Restavek Freedom

There are 300,000 children living in restavek in Haiti...but not for long. We want to end this form of child slavery in our lifetimes. Join us in Standing Up for Freedom.

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The Best Way To Transform A Child’s Life

By Marie Yolaine FLORESTAL

Restavek Freedom has started a second Accelerated Learning Program (ALP) in Carrefour Feuilles this year! Children ages 10-17 who have been living in the restavek system and have never been able to go to school have the opportunity to complete two grades in one year.

The best way to transform the life of a child and to help them leave the restavek system is education. Education is the most powerful tool that every child needs for his intellectual, social, physical and psychological development. It is also the biggest tool children need to become successful adults; they are the future of society.

The children who entered the new Accelerated Learning Program this year are very excited because they get to learn how to read and write, which has always been a dream of theirs. They are taught all of the important subjects that can transform their lives and will allow them to be successful members of society. One day, Ismael, a new child in the program, expressed his excitement by saying to one of his classmates: "I am very happy I have the opportunity to be in the Accelerated Learning Program! Now I know many important things. I know how to read and write, and my dream to be a big doctor is going to be able to happen”.

The new Accelerated Learning Program in Carrefour Feuilles is very important because it allows children who live in restavek the opportunity to go to school and catch up to their peers. Thanks to ALP, as they learn quickly and make progress in school, their lives start to transform! They are given the education and tools they need to have a bright future.

Want to learn more about our programs and find out how you can help? Visit restavekfreedom.org.

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3 Shocking Stories of Child Slavery Worldwide

Childhood is generally thought of as a blissful and carefree time in one’s life, with much less worry, stress and responsibility compared to adulthood. For many children, their biggest concerns have to do with scoring well on a math test or developing budding friendships. Still, there are far too many other children around the world who have their innocence taken from them at a very young age.

Child slavery is undoubtedly the worst form of child labor that still exists today. Even now, there are millions of child slaves worldwide, forced into lives of depravity and despair. Here are just three shocking stories of child slavery, a small glimpse into this greater global issue.

1. Child slavery in the chocolate industry: Most children get excited at the prospect of a chocolate treat, but there are a great number of other children who are not nearly as fortunate -- children who are enslaved to the chocolate industry. These children are in such a controlling, abusive environment, many do not even know what chocolate is, let alone what it tastes like. In places like Ghana and the Ivory Coast, where 60 percent of the world’s cocoa comes from, illegal child slave labor is used every single day.

It’s estimated there are half a million children in slavery working in these cocoa fields and living in depressing conditions. These children, who are often orphaned or homeless, are smuggled by force or by the promise of a better life. Because they’re so small, they have difficulty completing many tasks without injury, like cutting grass with a machete. Neither the government nor the cocoa industry will accept full responsibility for what’s happening, so the problem persists and young lives continue to be ruined.

2. Child slavery in the mines: Mining is an incredibly dangerous and strenuous profession, even for well-trained adults. The long hours, the physical labor, and the cramped conditions only contribute to human error in an already hazardous environment. Consider then, just how much more threatening this is for the estimated one million children in Africa, Latin America, Europe and Asia who are forced to work in unregulated mines. Children as young as three years old are intimidated into working long hours for little or no pay, sometimes in shifts up to 24 hours at a time.

This work leaves them at a much greater risk for both short- and long-term health concerns, due to all the chemicals, dust and deadly metals they’re ingesting day in and day out. What’s more, their growing bodies can end up with permanent deformities because of the strain they endure while carrying heavy loads. These children are kept out of school and without any access to much needed healthcare services. The isolated locations of many of these mining communities adds to the lack of police intervention or normal social protocols, and so these child slaves continue to work in these deplorable, highly unsafe conditions.

3. Child slavery in the streets of Senegal: It’s easy to assume a child seen begging on the streets is without a home, but that’s certainly not always the truth of the situation. In Senegal, there are an estimated 50,000 children forced to take to the streets to beg for money. Parents send their children to schools called daaras, where their education is guided by a spiritual teacher known as a marabout. For many, this is exactly what happens; and yet, there are also a large number of daaras exploiting their students. These children, referred to as talibés, are being forced to beg on the streets to earn money for their marabouts.

Talibés can vary in age from as young as four up to fourteen years old. They hold small tin cans to gather their money, wandering along the dirty streets early in the morning to please their keepers. If and when talibés return with less money than their daily quota, the penalties are swift and harsh -- possibly being chained in total isolation or made to endure violent beatings. The money talibés do collect ends up in the pockets of the marabouts, rather than invested into the schools or the children themselves. Because of the immense power and influence of the marabouts, the local government is reluctant to take any action against this terrible practice.

