WHAT'S NEW

Fall 2005

	UN stationed near Port au Prince

In 2004, Haiti experienced tremendous difficulties with the ousting of President Aristide, the flooding in the southeast part of the country which claimed the lives of about 2000 people, and the flood in Gonaives which affected all 200, 000 plus residents and claimed the lives of close to 3000 people. The UN was called in to help police the country but the small force was just not enough. As we enter the fall of 2005, Haiti remains extremely unstable. Violence has elevated throughout the year as the country gets ready for elections in November, 2005, and February, 2006. Gang violence has increased with many reports of kidnappings and murders. Most of the violence has been in the capital of Port-au-Prince making it dangerous to travel into Haiti as that is where most flights come through.

School in Cite Soleil

In March of this year, we managed to get a team of five people to visit the various projects we are supporting in Haiti. We were able to visit the mountain village of Thoman, the orphanage in Leurburg, the school in Cite Soleil, the school in St. Marc, the school in Pont Sonde and the orphanage in Deshapelles. I am pleased to report that all the children are getting food, and will be starting their school year on time. We planned a larger group visit in June with the focus on medical clinics and some small construction projects for one of the schools, but unfortunately that trip had to be cancelled due to safety concerns.

	Steeve in March 05

At the orphanage in Deshapelles, there were two very ill children that needed constant medical attention. A young girl named Serlande, who is diabetic, is in need of daily insulin. The missionaries tending for her have been having difficulty stabilizing her blood sugar and specialized treatment for her is not available. Another child, named Steeve, had kidney failure. Unfortunately, there was not adequate medical support to help him in Haiti. Repeated attempts to get him out of the country were rejected by the authorities in Haiti and Canada. An attempt to get him into the neighboring Dominican Republic also failed. Those that were responsible for caring for him, did all they could get the necessary medicine and treatment to Steeve with the hope of stabilizing and saving his life. Pediatric dialysis in Haiti is unavailable. With aching hearts, we report that Steeve passed away at 8:12AM on Saturday, September 17th, 2005, after four agonizing months of fighting. It is a harsh reminder of the reality of life in an impoverished country such as Haiti. Steeve will be missed as he was such a joy and inspiration to all who knew and loved him. Steeve was six years old.

We are currently working back here in the States to raise awareness of the ever-growing needs of the Haitian people. There is a young high school girl who has made a project of finding sponsors for as many children as possible so that they too will have the opportunity of an education and regular nutrition. We are also seeking partnerships with other groups to pursue areas of economic growth so that there may be long-lasting and sustaining relief that can be generated from within; by Haitians, for Haitians.

The recent disaster of Hurricane Katrina has captured the attention of this country as well as the world. Although a slow start, the relief has been pouring in with the assistance of many agencies, the federal government, the military and thousands of volunteers. It is a reminder of how blessed we are to live in a country that has the ability to respond to such devastation. The tragedies that many people are facing are real and the reaction from this government and the citizens of this country have been amazing. Someone mentioned to me today that although many people have suffered and many people have lost everything they owned, they will recover, and the area will be rebuilt because we do have a safety net to help these people cope with this disaster. Their lives have been devastated, but they will recover. There is hope for those affected. I am thankful we have F.E.M.A. and a government that can help, along with so many agencies. To keep things in perspective, I am reminded that Haiti does not have F.E.M.A nor a government that has the ability to react. Natural disasters are tragic no matter where they strike. Many of the tragedies in Haiti are not the cause of natural disasters. People and children are dying needlessly each day because they simply cannot afford the basic necessities needed for a healthy life.

As it is here in the States, costs continue to rise, but in a country that has so little and is in constant turmoil, it is taking its toll on the majority of people that just don't have the means to cope.

All this news could be somewhat overwhelming and depressing; however, the reports from the outstanding people who care for and are willing to sacrifice their time and money for the Haitian people bring us hope. Practical Compassion is making headway in spite of the difficulties throughout the country. Children are being fed and educated, and families are being changed.

We thank those of you who have supported us throughout the years, and look forward to your continued partnership as we move forward in bringing hope to many who would otherwise have none.

Fred Windholz
President
Practical Compassion, Inc.

What's New Archive

October 2004