MARY’S MEALS: Help children in Haiti with food and an education
heaneymedia
Today’s students are tomorrow’s future
Dear Bill,
My name is Cassandre Regnier, and I work for Mary’s Meals’ partner in Haiti. Our mission at Summits Education is to increase access to quality education, and we believe the Mary’s Meals school feeding programme is crucial in helping children, not only to attend school, but stay engaged in their learning.
As you may have seen in the news,the current situation in Haiti is deeply alarming. In recent years, gang activity has surged, and these groups have extended their control over vast areas. We are now, sadly, living in what can best be described as a largely lawless society. Fear has gripped our communities, and tragically, around five children lose their lives each week due to inter-gang violence.
This violence has also led to widespread food shortages, as gangs have taken control of major ports, severely disrupting the flow of goods. As a result, poverty is escalating, and nearly half the population (49%) is undernourished.
Even the simple act of attending school has become dangerous. Many families are now questioning the value of education when the future seems so uncertain. However, I firmly believe that education is the only path out of this crisis. This is why the work of Mary’s Meals is so vital in Haiti.
Billy is a student at Cholete Primary School in Haiti. Every morning, his mother, Dieulene, watches proudly as he sets off down the dirt road towards school. Billy’s school serves Mary’s Meals so he gets a reliable, nutritious meal every school day. At the top of his class, Billy is defying the odds that face so many of his peers.
His mother says: “Having daily meals at Cholete has helped motivate the community to make sure all kids are in school.”
Billy simply says: “It keeps me from being hungry. And it is much easier to follow the teacher and be active in class.”
Now more than ever, with the violence happening in Haiti, children like Billy are relying on our school meals to keep them in education.
If you are able, please consider making a donation to Mary’s Meals. Your support can help us reach more children in Haiti, and beyond, who need our help.