The world may seem a bit bleak after reading these accounts and attempting to digest such heavy information. But the good news is, there are individuals and organizations around the globe that are working tirelessly to advocate on behalf of these children, and to end child slavery once and for all!

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Overcoming Obstacles

By Francoise Leon, Child Advocate

Lancia’s* life had been difficult. Her living situation had always been bad, ever since she was a little girl. She had to do all of the household work, didn’t have a stable place to live and was often abused. When we met her she had never been to school, so we enrolled her in the first grade; she was 11.

Her life is still hard. She does not have much stability. In any given year she moves at least 3 times, from one house to the next. Sometimes she lives with her aunt, and works very hard but gets food to eat. Other times she lives with her mother, but her mother cannot really take care of her. When I see Lancia it is obvious the difficulty she is going through.

You would think that her difficult life would have a negative impact on her progress in school, but Lancia is very courageous! Despite her difficult life, she continues to make a lot of progress in school and has become more confident of who she is.  The Child Advocacy program has had a huge positive impact on her life. She is now in 6th grade, and will be taking the state exam at the end of the school year. She came from never having been to school, to now making it farther the majority of Haitian students!

Lancia has hope for tomorrow and the expectation of a better life!

 Want to help children like Lancia? Visit restavekfreedom.org/childsponsorship.

*name has been changed to protect the child

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Staff Spotlight: Daniel Fontil

By Heather Gentzel

Daniel Fontil is one of our fantastic Child Advocates in Haiti! He has a huge heart for children and for his country. Get to know Daniel!

How did you first hear about Restavek Freedom?

At a concert I was invited to at the stadium but couldn’t attend. I already knew about the restavek system but didn’t believe it could end (until now).

What languages do you speak?

French, Creole, English

What do you like most about your job?

Encouraging the children, helping them to know they are people. Helping them know their capacity and potential, their value, and that they should be respected as they respect others

What is one of the hardest parts of your job?

Visiting the children at their homes – it can be dangerous. But I like doing it because I want the children to be free and treated well in their homes. I go to the homes to see how they’re treated, and encourage the family to encourage the child’s education.

What is one NEW thing you have learned through your job?

How to care for people, specifically children living in restavek. I love what the Foundation is working on, I see positive differences in the children’s lives. I love seeing kids at camp, seeing them now have hope and a new light in their eyes. Restavek Freedom is different in how they treat people and in the way they really know the students – the students/schools are supported by Restavek Freedom.

What do you like most about your country (Haiti)?

Winter!  Also the way Haitian people are; if they are sad or sick they still laugh.

What do you wish most for Haiti?

To be able to take care of themselves tomorrow and to not perpetuate the cycle [of restavek].

What is your favorite song, book or movie?

The song “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”

What do you think is the most important characteristic of a leader?

To be respectful and respectable

What did you want to be when you were younger?

A pastor. As I grew older I wanted to be an economist or accountant. I still would like to be a pastor before leaving this earth.

What is one thing you’d like to accomplish in your life?

There are many – to meet all the pastors to talk about some things; I’d also like to have an orphanage. I love kids.

If you could meet anyone famous, who would it be?

I have met many famous Haitians already!  Former President Obama

Anything else you’d like to share?

I look forward to seeing how each of the students in our program becomes someone in the future and depends on themselves. I give myself to my job.

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Statistics About Life in Haiti

The island of Haiti has seen its fair share of hardships throughout history, the repercussions of which can still be seen in some of the country’s current circumstances. Even while Haitians work hard to make a living and provide for their families, they’re often met with challenges and roadblocks to their success.

But Haitians are an overcoming people, and are continuing to pursue a better quality of life for themselves and those they love. Here are a few startling statistics about modern-day Haiti to help give you a better understanding of what this population is persevering through.

Economics:

Two out of every three Haitians live on less than $2.00 (US) per day, and nearly 25% live in extreme poverty on less than $1.25 (US) per day.

Ten percent (10%) of the richest Haitians possess 70% of the nation's total income.

Half (50%) of the Haitians living in urban areas are unemployed.

Although agriculture is an important division of Haiti’s economy, the country fails to produce enough food for its people. Haiti imports more than 50% for its population’s needs, and imports 80% of its staple item: rice.

Ninety percent (90%) of farmers depend on rain for their harvest, since only 10% of the nation’s crops are irrigated.

Education:

Half (50%) of all Haitian children do not attend school.

Approximately 30% of children attending primary school will not make it to third grade, and 60% will drop out prior to reaching sixth grade.

