Haiti Children & Youth Project: Summer 2022

By Terri Lubin

SOCCER CAMP

• In two communities, Jacmel and Lavalee, a total of 135 children and youth participated and were divided into 2 groups according to age: 7 to 15 years old and 16 to 25 years old.

• The camp was held for 4 weeks, Monday to Saturday in Jacmel and Monday to Friday in Lavalee.

• The daily activities for each group included soccer training and games, crafts, and an education session or a movie. In Jacmel swimming lessons were also provided at a local beach three to five times per week (depending on the weather).

• Other fun activities enjoyed during the camp were singing, stretching & calisthenics, skits, and a dance competition.

• A complete, nutritious meal and a snack were provided everyday.

• 9 ladies in Lavalee and 3 ladies Jacmel donated their time to cook during the camp.

• Participants paid a small registration fee.

• Each of the participants will receive a new backpack containing the required school supplies for the upcoming academic year.

‘MISSION DAY’ in Lavalee & Jacmel for 16-25 year olds!

• groups of six to nine youth visited 1 or 2 families in the community for the day.

• A total of 18 vulnerable families / households benefited: widows or widowers, elderly, single parents, disabled.

• The youth brought food, enough for a few weeks, and cooked the family a meal.

• The youth also did chores such as hand-washing laundry, housecleaning, working in the field, and other welcomed acts of service such as assisting with bathing and braiding women's hair.

• At the end of the day the youth met to share about their experiences.  Although they themselves are materially poor many felt blessed by helping others for a day.