The Haiti Blog
The She’s the First network includes an education sponsorship program in Haiti, supported by the Haiti Outreach Program. This past Christmas, six girls were sponsored in Haiti as part of our holiday gift giving campaign. Katie Riley, who is a remarkable volunteer leader in the organization (as she’s also a busy college student), sent us an update last night:
To our friends at She’s the First,
I know you all have been very concerned about the students in Haiti after Tuesday’s earthquake news. I’m sorry I haven’t been able to update you sooner, but as I’m sure you can imagine its just been a crazy week!
I am so thankful to be able to say that despite what has happened in surrounding areas, Boucan Carre is virtually unharmed. They have reported a crack in the second floor ceiling of our clinic, but no other major structural damage in the community. Even more amazing, they have not reported a single casualty in the town. This means that all of our students are safe and sound =) I’m not sure if school is in session at the moment, but I imagine everything is at a bit of a standstill right now. We have not had the communication yet to follow up with specific students, but I’ve been assured that everyone is well.
With the exception of one or two, all of our doctors and nurses in Boucan Carre have gone to Port au Prince to provide emergency medical care there. Many other members of the BC community have also gone to Port au Prince to help in any way that they can. The HOP is currently focusing its efforts on financially supporting Partners in Health and their emergency relief fund.
I suppose this is all the information I have to offer at the moment, I just wanted to let you know that your students are safe and sound. The dress sale fundraiser for the secondary school is still moving forward according to schedule – I know you would be proud to hear our response to “Why are you raising money for the school and not changing it to emergency relief?” – We can send all of the “urgent” care we want to Haiti in a crisis – but supporting their education is giving them the tools to respond to a crisis without our help.
As always thank you so much for your support – I am so so grateful for this partnership! I hope to have more updates for you soon =)
Katie
