THE FUTURE
A Vision for Marre Blanche, Haiti:
“And the LORD answered me: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.” Habakkuk 2:2-3
A Vision for Their Future:
Many years into the future [unless something wonderfully miraculous causes it to happen sooner] the school could also be used to provide secondary and adult education classes. It could also house a Bible college. Currently, students go to the capital city, Port-au-Prince, to attend high school which is nine hours away by motor vehicle. Let no child be denied basic education because of costs. In Haiti, all students must pay to go to school, even at the elementary level unless they are supported by an organization or an individual(s). This is one reason, so few are educated beyond 7th grade. Students must complete 13 grades and pass a government exam to receive a high school diploma.
More Effective Farming and Gardening:
The people of Marre Blanche live off the land. There are no markets in their area. Terrace farming could help prevent the washing away of their seed and topsoil. Missionary groups and university agriculture programs could train them to implement this method.
The community needs a way to generate income. If they could raise more food than they need, the rest could be sold to neighbors and at markets. In most societies, income is generated by meeting unmet needs. Some needs and possible income sources for the community include but are not limited to:
- Growing and selling trees. Most Haitians cook outside. The trees of Haiti have been overharvested to make charcoal for cooking and firewood. Wood is scarce and expensive.
- Raising fruit trees for foreign markets. They can become involved with organizations set up to help small farmers. Possible sources:
- The Organization for the Rehabilitation of the Environment. Learn more at their website: http://www.oreworld.org/ and directly at ORE, P.O. Box 326, Boca Raton, Fl 33429-0326, USA | ORE, B.P. 2314, Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
- Techno Serve, a Haiti Hope Project is in a public-private partnership with The Coca-Cola Company, the Multilateral Investment Fund, and the U.S. Agency for International Development. The Project is also supported by international and local organizations: https://www.technoserve.org/.
More Educational and Vocational Opportunities:
In any culture an important key to breaking the cycle of poverty is education, training, and employment. At Marre Blanche the average teacher has a 7th grade education. None of the teachers hold a high school diploma. American teachers may be able to go to help teach and train teachers and students.
Efforts should be made to get Marre Blanche’s teachers and students into Haiti’s president’s program to train and provide free education to schools that qualify. What do they need to qualify? Learn more at: http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2012/11/21/haiti-education-strategy
Vocational and Technical Skills should be explored and implemented. Some students have expressed interest in learning to sew to become seamstresses and tailors.
Some people in Marre Blanche need to learn English to enable communication with English speaking guests. They could then train children in English, as well as, work as translators.
Computer knowledge is the way of the world. Computer training needs to be a part of their education. They will need generators or some source of electrical power for internet connection. Solar units were tested. However, because it is usually cloudy on the mountain, little power was generated.
A Guest House is key to opening the way for churches and groups across America and other countries to travel to Marre Blanche to continue this vision. It is nearly impossible for the people to receive the help they need until there is a place where visiting missionaries, relief workers, and trainers can stay for periods of time. The community is three to four hours away from major cities and the roads are difficult and dangerous.
A Medical Clinic is needed. The nearest clinic is a three-hour walk from Marre Blanche. If they had a medical clinic, trained health providers could come to serve. In a long-term plan, one or more individuals could be educated and trained as nurses or other health professionals.
An Orphanage is needed. Children are sometimes abandoned while parents go into the city to look for work. They are left to care for themselves for indefinite periods of time. An orphanage is needed.
Motorized Vehicles are needed. Currently, Pastor Jean Thony Perime’s motorcycle is the only motorized vehicle in Marre Blanche. However, it is often in need of repair due to the rugged terrain. They need a sturdy truck and a way to maintain it.
Improved Roads are needed. Hurricanes have damaged the roads. In many cases, along the route, there was never a road. They are so bad that few delivery trucks will travel on them. The people meet the trucks and walk an hour or more with supplies on their heads and animals.
Strong Commitment from Hope for Caribbean Kids, Inc. Board of Directors, Volunteers, and Donors: Hope for Caribbean kids, Inc. must continue to attract and maintain Board members, volunteers, and donors who love God and have compassion for the poor. More supporters are needed who will buy into the vision and help see it through. May the work move forward in the name of Jesus the Christ.