September 11th! Enrollment typically builds gradually but is off to a great start, as evidenced by these photos from the week. Enjoy and share these with anyone who loves the hope of a fresh, new school year✏️📓🖍️❤️![]()
Donate now to support teacher salaries, books and supplies for these beautiful students and their teachers
Our ability to support teachers with salaries that are competitive and paid monthly, without fail, is an investment that we make in the quality of the St Francois school system. In a similar way, the investments that we make in building, maintaining and updating school buildings is a commitment to the students and the community. School buildings host adult education classes, health clinics and even goat clinics (outdoors of course!) for decades. You can join us to support the future of Haiti by educating its people- with your gift to education today.![]()
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📚✨ Today is International Literacy Day, and we're on a mission to make a positive impact! 🌍![]()
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This year's theme, "Promoting literacy for a world in transition: Building the foundation for sustainable and peaceful societies," couldn't be more fitting. The world is changing rapidly, and access to literacy is more important than ever.![]()
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On the beautiful island of La Gonave, Haiti, 10 elementary schools have been making incredible progress. The average number of proficient state test scores has risen from 79% in 2020 to a remarkable 87% this spring! ![]()
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But there's still work to be done, especially for the 1900 children and adults in La Gonave Haiti Partnership education programs. Your generous donation can make a huge difference. Your support will provide books, supplies, and meals for these individuals, helping them not only learn to read and write but also build better lives for themselves and their families.![]()
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Education empowers people to start businesses, participate responsibly in the market, and read with their children. For the past three years, meals have been provided for adult students, many of whom attend class after a long day of work.![]()
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Let's join hands and be part of this transformative change! 🤝 Together, we can help create a more literate, sustainable, and peaceful world. ![]()
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Donate today and be the change!
La Gonâve Haiti Partners is all about healthy babies!![]()
Two to three times a week, the amazing team of Bill Rice Community Health Network doctors, nurses and midwives pack up the Toyota and motorcycles to bring maternal care clinics out to 9 hard-to-reach communities on the island of la Gonâve, Haiti. Through the Network, 40 community health workers and birth attendants await the team in their villages and assure that all moms are seen. Routine prenatal /postnatal check-ups with vitamins, vaccinations and teaching are provided, then the Team heads back. First time and high-risk moms are encouraged to deliver at the Bill Rice Clinic, but when that’s not possible, the village matwons and healthworkers have good supplies and training to make home delivery the best it can be. Last year, the team’s effort supported 505+ healthy home births!![]()
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Midwife Vilana (#midwives for Haiti) and Dr Lazar consult on a patient.![]()
Patients wait during a mobile mother and child clinic in St Esprit school at Gros Mangles.![]()
The Matwons of Bill Rice Community Health Network and Mdme Aline Dupont, supervising nurse.
Happy Birthday, Pere Jean Madoché Vil!![]()
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We are blessed beyond measure to work alongside you. Your wisdom and courage and humility make a deep impression upon us; your confidence that God always makes a way inspires us to never stop hoping and believing in better days. We regret that we have only Zoom to see you these past 3 years.![]()
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Today we are reminded of the good that a person like you can do in this world- creative, energetic- serving the people during dark and difficult times. We are honored to call you our brother, pere and partner in God's work on la Gonâve!
Warning: Gearhead Alert!![]()
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This shiny new gadget is a 3/4 hp submersible pump, sourced from the Dominican Republic. It will be the guts of a new well in Palma. A crew drilling across the road offered to check out a site on the St. Marthe and Marie campus, and voila! Water! Pere Vil and the crew will determine the best way to integrate the well with the existing water catchment components. ![]()
Please consider a gift to our INFRASTRUCTURE FUND to help transform every church and school roof into maximum water catchment structures with gutters, pipes and cisterns.
Final Report Cards Presented this Sunday ![]()
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It's remarkable! ![]()
Against all odds, The St. Francois school system will officially complete the 2022-23 academic year this weekend! Despite a late and bumpy start last November, teachers, staff and students got their groove back after Christmas break.![]()
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The 10 primary schools, 2 middle schools and 1 high school pushed on through the summer to get caught up. School Directors have been in Anse-a-Galets this week calculating final grades and completing each students' report card (shown here). ![]()
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On Saturday, each school director will meet with School System Coordinator, Mr. Edbouche Foneis and Pere Jean Madoché Vil. Then on Sunday, report cards go out. All across the island young people will be seen carrying their green cards home to eagerly awaiting![]()
families. This summer break will be very short in order to get back to a typical schedule; the new school year starts September 11!
Day 2 of the Annual Conference in Charleston kicked off with a tour of Palma!
Good morning from Charleston! Kicking off the annual conference in person and virtually.
It's not too late to join us in Charleston for our Annual Conference! Register here: lagonavepartners.org/2023-conference/
It's not too late to join us for the Annual Conference!![]()
mailchi.mp/3a31ae971401/save-the-date-for-the-annual-conference-5987809?e=[UNIQID]
The Annual Conference is 21 days away! Register now!![]()
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mailchi.mp/4dd7bedcb081/save-the-date-for-the-annual-conference-5987245?e=[UNIQID]
Join us as we "Take a trip to Haiti" at our Annual Conference.![]()
Register now: lagonavepartners.kindful.com/e/2023-annual-conference?fbclid=IwAR0eL0BCYk2tpZdlQLypN8m2693DwwC_1o...![]()
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mailchi.mp/712c7a6c8b5e/save-the-date-for-the-annual-conference-5986341
La Gonâve Haiti Partners Inc. | Kindful
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THURSDAY, July 27: 12:00 pm - 4:30 pm (BOARD Members only) THURSDAY, July 27: 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm Legacy Fund Reception with cocktails & hors d’oeuvres at the French Quarter Inn, 166 Church Street, Ch...
LGHP Conference Registration is live! Register here: lagonavepartners.kindful.com/e/2023-annual-conference
HAITIAN FLAG DAY. May 14, 2015 found me traveling with student nurses from Clayton State University in Morrow, GA to la Gonâve, Haiti on an international study abroad trip. We were assisting with a mobile clinic in the community of Ti Cotelette. ![]()
Flag Day was the following week, and students were practicing for their day of celebration. We witnessed so much joy! in anticipation of the upcoming festivities.![]()
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Eight years later, May 18th, 2023 is Haitian Flag Day once more. Every year, across the world, Haitians celebrate this day. The Haitian flag is a primary symbol of Haitian freedom, intended to show solidarity among Haitian people—a symbol of pride, unity, and![]()
individual liberty. Created in 1803, the flag was fashioned to celebrate independence from France and carries the motto, “L’UNION FAIT LA FORCE,” meaning “Through Uni-![]()
ty We Find Strength.”![]()
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Across the globe, there will celebrations of Haiti’s independence, but also protests because of the current political turmoil, gang violence, and vigilante killings across the country. While the world celebrates Haiti, it also grieves the terrible plight of many![]()
Haitians today. On behalf of La Gonave Haiti Partners, I pray that for all of us, Haitians and others who love the people and the country, the flag once more will send its powerful message that freedom from terror demands strength and unity among people.![]()
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May the people of Haiti join forces and together find solutions to this terrible crisis that is crushing freedom and threatens hope.![]()
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Jennell Charles![]()
Interim Chair, Board of Directors
Please consider supporting us in our Mother's Day fundraiser.
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