Optimism For A Better Tomorrow
Gressier , Dec 18, 2023
Gang crime is on the rise in Haiti. This makes life even tougher for the population, 80 percent of whom have to make ends meet on less than US$ 2 a day. Those who can, apply to leave the country. But among those who stay, it’s children in particular that suffer from abject poverty. The school in Gressier, that is supported by the WACKER Relief Fund, draws strength from traditions and offers hope for a better tomorrow through optimism and education.
From kindergarten to high school, the Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB) accompany children and young people from the poorest families on their way to high-quality education.
The Don Bosco School Riobé is located in Gressier, some 25 kilometers from the capital Port-au-Prince. The school was destroyed by the devastating earthquake in 2010 and was rebuilt with the aid of the WACKER Relief Fund and other sponsors. Since then, people have had to rebuild their livelihoods again and again, because not only do the frequent hurricanes and earthquakes cause destruction and exacerbate poverty, but political unrest and gang crime have unfortunately also worsened.
Everyday life in Haiti is characterized more than ever by a severe shortage of food, poor hygiene and a lack of clean drinking water. Many parents can’t afford to send their children to school, and children often have to work to help support the family financially. Without access to education, these children stand little chance of improving their lives in future.
All the more important that in the past school year, some 1,200 girls and boys from kindergarten age to high school graduation were able to take advantage of the educational opportunities offered by the Don Bosco School – thanks to the support of the WACKER Relief Fund, which finances the running costs of the school and the school meals.
The Don Bosco Riobé Center has multiplied its efforts to enable children and young people to continue making progress. There has been a slight decline in the number of pupils in the last three years, as some families have sought better opportunities abroad. This is because the quality of life in Haiti has continued to deteriorate.
fuel shortage led to a national crisis, which also brought planned activities at the school to a standstill. One school term was lost due to nationwide unrest. High inflation is another serious problem for the population, and also for the school. This is because sharply rising costs are making it more difficult to obtain food and other important goods.
The consequences of political and social uncertainty are serious. While in the past religious institutions such as Don Bosco enjoyed a certain degree of protection even in troubled times, as they serve the common good, they have now become a target for criminal gangs. The Don Bosco Vocational Training Center in Gonaives, three hours north of Port-au-Prince, was attacked and robbed last fall.
Since October, a Don Bosco office in the capital Port-au-Prince has been occupied by an armed gang. All the facilities there have had to cease operations – the street children’s center, school and vocational training center have closed indefinitely.
School continues in Gressier, offering the children and their families a great deal of support in their difficult everyday lives. School buses get children and young people to school safely and on time. The school team has managed to maintain traditional celebrations – not only despite, but precisely because of the unrest as a source of strength and a sign of solidarity.
There was a Christmas party, a festive meal on St. John Bosco’s Day, a Mardi Gras party, a slam text competition, a soccer championship, a traditional Creole day with parents and children, the Maria Hilf festival as well as farewell parties for graduates and vacation activities.
The demand for places at the school remains strong. Those wishing to enroll at the school have to pass the entrance exam – a hurdle that many children and young people fail to overcome in these turbulent times.
One of the concerns when it comes to the continuous progress of the school is the brain drain the country has been experiencing for several years. This is exacerbated not only by the general insecurity in the country, but also by the possibility of traveling to the United States, which the US government has been offering since 2023 as part of a humanitarian immigration program. Since then, the school has had to replace five members of staff, and further teachers are awaiting confirmation of their departure.
Clean drinking water for the school community has been a ray of hope since a hydraulic pump was installed in a well on the school grounds. However, the money saved on buying water has to be used to offset the rise in food prices due to high inflation.
Graduating from school with a remarkable success rate
At an academic and educational level, the school in Gressier performed very well in all year groups. In the official examinations organized by the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training (MENFP), the Don Bosco School in Gressier achieved a pass rate of a proud 100 percent in the ninth grade. Secondary level 4 achieved a remarkable success rate of 98 percent.
“The people in charge of the school center achieve such progress with the optimism they maintain true to their Salesian mission,” says Claudia Ebinger from Don Bosco in Bonn. “The team in Gressier is working hard to give children and young people a better tomorrow.” She thanks everyone who supports the WACKER Relief Fund. “Your help has a positive impact!” A few years ago, she was able to see for herself how reliably the school in Gressier was being run.
Providing opportunities through the cent donation program
“Classes and the daily hot meals not only help with the children’s development, they also are an anchor for families in tough times,” says Mirko Kappelhoff, Chairman of the WACKER Relief Fund Board of Trustees. He thanks everyone who helps keep the school up and running with their donations. The WACKER Relief Fund cent donation program plays an important role here, he says. “By donating the few cents from rounding down their monthly paycheck, everyone who participates in the cent donation program can help make a big difference.”
Through the WACKER Relief Fund cent donation program, employees ensure the ongoing operation of the schools supported by the Fund. With minimal amounts, every employee in Germany can contribute to ensuring that the fund can offer its partners long-term support. How does that work? Employees agree to have their monthly salary rounded down to the nearest euro. The difference in cents is then donated to WACKER Relief Fund.
If you’d like to help, please donate to the following WACKER Relief Fund account with Bayerische Landesbank München:
IBAN DE59 7005 0000 0003 3333 33
BIC BYLADEMMXXX
Please state your name and address on the payment transfer form (in Germany, your WACKER ID number is enough). The Relief Fund issues donation receipts to employees residing in Germany, as the donations are tax-deductible there. The WACKER Relief Fund thanks everyone for their support.
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