About Us
Learn more about who we are and what we stand for.
Our Program
We are a group of Haitian immigrants who seeing the conditions in our country of origin seemingly deteriorating year after year, felt the need to contribute – even in a small way - to the country’s development. We believe that to whom much is given, much is required and if not us, then who?. Having been blessed with opportunities which provided us with some measure of financial stability and intellectual wealth, we felt it only right to give back, to share and spread knowledge for the betterment of the country. Thus, in 1986, we began raising money to contribute to established organizations in Haiti that help disadvantaged Haitian.
Then in the early 2000’s we met Pastor Novéus, an enterprising and energetic man who was in the process of establishing a school in the Digue Proby neighborhood in the hills above Arcahaie. We were impressed with his drive and enthusiasm and agreed to help financially and with school materials. However, as fate would have it, shortly thereafter, Pastor Novéus lost his life in a motorcycle accident. His widow took up the mantle and asked us if we would continue to help. This was the beginning of our involvement and charitable support of the Institution Mixte Bon Samiartain School of Digure Proby.
The School
Located in a rural area, Institution Mixte Bon Samaritain is one of the few schools in the area. There are no public school nearby. (In Haiti, there are only enough public schools for about 10% of the school-age children thus the need for private educational institutions).
Our first project with Bon Samaritain was the construction of a new building in which to hold classes. After three successive hurricanes in 2008 and a devastating earthquake in 2010, the school’s building was deemed unsafe for occupation. With the help of the Potomac (Maryland) Rotary, we built two new structures containing classrooms and toilet facilities.
Since then we have been providing support for school supplies and teacher salaries. We are also in the process of organizing a breakfast program for the students – many of whom come to school without breakfast. And as we all know, an empty stomach is not conducive to learning. The school currently has a student population of 55 students in grades kindergarten through 4th grade. We and the directrice would like to expand to include 5th and 6th grades. In order to do so, we need to construct new classrooms as well as an office for the directrice.
Your donation dollars will help support not only the children we serve, but a brighter future for Haiti as well.