feeling grey

Despite the sunshine and brutal heat today i am feeling gloomy. It has been a tough few days in Haiti for me, and finding my joy again will me welcomed warming. For now i guess it is this season.

For a few mornings it has been hard to get going,  the tasks at hand seem difficult and i am discouraged about projects and the execution of them.   i need to understand that it is not my timing on so many things, that i have to embrace the world i am existing in and that i am not in control.  But i feel disappointed and my soul is weary.

Today as i painted at an orphanage the mother of the couple that runs the place died. She was old and very sick, but that does not make it any less real. And i am left feeling defeated.  As the voodoo ceremony began i was left feeling like there is more i should be doing... 50 children run around the yard and are in need... but they are just 50 of so many.... today i am overwhelmed and aching.

long over due

wow i am behind on the blog front. Some days i think that i really don't have much to report on, but i realize that you readers possible would like to read things that find just simple... hmm i might have to rethink what i consider blog worthy. 

THIS BLOG WAS WRITTEN LAST FRIDAY.. AND ONLY NOW GETTING POSTED. IM SORRY. BETTER LATE THEN NEVER.

i owe you all a ton of photos as well! photography has been a HUGE part of what i have been up to.  vie been sent in many directions to take photos of students and clinics, and classes.  I have been enjoying it.  some seem to be coming to an end, and others seem to be just beginning. 

"Princenico" i cant help but smile when i see this face

today the wind has been blowing, and it reminds me of abbotsford in the winter. i almost expect that the rains and cold will come and not leave for days or weeks. But i know better, when just hours ago i was not covered in rain but rather dust and dirt sticking to my sweating skin. 

today i rocked my neon yellow t-shirt, it was like i was wanting to stand out even more. But i figure that by now i get much less attention on the street that i walk everyday to and from 'work' So it was about time i got some attention again. Not sure if it worked, but i laughed inside

not sure what's in the bag, but they couldn't keep their eyes off  it

a little big for him.... but he LOVES it!

 

 I am SO happy to report that we have started the art program, we are running a short version of it, so rather then 3 months it will be maybe 6 weeks at most. We have structured it much more then before and are coming up with a few different approaches. Tuesday, our first class, we told the kids about it and they all cheered and we handed out the smocks/ aprons that where beautifully donated and made by some of you back in my home town.  Like any kids they where eager to see what would come out to the bag next, which colour, and pattern. we got them all sized up and put a name tag on each for future confusion.  we then did some interviews with the older student that we know to find out what they would want to get out of this program. we asked them to come up with a vision of what they might want to create for their final project. 

thursdays class i was in charge as my partner in this was not able to attend. SO i focused on drawing. i researched some basic drawings techniques for kids and went at it. I was happy to have a friend along that translated! but we had a great time! i am excited to put this first page of drawings in to each child’s portfolio!  Each child will not excel at each type of art, but it was really fun to teach them some new techniques and see some of them really loving this experience.  I am excited for tuesday and i know many of the kids are too!

some of the scholarship kids at Val's

i have also been attending adult english classes, where EDV has been passing over their roles to the Haitian teachers. EDV leaves Haiti december 1st. This project in particular has been a major focus, and it will be one that will be FULLY running when they leave. They have been training Haitian teachers who have been working along side the foreign teachers and are now putting into practice what they have learnt.  This school is free for the students and fully supported and sponsored through donors.  The students are eager to learn, and the demand for more classes is HIGH. there are 150 plus students on a waiting list! many students bring their friends in hopes they too can get in the class. EDV had been designing structure and policies for the school as it is much more respected when those things are in place. The students will also be issued ID badges so we can eliminate confusion and chaos for the new Haitian teachers. I have been taking a head shot photo of each students... sounds easy, and yes the actual photography part is, but i have attended all the classes over the last 2.5 weeks and still have not been able to track down all the students. i have also been able to take a photo of 

each student in their more true nature, smiling, posing etc(they are so funny!!) these photo will be emailed to the students (if they have email) as EVERY student here seems to want a photo of them selves. The photos will also be used online on the sites that EDV manage for this program. 

OK... probably too much info? well it is a HUGE part of what i have been up to.

I have learnt very well by now to take a rather effective bucket shower, and also am LOVING my shower bag, as many other in the house love too... SO this means the bag never really gets outside the bathroom to the hot sun(so no warm showers) BUT that is ok, i’m happy they are all enjoying it! i have settled in much more here, existing and living. Feeling more like my room is my room and such.  

I have been eating all sorts of things... boiled plantain, fried plantain, tonight i mashed my plantain and pretended it was mashed potatoes! haha!! I have not learnt to cook many things... but slowly! i have been hanging out with Rose(the cook at edv) and watching over her shoulder. Last weekend i did have the chance to cook for 8 people with very limited ingredients. Turned out pretty well. Spaghetti noodles, and i invented a white sauce, sounds simple... BUT YOU HAVE NO IDEA! hahahahah (ok some of you might, but then you understand how crazy it could be to track down some of the regular things that seem simple to make a white sauce) i have one friend that now says to me in his limited english “Angela, good cook” makes me smile!

i have been challenging myself to have less expectations, and remember that, T.I.H. “THIS IS HAITI.” So many things are so different! be flexible, roll with things. I fail often at this. But I’m trying. 

