Eddie and I were brainstorming ways that we could make a difference for Mme. S and her children. Afterall, not only is this the woman with whom God has currently entrusted my child, but also because we love Mme. S and her vision! We love the other kids at the Children's Village (CV)! We, TOO, want to do whatever we can to make a difference in the lives of these precious little ones and in the future of Haiti!
SO, Eddie and I committed to find a way to provide summer English classes for the older children (those already taking English lessons in school) at the CV. The goal is not only to maintain their current level of English-speaking throughout the summer months, but to ideally actually improve their abilities by building on the foundation laid in school.
"Why English classes?" you ask? Obviously Catrina will also be taking these classes, so that would be hugely beneficial for us. However, this wasn't really the driving force. According to The World Factbook, more than 2/3 of the labor force in Haiti does not have a formal job (some estimates place this percentage closer to 90% even). The ability to speak English is a huge advantage when entering the workforce in Haiti, as many of the jobs that are available are offered by Christian organizations (aka. often managed by missionaries...who most likely speak English). Another very relaible business in Haiti is working as an English translator. God placed in our hearts a desire to figure out a way to help these kids become better English speakers so that they have a better chance at a future. In ths process of working so hard to provide a way for our child to come home, we've managed to fall in love with dozens of kids who we are also eager to help in anyway possible. This small contribution touches many lives, rather than just that of our child.
Eddie and I worked with Mme. S (who LOVED the idea, by the way!!!) and the folks at Okipe to get an English teacher to come out to the CV three days a week for 2 hours each day. Mme. S loved the idea SO much that she actually wanted the teacher to come 5 days a week! :-) Wouldn't that be amazing!
The cost for the entire summer is going to be only $900. This covers the two hour classes, three days per week, for the 3 months the kids are out of school. $300 of this amount has already been covered, and the Charleston Vineyard Community Church has agreed to match the remaining amount.
That means we need only raise $300!!!
So this is where you come in. If you can give $20, that will become $40. If you can give $100, it becomes $200. Please pray about what God might want you to give toward the future of these children.
How can you give?
The easiest ways to give are:
- Make a check out to "Vineyard Community Church" with the memo line designated as "Project English" and mail that check to:
1377 Palm Cove Drive
Charleston, SC 29492
--OR--
(psst...this is the Vineyard "Donate" button; please use this one - not use the one to the right - to donate to "Project English")
Please note that all donations made through the Vineyard Church are tax deductible! :)
We know everyone has a cause that is near and dear to them, so if you can't help, we fully understand! Even so, please continue to pray for each of these sweet children and the plan taht God has for their lives.
Thank you in advance for your kindness, generosity, love, and prayers!