An incredible 90% of primary schools are non-public, meaning they’re managed by communities, religious organizations or non-governmental organizations.

Haiti’s literacy rate is around 64% for males and 57% for females. By comparison, the average literacy rate for other developing nations in Latin America and the Caribbean is 92%.

Health:

Close to one third (30%) of Haiti’s population is considered food insecure, meaning they lack reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food.

Infant mortality in Haiti was 55 per 1,000 births as of 2015. Additionally, an estimated 1 in 285 births results in the mother’s death, a ratio about 16 times higher than in the United States.

One-third of women and children in Haiti are anemic.

One-hundred thousand (100,000) children under five years of age suffer from acute malnutrition, while one in three children is stunted or irreversibly short for their age.

Less than 50% of Haitian households have access to safe water, and only 25% percent benefit from adequate sanitation.

As you can see, life in Haiti is filled with its fair share of setbacks and obstacles — and yet, most Haitians remain resilient. They’re pressing forward with their work, taking care of their families, and holding on to hope for better days ahead.

There’s much we can learn from how Haitians have moved past the difficulties they’ve faced, especially how they’ve recovered from the serious natural disasters they have encountered in recent months and years. The people of Haiti have been, and will continue to be, an inspiration for many others around the world.

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How Are Schools in the U.S. different than in Haiti?

All school systems across the globe have their own strengths, while also facing distinct challenges. We may be accustomed to the school systems we have here in the U.S., but those in Haiti are unique and run quite differently.

Here are a few ways that schools in Haiti differ from those in the United States:

Schools in Haiti are Privately Run

Unlike many schools in the United States, most schools in Haiti are privately owned and run. This means that schools rely heavily on tuition and fees to cover costs due to very little (if any) public funding. Because of this, many families cannot afford to send their children to school, choosing to forego education in order to cut expenses.

Location Largely Affects Your Opportunity for Schooling in Haiti

Although around half of Haitians live in rural communities, most schools are located in urban areas. Enrollment rates are improving across the country, but Port-Au-Prince, the capital and most densely-populated city in Haiti, continues to have much higher enrollment rates than the rest of the country.

Electricity and Running Water Are Not A Given

Around 75% of schools in Haiti do not have electricity, and 59% have no water. Instead, schools rely on chalkboards and books, and outhouses are often used.

If you decide to visit Haiti, we’re sure you can find other ways in which the schools are different than just what we’ve listed here.

Haiti is a country where most of its citizens—around 80%—live in poverty. Many families cannot afford to send their children to school and, what’s worse, many of them are forced to send their children to work in restavek. Restavek is a form of modern day child slavery that affects over 300,000 children in Haiti. Many of these children will grow up without an education and without the hope of a future because they feel stuck in their situation.

By making education more accessible to all children in Haiti, we can help open up opportunities for them that don’t include child slavery.

We are passionate about helping children in slavery and, more specifically, putting an end to the restavek system in our lifetime.

If you are interested in learning more about what we are doing to end child slavery, visit our website or contact us today! 

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4 Myths About Child Slavery

It’s heartbreaking to consider that in a time of such advanced technology and rapid communication, where we’re so easily connected to everything that’s happening all over the world, child slavery is somehow still allowed to exist. This fact is one of the greatest roadblocks to global human rights, yet it’s not an issue that is readily resolved. Rather, it is a complex problem with a multitude of causes and consequences.

Although we still have much to learn about the cycle of child slavery, there are a few misconceptions about this problem that if not cleared up, could contribute to its continuation. Here are just four common myths about child slavery we’d love to dispel for you:

1. Child slavery only exists in poor countries: There is a myth circulating that modern-day slavery is only a problem in the developing world, when in reality, child slavery is very much a worldwide concern. While the largest number of child slaves are found in Asia and the Pacific region, sub-Saharan Africa has incredibly high instances of child slavery, as well. But outside of these areas, millions of children are also being enslaved in upper and middle income countries.

Although this issue remains most serious within lower income nations, it is not exclusively a problem for those populations; children are routinely enslaved in industrialized countries, albeit less acknowledged. As unfortunate as it is, there are instances of child slavery across Europe and even right here in North America.

 2. Most child slaves work in factory settings: A common, recurring misconception is that child slaves are typically found working in sweatshops and factories, exporting cheap goods to the stores of the rich world. The truth is, the majority of these children are involved with agriculture, often in extremely poor subsistence farming areas.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has developed global estimates that show 58.6% of child slaves and laborers between the ages of 5 and 17 work within the agricultural industry; 25.4% work in services like retail trade, restaurants and transport; 7.2% work within the industrial sector, including mining, manufacturing and construction; and 6.9% are made to do domestic work. Many more child slaves are also found in the informal sector — selling goods on the street or hidden away in houses — far from the reach of government officials and the scrutiny of the media.

