Power of Partnerships and Collaboration
“YON FANMI POU CHAK TIMOUN” — A FAMILY FOR EVERY CHILD
It’s important to note that deinstitutionalisation is more than simply closing orphanages. It includes finding family and community solutions to problems – and this is what your support continues to allow LFBS to do.
Photo by GBP Creative. © 2019 Shot In The Dark Media.
There are currently 174 individuals involved with our Business Start-Up Program, many of them single mother heads of household. This empowering program helps keep families together and provides the foundation for a healthy, self-sufficient future. Through our collaboration with Haven Organization, they provide the Business Start-Up training in the LFBS office/training location.
A new partnership with Trees That Feed – will allow families in rural areas to receive mango, coconut, avocado, breadfruit and apricot trees, adding to their ability to both consume, and market, healthy food supplies for their families and communities. We have been able to expand the Program to include parents from the remote and rural Regions of Pestel, Chambellan, Previle, Kafou Zaboka, Randell, Les Anglais, Tiburon, Leogane, Cabaret, Camp Perrin, Gros Monde and various parts of Les Cayes. Amazing. Through collaborations we can have an even greater impact.
174
People enrolled in our business start-up program
6
Communities have access to our business start-up program
Photo by GBP Creative. © 2019 Shot In The Dark Media.
It is so amazing that we now have youth that have progressed to post-secondary studies. The Medical students we are supporting were excited to share their first term results – all were in the 70% range. One of the Agronomy students has been able to go on field trips to other parts of the country to study and apply his learning in a practical way, another works with us on our family Outreach and on our land – their enthusiasm growing along with their skills and knowledge.
As school children and youth prepare for their exams to finish off this school year, we can see many milestones accomplished. Some students have done so well this year that they will not be required to write the final exams. Some of the children we have recently reunited with their families are undergoing special tutoring so that they will be able to go to school next year – what a new life they have to look forward to. Tutoring will continue through the summer months for many students to ensure they can continue to gain confidence and skills. Job is consistently a top student in his class – and is dedicated to his studies and tremendously grateful that he has the opportunity to go to school – thanks to you.
70%
Average exam results of medical students we are supporting
Collaboration with Haitian Government and other NGOs includes sharing our model for programs and initiatives, assisting where possible, and advocating for Child Rights and real change across the country. This is part of perpetuating the critical, lasting impacts that LFBS is a catalyst for. LFBS’ Head of Haiti Operations was an invited participant in a three day National Workshop on the Reform of the Child Care System. Government officials from all regions of the country, as well as other Child Protection Actors, gathered to learn more about the process of reformation of child care systems. Key information provided included: over 27,000 children currently in institutions; 80-90% of children in orphanages are NOT real orphans and have families; of 754 orphanages evaluated in the country, only 30 have been approved and have minimum standards of care.
LFBS work in family reunification is recognized as a leading model that can be replicated, and Morgan was asked to speak about the reunification process and examples that we have accomplished in partnership with IBESR (Haiti Social Services) in Southern Haiti. It is amazing to see the Haitian government and leaders sitting together to work on a national plan based on the slogan “YON FANMI POU CHAK TIMOUN” / “A FAMILY FOR EVERY CHILD” – something that LFBS has been dedicated to championing without pause. It is important to note that deinstitutionalisation is more than simply closing orphanages; it includes finding family and community solutions to problems – and this is what your support continues to allow LFBS to do. Morgan has also been invited to provide input to the “Report of the UN Secretary General on the Status of the Convention on the Rights of the Child 2019”.
Huge steps forward... Following the release of the report and these meetings, IBESR moved to form a Child Protection Jury comprised of Haitian government officials, local judges and LFBS staff. Following their discussions with representatives from various orphanages, the jury will submit recommendations to the national office of IBESR to be included in their official national decision. It was amazing for LFBS to be invited to participate on that jury. Exciting to see these tangible steps towards deinstitutionalisation, and the clear demonstration of the level of respect LFBS’ expertise is held.
754
Orphanages evaluated by Haitian government in 2018
30
Orphanages approved with minimum standards of care
Creating and nurturing key partnerships and increasing awareness also takes place outside of Haiti. In May, Morgan Wienberg, LFBS co-founder and Head of Haiti Operations was the keynote speaker for the Canadian Association of Principals Conference. Following her hour long address that connected to the theme of the Conference, Authentic Learning, over 100 principals from schools across Canada were inspired to bring Morgan and LFBS story to their schools, teachers and students when they return to their homes. From St. Elias School in Haines Junction, Yukon Territory to St. Teresa’s School in St. John’s, Newfoundland – students and staff supporting education in Haiti.
The Northern Institute of Social Justice hosted an interesting and intimate event at the Yukon College. Families and people of all ages were engrossed with the Q&A time with Morgan. Her inspiring and informative talks and discussions during her time in Canada included Rotary Clubs, High Schools, media interviews, FH Collins Social Justice Club and Northern Council for Global Cooperation Annual General Meeting. She also was the Inspirational Speaker at a 2019 Graduation Ceremony, bringing tears and motivation to students and parents alike. These are all opportunities to create awareness of situations and progress, share best practices and insights, and deliver heartfelt gratitude to the people and partners who have continued to be with us through caring, interest and financial contribution since the beginning of our work in Haiti. Collaboration and partnership once again making the difference.
You may have noted a documentary film crew from Shot in the Dark Productions in a couple of those photos. Although production is still underway, they have released the title and film trailer: NOT ABOUT ME.
Educating children and youth about Children’s Rights is a critical part of the Outreach Advocacy work that LFBS staff are involved with. In collaboration with local authorities, our team assisted with the delivery of information sessions at schools in various communities across Southern Haiti ensuring that the children and youth there are aware of what their rights are, and where they can turn for protection and assistance. We are proud to have members of our team that have gone from living in corrupt orphanage to being a LFBS staff member and teaching others about Child Rights.
LFBS staff also play a critical role in assisting during medical emergency situations. Recently the staff that we have monitoring the local pediatric ward of the hospital in Les Cayes discovered a 19 day old baby in critical distress. Two of our staff made arrangements with HERO (Emergency Medevac) and brought the baby and his mama from the general hospital to the air ambulance. With a shortage of oxygen in Les Cayes, and cardiac problems that the local hospital could not manage, the child urgently needed to go to Port au Prince. Despite the dedication of our staff, HERO’s prompt response, and qualified medical team, the child passed away. Our hearts go out not only to the infant’s mother, but also to each person who made an effort to save his life. The loss hits them too.
We are proud of our staff for investing their energy, time, and hope again and again despite critical conditions and despite having experienced other losses. It takes a lot of dedication, love, optimism and strength to do so. We are also grateful for the relationship we have fostered with the great team at HERO.
As part of International Day of the Child activities each year, we host an annual Street Child Consultation. The Haiti Police Child Protection Brigade, Haiti Social Services (IBESR), Terre des Hommes, and other partners all join together to help LFBS facilitate this unique initiative. This year’s theme was: “Let’s talk! Each of our actions count!” Four youth that are in LFBS programs gave inspirational talks. One of those youth was previously a street child as well – but no one would know it now. The youth attending were extremely engaged and ALL of them were motivated to return home and to school. Despite the civil unrest taking place in early June, we started to follow up with the children from that meeting. One of the young men at the meeting immediately returned to live with his aunt in the countryside and is very motivated to change his own life.
On the LFBS Land Development project – totally separate from the ongoing core LFBS work – completion of the bridge and construction of the retaining wall at the LFBS work site continues and has provided employment for up to 73 local people, and a learning opportunity for a group of University students studying Civil Engineering who undertook a site visit.