Today Emma began her volunteer work at an orphanage in the Central Plateau. The idea of working in an orphanage came from Emma when we first planned the trip in Chicago. It emanates from her deep love and joy in working with younger children.
The orphanage is new. Linda, the head of the facility, exudes and strength and a warmth. She tells us the orphanage holds about 40 children. There is a meaningful percentage of children with physical challenges. All are well dressed and well fed. We also learned that a number of children are placed in orphanages by parents who do not believe that they can care for their own children. Linda went on to say that every day there are parents who bring their children to the gate begging for the orphanage to take them. The facility is at capacity. But rather than send the parent away, they work with the parents to help them take care of their own children. It may mean giving them formula, or some form of sustenance for the year. Taking the time to teach them about hygiene and how to better care for their children. In this way, they help keep parents with their children.
We dropped Emma off and I went accompanied a staff member of Fonkoze for the day. I can tell you for a fact that at the age of 16 there is no way that I would have allowed myself to be left for the day in an orphanage in the middle of Haiti with children who almost all spoke another language! But Emma went with her bags of school supplies that she had brought with her and did not look back as we left. When we picked up at the end of the day she was happy and fulfilled. She admitted that some of things that she saw were difficult for her. But there she was with a group of children following her around looking happy and fulfilled. Emma is an impressive young woman who absorbs everything, and remains open to full experience of Haiti. Pretty special!
The orphanage does have a place that is designated just for caring for malnourished children. This is where we learned the story of Bernardo. A Fonkoze representative came upon him when he was working with the poorest of the poor. A group of brothers living together we're trying to survive. The oldest brother is 20 years old and is the head of household of 4 other brothers. When he was 3, the worker came across Bernardo listless and malnourished. Fonkoze then took the child to the orphanage and for more than 6 months they nursed this child back to health. The orphanage offered to keep Bernardo but the oldest brother felt that it was his responsibility to keep the family together. Later in the day I had the chance to go to meet the brothers. Bernardo is still very small but energetic and happy. The challenges of life in Haiti abound.
If you are interested in learning more about the orphanage check out their website: http://hcas.ca/projects/haiti-childrens-home/
No comments:
Post a Comment