 3. Child slavery is a ‘necessary evil’ for the burgeoning economies of the world: As crazy as it may sound, this is a school of thought that still exists. The thinking is, centuries ago major world economies were built (in part) on the exploitation of child slaves and child labor, and the availability of this cheap labor is needed for today’s economies, as well. To counteract this thought process, the ILO has argued that what growing economies actually require is quality education and a skilled workforce. There are a number of countries in Asia, South America and elsewhere whose economies have expanded rapidly while also making education and social protection a priority.

4. Child slavery will never be eliminated while poverty still exists: According to UNICEF, child slavery can (and must) be eliminated independent of eradicating poverty. Governments have started moving on this issue, but the real progress is happening at the local level. Activists and nonprofit organizations are exploring creative ways to rescue children from dangerous situations and provide positive alternatives for them to pursue. With that in mind, it should be noted that high-quality, primary education is one of the greatest alternatives freed children can receive.

While there are improvements being made, there’s still much more work to be done in securing freedom for enslaved children around the world. If you have a heart to see child slavery come to an end once and for all, reach out to Restavek Freedom today to find out how you can help!

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What’s the First Day of School like in Haiti?

By Fantso Sagesse, Child Advocate

One of the best days for kids in Haiti is the first day of school!

It’s an especially fantastic day in Haiti because it’s the first day that they get to be back with their friends.  Some of the kids can’t sleep the night before and can’t wait for the day to come.  After two months of summer vacation, they can’t wait to show off their beautiful new uniform, shoes and backpack.

In the street that day are many kids with all different colors of school uniforms, and with new shoes and backpacks full of books and school supplies. Some of the kids come to school with a new watch or glasses they got over the vacation, and they are very excited to show off these beautiful new things to their classmates.  The girls’ hair is full of barrettes and the boys have cut or shaved their hair to look nice.  They are so happy when their friends or others notice these changes and compliment them. There is a lot of joy in the street.

The school is busy, filled with conversations as the students share with each other what they did over the vacation – whether they went to visit family in the countryside or took part in different activities.  They tell each other what their hopes and dreams are for this year, and remind each other what their grades were the last year.

During their morning break, they go together to buy and share food with each other.  They are excited to meet their new teachers and happy to see their old teachers and talk with them.

School is so important for a country to be able to move forward.  Each child who goes to school makes the country happy, because the children are happy.

To help provide an education for children living in restavek, sponsor a child today!

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5 Inspiring Quotes for Modern Day Abolitionists

If you’re playing a part in seeing slavery come to an end once and for all, then consider yourself a modern day abolitionist! No matter how much or how little of your time, energy and financial support you’ve contributed to this cause, your efforts help to make a difference in so many lives around the world. Here are six inspiring quotes that will hopefully spur you on in doing such noble work!

“It surprises people that there’s actually a very large number of slaves in the world today — our best estimate is 27 million. And that is defining a slave in a very narrow way; we’re not talking about sweatshop workers or people who are just poor, we’re talking about people who are controlled by violence, who cannot walk away, who are being held against their will, who are being paid nothing. It’s as if all identity has been stolen from them, except their identity as slaves.

Slavery is what slavery's always been: About one person controlling another person using violence and then exploiting them economically, paying them nothing. We have to make it clear to the multi-nationals that slavery is too high a price to pay for cheap goods.”

-- Kevin B. Bales is a co-founder of Free the Slaves in Washington, D.C., the U.S. sister organization of Anti-Slavery International (the world’s oldest human rights group).

 “We must show new energy in fighting back an old evil. Nearly two centuries after the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade, and more than a century after slavery was officially ended in its last strongholds, the trade in human beings for any purpose must not be allowed to thrive in our time.”

-- George W. Bush is an American politician who served as the 43rd President of the United States from 2001 to 2009, and as the 46th Governor of Texas from 1995 to 2000.

 "In the same way that we today think that the slave trade and colonial exploitation were inhuman and inconceivably bestial ways of acquiring riches, there is no doubt that coming generations will think that our form of world trade and distribution of the world's benefits were just as inconceivable and inhuman."

-- Erik Dammann is a Norwegian author, environmentalist, and government scholar, most known for founding the Norwegian-based organization, The Future in Our Hands.

 "Nobody's free until everybody's free.”

