TIME TO CELEBRATE!
In Haiti, graduating from Kindergarten is a really big deal!
We’ve always celebrated. It was usually held at a nearby church property that has plenty of space! It was a picnic atmosphere with lots of skits, games, dances, fun & food! Families came to enjoy the fun & relax, but it was a celebratory atmosphere! However. this year parents wanted a “true” Haitian celebration!! Pierre – our AP Haiti School Director informed the parents that they would need to pay for it themselves because of the added expense! It is such an important milestone in Haitian culture that the parents were willing to fund it!
But first… let me share a personal story about one of the graduates!
Her story is uniquely hers, but is typical of the children who enroll in our programs… from Apparent Project Childcare to Preschool to Elementary (starting 6th grade this September.) Rose Medine used to play in the dirt outside our building as a toddler. She lived across the street in a shack next to the ravine… where trash flowed downhill during the rain… along with the rats and other questionable objects. Eventually, the shack was “upgraded” to a “used wooden house” built just after the 2010 earthquake. She has a couple older siblings. Her mom still sells vegetables at the local market, but her dad has recently died.
I saw her as a toddler. As she grew, she was often seen playing in the dirt just across from our buildings. Whenever we drove down the steep road to our building, she was there! My heart couldn’t resist. I arranged for her to be sponsored at our Preschool. She started at age 3. It is such a joy to discover who each child is really created to be! Kind of like when your own child is born. Who is this person you’ve been gifted with? With little Rose Medine, a beautiful little flower began to bloom! She brings a smile! She is full of life! energy! love! She was the smartest in her preschool class! A natural leader. She is one of the future leaders of Haiti that we have the privilege to help nurture & train. This year she is one of the kindergarten graduates! So proud of this little girl who captured my heart as she played in the dirt outside our gate.
I often pose the question… Can anything good come out of Haiti! I say YES.
Can anything good come from the people living by the ravine? Absolutely… YES.
Meet little Rose Medine.
Please join me as I share highlights from our Kindergarten Celebration.
Because the school year was delayed during the current unrest in Haiti, the year ended late.
The 2023 celebration was held July 7th.
The Class of 2023 was introduced & each student had an opportunity to speak… then the class exited to prepare for their dance!
After the dance, they changed back into their classy outfits to enjoy the remaining performances.
The various skits & dances were a delight to everyone.
The audience became especially engaged when students “modeled” clothing & dance styles from other cultures.
We will share some of the dances on Instagram! Check out @apparentprojecthaiti.
Time for the Kindergarten class to receive their Certificates.
2023 Kindergarten Graduates with their teacher, Eltha! She is such a gift… a competent & loving teacher for our students.
Pierre gave a little speech, I shared my dream! They are my dream! Their future is my dream!
It’s such a privilege to provide the opportunity for a quality education to those who wouldn’t normally have the chance. Watching lives change & grow is so fulfilling! Seeing the kids & parents & staff become more of who they were created to be is such an opportunity for me. I am grateful!
Thank you to all our supporters who continue to bless those we serve in Haiti.
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Some of the AP Staff who helped make the Celebration happen! Z, Marilyn, Hacheley, Pierre… and Maguy.
Pierre & Maguy truly made it all happen!
Maguy designed the program, chose the skits, dances, etc.
She designed the costumes, did the makeup! It was her ideas that formed the production!
Pierre did most of the behind the scenes work to help bring Maguy’s vision happen!
Hacheley is our photography guy in Haiti! He brought in photographer friends who did a great job that day!
Z & I were blessed to not work so hard that day!!!
Thank you for joining us!
Someday Port au Prince will become the Port of the Prince of peace. His name is Jesus.
And Haiti will be a sign and a wonder for all to see.
“Ask of Me & I will give the Nations as an inheritance for you….” Psalm 2:8
I’ve asked for Haiti.
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