-- Fannie Lou Hamer was an American voting rights activist, civil rights leader, philanthropist and organizer for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC).

 "It's easier to be ignorant and say I don't know about the problem. But once you know, once you've seen it in their eyes, then you have a responsibility to do something. There is strength in numbers, and if we all work together as a team, we can be unstoppable."

-- Craig Kielburger is a Canadian author, columnist, social entrepreneur, and activist for children’s rights, having co-founded the international organization, Free the Children.

  If those words ignited something in you, and you have a desire to play a more active role in bringing slavery to an end, check out Restavek Freedom’s resources to find out how you can help! ̘

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My Favorite Haitian Holiday

By Francoise Leon, Child Advocate

It’s a pleasure to share with you my favorite Haitian Holiday, which takes place on January 1st: Independence Day.  This is a day of celebration for all Haitians; it celebrates the history of our independence.

In Haiti we begin preparing for this day in the middle of December.  Everyone cleans their house and buys something new to wear on Independence Day.  We make sure everything is clean, such as our clothes,  dishes etc.  We always do our best to set this day apart because it’s incredibly meaningful. According to some Haitians, if this day is bad, the rest of the year will be bad as well.  There’s no real explanation behind this idea; it’s simply part of our culture.

Christians start this day with a special prayer, thanking God for the past year and offering him the present one.  Even though someone may not go to church on a regular basis, they won’t let this day pass them by without going to church.  Catholic Christians attend a ceremony, and all members of the government are present at the church as well.  After the religious ceremony, a speech is given about the history of Haitian independence, and everybody says best wishes to each other. It is a truly special moment.

Later on, families eat a traditional soup together with a lot of love and peace, and neighbors share food and gifts. Each family gives cakes, liquor, money, and many other gifts to their friends. Children even have permission to go out, visit friends, godmothers and godfathers, etc.  This is an occasion for the Haitian people to show love for one another, as well as remind us of the opportunity we have to keep this unity alive.

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Marie Wins!

By Samuel Jean Baptiste, Child Advocate

This past school year, we worked together with a group of students from the local university to create a reading club. As a part of this club, we organized a reading contest at the end of the year. Marie*, a 6th grade student from our Child Advocacy program, took part in the contest.  Marie was recruited into our program two years ago, and is a very motivated student.

When Marie found out about the reading contest, she devoted herself to regularly attending the club and worked hard to prepare herself for the contest. She knew she would be competing against other students who were not in our Child Advocacy program. She faced some challenges along the way, but was very determined. She spent a lot of extra time at school practicing and and went on to the finale to compete against another student who is not in our program.

The big day finally came! As part of the grand finale, Marie had to read twice in front of the audience and the judges. They were all so amazed to see how elegantly she held herself whenever she walked on stage to read the text.  The audience, judges and kids from the other school were all amazed. Marie was declared the winner!  We were so proud of how she represented all of the children in the Child Advocacy program. Even the School Director mentioned how much progress Marie had made in her learning.  We are very proud of Marie, and this is why we believe so strongly in the impact education has on the children in our program. Congratulations Marie!

*Child’s name has been changed to protect their privacy.

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A New Year’s Day Tradition - Pumpkin Soup

With 2017 right around the corner, we thought we should share with you a very popular Haitian tradition - making Pumpkin Soup on New Year’s Day! A dish typically prepared on January 1, it is made to celebrate the Haitian Independence Day, the day to celebrate the freedom won for slaves from the French in the 1800s. 

Not only does pumpkin soup have a rich meaning in the country of Haiti, but it can also have a rich flavor….if you do it right! With that being said, here is one of our favorite takes on a well-loved Haitian recipe.

Soup Joumou (pronounced “joo-moo”)

This recipe was found at Saveur.

Serves 6-8 people.

Ingredients

2 cloves garlic

2 scallions, sliced, plus more for garnish

1⁄4 cup roughly chopped parsley

1⁄2 tsp. dried thyme

1 medium shallot, sliced

1 scotch bonnet chile, stemmed and seeded

Juice of 1 lime, plus wedges for serving

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 lb. beef chuck, cut into 1⁄2" pieces

2 tbsp. olive oil

8 cups beef stock

2 carrots, cut into 1 1⁄2" pieces

2 stalks celery, cut into 1 1⁄2" pieces

1 small leek, trimmed, halved lengthwise and cut into 1 1⁄2" pieces; rinsed

1 small yellow onion, cut into 1 1⁄2" pieces

1 large Yukon gold potato, peeled and cut into 1 1⁄2" pieces

1 medium turnip, peeled and cut into 1 1⁄2" pieces

1⁄2 small green cabbage, cored and cut into 1 1⁄2" pieces

1⁄2 small kabocha squash, cut into 1" pieces

Instructions

Puree garlic, scallions, parsley, thyme, shallots, chile, juice, salt and pepper, and 1⁄2 cup water in a blender until smooth; mix with beef in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.

Remove beef from marinade and dry with paper towels; set aside. Heat oil in a 8-qt. saucepan over medium-high heat. Add beef; cook, turning as needed, until browned, about 8 minutes. Add stock and and bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium, and cook, stirring occasionally, until beef is tender, about 1 1⁄2 hours. Add carrots, celery, leeks, onion, potatoes, turnips, and cabbage; cook, slightly covered and stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, bring squash and 2 cups water to a boil in a 2-qt. saucepan over high heat; reduce heat to medium-low and cook, covered, until squash is tender, about 10 minutes. Drain, reserving 1⁄2 cup cooking liquid and transfer squash and liquid to a blender; puree until smooth and set aside. When vegetables are tender, uncover, and stir in reserved squash puree; cook, stirring occasionally, until soup is slightly thick, 5–10 minutes more; season with salt and pepper and serve with scallions and lime wedges.

Have you perfected your own pumpkin soup recipe? Let us know about it! We’re always eager to try out new concoctions.

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Staff Spotlight: Pastor Mendelson

By Heather Gentzel, Communications and Child Sponsorship Coordinator

This month, we are happy to spotlight one of our wonderful staff in Haiti, Pastor Mendelson. Pastor Mendelson oversees the Child Advocacy Program and manages our team of Child Advocates.  He has a great heart for people, and a contagious compassion for children. Enjoy getting to know him and see why we are so glad to have him on the team!  

How long have you worked for Restavek Freedom?

Since July 21, 2014

How did you first hear about Restavek Freedom?

I first heard about Restavek Freedom at a conference for pastors called Compassion & Courage, which I was invited to in Haiti.

What languages do you speak?

Creole, French and English

What is one NEW thing you have learned through your job?

I already had a passion for people in need, but I have learned more about the people who support them and have a heart for these people.

What do you like most about your country (Haiti)?

I love how hospitable people in Haiti are!

What is one thing people might not know about Haiti?

People might not know the good things about Haiti…they may only hear bad news about Haiti.  They also might not think about the nice temperatures we have here, the pretty beaches…

What do you wish most for Haiti?

I wish for peace, justice, and human life to be respected in Haiti. And I wish that Haiti would become prosperous, and that people would love each other like Jesus did.

What do you wish most for children living in restavek?

That they would be free.

What most motivates you in your job?

I’m motivated by the mission of Restavek Freedom, to release children from restavek and to end the restavek system. I hate it. I want to one day see all of the children be free from restavek.

What is the wisest advice you have been given?  

To have self-control in order to make good decisions.

 What do you think is the most important characteristic of a leader?

I believe the most important characteristic of a leader is integrity.

What is one thing you’d like to accomplish in your life?

I would like to be part of ending the restavek system, and to help those around me know Jesus.

If you could meet anyone famous who would it be?

I would like to meet Rick Warren (the author of The Purpose-Driven Life/Church).

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Keeping Angela Out of Restavek

By Osbert Victor, Child Advocate

I would like to share with you about a courageous child in our program, Angela*.  Angela joined our program two years ago, as her family’s economic situation put her at high risk of being sent into restavek.  She lives with her parents in extreme poverty and has sickle cell anemia, which causes her to be sick often.  Angela is a very courageous and intelligent child.  

When her parents were able to send her to school, she often came to school on an empty stomach.  However, since she joined our Child Advocacy program, she not only has been able to go to school, but also have food to eat.  Restavek Freedom helped start a feeding program at her school, and also began sending her home with food for her family.  Not wanting her to be hungry over the summer break, she was also given food to take home and cook over the summer.

I am so proud of Angela, because she finished the 13th grade (the final grade of school in Haiti) and was very confident taking her state exam. I feel proud of her!  She was so confident going into the state exam that she told me not to measure her for a uniform for next year, because she won’t need it! Thanks to Restavek Freedom, Angela never had to endure the horrors of living in restavek.

As her dream is to become a nurse, I pray that God will make a way for her to see her dreams come true.

If you would like to help children like Angela this holiday season, visit restavekfreedom.org/holiday2016.

*Child’s name has been changed to protect their privacy.

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We Will Rebuild - Hurricane Update

“I don’t have anything… I have no house. I don’t have any garden at all. All my animals have died. Goats, sheep, pigs – all died.”  - Enite Saint-Jour, Port Salut, Haiti

We hear stories like this time and time again from families, friends and partners in Haiti who were affected by Hurricane Matthew. Their communities were built up over the course of many decades, brick by brick, home by home. Then, in one night, they were destroyed by the 145 mph winds and 30+ inches of rain from Hurricane Matthew. Small, vulnerable communities were completely and utterly overwhelmed.

When our relief teams arrive in these villages wrecked by the hurricane and unreached by aid, children and families come up to us with grateful eyes and heavy hearts. Through your generosity these families now have food, water and shelter. So many have told us they didn’t believe they would be able to survive, much less rebuild. Thank you for giving them hope when they needed it most.

We wanted to share this short video of one couple who now has a roof over their heads because of your generous support. Watch his reaction when asked how he feels about his new roof:

Our food distribution efforts are also reaching thousands of children and families who need it most. Through your support, each family at our distribution sites receive 25lbs of food containing beans, rice, cooking oil, and much more. We have distributed more than 700 tarps to restore shelter to more than 300 homes and their families. Through two new wells along with hundreds of water tablets, thousands more now have access to clean water.

We are working through established relationships with community leaders who know the names of those who need help, and can help us pass out the required aide in an effective manner. Many volunteers who have accompanied us on our food distribution trips have been surprised at how orderly these relief efforts are.

One of the most striking realities we’ve come to realize is simply that the rebuilding isn’t going to happen if someone doesn’t go in and do it. Disasters like this significantly increase the likelihood that vulnerable children will be trafficked or sent into restavek. In addition, many of our strategic partners in our work to end child slavery in Haiti were impacted by the hurricane and need help in order to recover and continue our critical work. Because of your help, we are meeting that need and continuing our work to end child slavery in Haiti!

Already we have seen an amazing response to this enormous need. There is much work to do, and the road ahead is indeed long. Yet, with your help, we will rebuild. We are so grateful for partners like you who care for the children in families in Haiti who were affected by Hurricane Matthew.

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3 Surprising Stories of Hope From Haiti

The island of Haiti is overflowing with incredible, inspiring individuals, many with hope-filled stories that deserve to be shared! Here are just three of those people whose personal accounts of challenge and triumph are sure to encourage you.

The survival of Evans Monsignac is so remarkable, it’s nearly unbelievable. While severely malnourished, dehydrated and physically wounded, Evans miraculously emerged after 27 days trapped beneath the ruins of Haiti’s earthquake. His reappearance not only confounded doctors, it defied medical logic; it’s thought to be the longest period of time anyone has endured such an ordeal. While recovering in a hospital in Tampa, Florida, Evans commented: "I still don't understand how I'm here. The fact that I'm alive today isn't because of me, it's because of the grace of God.” Evans was the very last person found alive under the debris after the earthquake leveled Port-au-Prince in January of 2010. The exact details of what happened while he was trapped remain a mystery, but if his experience has taught him anything, it’s that hope springs eternal. In Evans’ words: “Those who are sick should have the courage to live and pray to God, and those who are healthy need to cherish their life and to pray. Now I know that I must live life to the best I can each day.” Read more about Evans here.

As one of Haiti’s five participants in the 2012 London Olympics, Samyr Laine recognized the opportunity these games presented to inspire others to help rebuild Haiti following the devastating earthquake two years prior. Though he was born in the United States, Samyr’s parents and extended family all emigrated to America from Haiti. He grew up in New York and eventually attended Harvard University, where he set an Ivy League record in the triple jump event -- the same event in which he competed in London. He may not have come home with a medal from those Olympics, but Samyr did achieve something far more important -- he was able to share his story with the world. In addition to pursuing his own athletic endeavors, Samyr made a commitment to help Haitians achieve theirs. He put his law career on hold to found Jump for Haiti, a nonprofit foundation focused on promoting interest in sports in hope of creating future Haitian Olympic athletes. Jump for Haiti’s goal is to develop athletes that were born and raised in Haiti, because as Samyr said: “So much beauty and potential lies there. The country can do great things.” Read more about Samyr here.

Maglande* is a 15-year-old girl from Restavek Freedom’s Child Advocacy Program. She is currently in the sixth grade, enrolled in one of our partner schools in Port-au-Prince. Maglande is tenderhearted and quick to smile, and is generally quite open and talkative. As one of the children in our program who has been identified as ‘at risk,’ Maglande has a higher chance of being sent into restavek because of her family situation. She is one of the precious children Restavek Freedom is doing preventive work on behalf of, ensuring she never has to enter into the system. Maglande’s mother is the sole provider for the household, though this has proven to be a very difficult responsibility at times. When Maglande was recruited into the Restavek Freedom program back in 2014, she was overjoyed because she knew her life was about to improve significantly. For the last two years she’s been able to attend school, where she’s been studying hard and setting an example for other children in Haiti about how important education is on the path to success. In Maglande’s words: “I thank so much Restavek Freedom who helps me and I love my advocate Mathia. I believe that one day I can become an important person in my country and the whole world because I found the opportunity to go to school. I now have hope for myself and my family.” You can help more children just like Maglande by sponsoring a child from Restavek Freedom’s Child Advocacy Program here.  

*Child’s name has been changed to protect their privacy.

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What You Need To Know About Haiti’s History

Haiti’s legacy is long and varied, and so much could be shared about the trials and triumphs of this island nation. Here is just a brief rundown of what you need to know about Haiti’s history, beginning with colonization and ending with current day.

Colonial Haiti

As early as 2,600 BC, settlers from South America arrived to modern-day Haiti by way of handmade boats. Centuries later, around 250 BC, the Arawak people are thought to have settled there, though records of their period in history are quite sparse. In addition to the Arawaks, the Taíno population eventually inhabited this area, as well, occupying Haiti for hundreds of years.

It wasn’t until 1492 that European explorers descended on this area, with Christopher Columbus setting foot on Haiti's beaches in December of that year. Columbus landed at Mole Saint-Nicolas and dubbed the island La Española, though the name was later Anglicized to Hispaniola. Today, Hispaniola still refers to the island as a whole, though it has since been divided into two separate nations — Haiti to the west, and the Dominican Republic to the east.

While the Spanish initially claimed ownership over the entire island, they mainly constructed settlements on the eastern side. The western portion of Hispaniola was left largely empty until the 17th century, when the French chose to settle there. In 1697, the Spanish and the French signed the Treaty of Ryswick, wherein France was given the western third of Hispaniola. They called their colony Saint-Domingue.

In the 18th century, Saint-Domingue (Haiti) became quite rich by exporting sugar, coffee, cotton, indigo, and cocoa. Sadly, however, this prosperity came at a price. Slaves were brought to work on these plantations, suffering terrible treatment from their owners. In August of 1791 these slaves started a rebellion, which in turn caused a war that devastated the colony. This war raged on until 1794, when France finally decided to end slavery there.

One of the leaders in this slave rebellion was a man by the name of Toussaint L’Overture. When the war came to a close, Toussaint joined the French army, who were then fighting Spain against their claim to the eastern two-thirds of Hispaniola. In 1797, Toussaint was made commander of the French army, and by 1801 he was in control of the entire island. Not only did he declare all slaves free, but he made himself head of the new government and published a brand new constitution.

Displeased with Toussaint’s actions, the French used a trick to capture him, but the fight was far from over. Another former slave, Jean-Jacques Dessalines continued the struggle against the French, and on January 1, 1804, the island officially gained its independence. It was renamed Haiti, and is recognized as the second oldest independent nation in the Western Hemisphere (after the United States). Today, Haiti still celebrates its Independence Day on January 1st, complete with parades, fireworks, and dancing in the streets.

Independent Haiti

Although independent, Haiti was left devastated by the repercussions of the war. Dessalines would be assassinated in 1806, and just three years later, the Spanish captured the eastern part of Hispaniola (now the Dominican Republic). In 1822, President Jean-Pierre Boyer of Haiti re-claimed this eastern portion, but the two nations separated permanently in 1844.

President Boyer would actually be overthrown in 1843 (having served since 1818), an action which corresponded with a long period of instability for Haiti. Between 1843 and 1911 the nation was under sixteen different rulers, and of these, eleven were overthrown by revolutions.

Modern Haiti

The early 20th century in Haiti was largely marked by this political instability, when in 1915, the United States commissioned Marines to occupy the country and protect American business interests there. But because this occupation was resented by so many Haitians, the U.S. Marines were finally withdrawn in 1934.

Throughout the mid to late 1900s, Haiti saw quite a bit of political turnover, with a number of different presidents taking power for various amounts of time. It was not until 2006, when René Préval was elected president, that some semblance of stability was hopefully going to be achieved. But then, in January of 2010, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck fourteen miles west of Port-au-Prince, destroying most of the capital. The earthquake took the lives of an estimated 217,000 people, and left more than two million Haitians without homes.

In the nearly seven years since, Haiti has worked rebuild what was lost, and has never given up hope for its future. They continue to look ahead to further growth and success.