the journey thus far

Here is find my self again!  OK wait, before i get ahead of my self.... i got out of Seattle safely and with only minor glitches. Turns out i was misinformed about the bags and so with help from Jessi and my mom we did some repacking. See you later's turned slightly tearful but i had to get a move on to get to my flight. The sound of airport announcements caught my attention when they called a final call for my flight. Soon my walk turned to a slight trot.  I made it and settled in. Turns out the owner of Lee's jewelry in Abbotsford and his friend where sitting in my row.  The flights and the wait in Miami went well. Soon i found myself just minutes away from touching down in Haiti! i was THRILLED! i tried to be all business in the airport and get through as soon as possible, but like usual that is not possible. I am not accustom to the style here and i have yet to make my connections to get to the fronts of line and such. So i waited, and got a cart and was happy to see all my bags waiting for me already. i then knew i was so close!!! out the doors and down the outdoor hallway, it felt like and endless tunnel and all i wanted to do was sprint! i held back, but i think the man pushing my cart was unsure why i legs where moving so fast. I had a wonderful welcome on the ground in Haiti. 2 of my favorite people where there to meet me!  Carlo, and Evens!!!

I had a wonderful first day in Haiti, and that has turned in to many more wonderful days.  Saturday late afternoon Christine met up with us! She has spent 6 weeks in Haiti and this was her last weekend here. Good timing, I know!  Sunday morning we had the privilege of joining Carlo’s kids at the pool for a few hours! it was SO much fun! A perfect way to say hello to them all again! It was a lot of fun to get back in to the swing of life down here quickly. Don’t get me wrong, i have been adjusting at my own pace, but it will come.  It was fun to show a friend from Canada the places that i have been hanging out, and working.  

working in the back yard, prepping for some building

 
 the faces that welcome me!!!

Monday morning i checked in with EDV, the organization that i worked with for 2 months in april and may of this year.  I was recieved warmly and jobs where waiting for me.  Monday i spent the day out at a school, helping getting a roof on for new school rooms.  It was COOKING hot, and i had to really pace myself out there.  They list of jobs started pilling up and the week filled quickly. I was sent out on a motto to Val’s orphanage to check out some needs and make some measurements. It felt good to be back on a motto on those roads and side streets i remember well.  Again my welcome was warm! i made some notes on the fence that needed to be built and had a chat with Val.  This one was going to be a challenge... i was to build it all out of scrap wood... and if you have followed my past blogs you know that scrap wood is the stuff that is usually worse then trash wood in canada.  I was correct... it did turn into a challenge, between finding that there was next to no wood at the house, the wood we did have was covered in tiny fire ants or was torn apart pallets. then we got some wood, that went missing for a day and a half, then the trip out to Val’s on friday on a tap tap that seemed to take forever, only to discover that the 3 batteries for the cordless drill we brought seemed to have very little life in them( and we where on a site with no power to recharge them). Finally, a week later the fence is up, and the tables and 8 benches are built! i am proud of the work and so thankful to all my little helpers at Val’s, and my big helper Munib. 

It was a process, but we where blessed with an overcast day yesterday, and that allowed us to work a very long day with next to NO breaks. 

A favourite moment from the process was when we had finished the gate on the fence and had moved on to working around the corner from it all. I went back to get some tool only to find a small orphanage boy standing in front of the the gate... confused... i understood his mind at that moment. It seemed to him that he had be fenced out of his home, with no way around this new structure, he was much to small to climb over, and had yet to discover the latch system we had constructed. I took in this moment for a moment, and then took the young boys hand and showed him the latch. He was so proud then! and for the rest of the day i found him opening and closing the gate for others that wanted though 

 I feel like at the end of the day... i head home. My space, to be tired, to relax, to reflect, to plan. there are many plans in the works, and i am remembering that they work on Haitian time. I am often surprised when things happen quickly, but i am getting more used to them not.  i have learnt so far to do without many things that i am accustomed to in Canada. i am embracing them all, some tougher then others.

As for the plans for the art program and such that many of you have helped me with. It is coming!!! BUT we again are working on Haitian time. Our plan is to run the art program in a school that has JUST started this week. so we are having to work our program this time around into the school program. it will be a little different, but that is what life here is all about. Being Flexible!

Here i go again!!!

To my friends, family and supporters,

This is my heart. Thank you for taking the time to read this and join in with me on my journey.

I have always thought that one day I would find “it”, I would find that thing that fills my dream, the project that I really am so joyful to put my name and whole being towards.

I have traveled to Haiti 3 times since in the last year and a half, and each time I flew back to Abbotsford I knew that it would not be my last visit in Haiti. I had peace about this, but I still did not know what my future time there would look like. On my most recent trip to Haiti, for the second portion of the trip, I branched out and decided to volunteer with a different organization. . I was apprehensive at first to leave the place I had been at for my two previous trips, and first portion of this trip, but soon knew that this new place was exactly where I needed to be and should be. I felt independent yet supported and a part of a team with like-minded peers. I was able to express my passions and desires, and put them in to action with the help of leadership that recognized my skills and abilities. 

The 8 weeks I worked and spent time there opened many doors and presented me with opportunities that over exceeded my dreams. I knew that I would KNOW when the right thing came along, that has proven to be the case. I have already encountered some discouraging and tough situations, and know that there will be more to come in the future, but I am hopeful and so excited for the things that are in process and that are yet to come.

The idea is, that when I return to Haiti this fall I will be there long term. To some this could feel scary but I really got to experience the ‘everyday life’ this last time in Haiti and I learnt so much about myself that I know now was a preparation for this journey ahead.

OnebyOne and A.S.A.P. are simply names we have created, but they are names put to the goals, plans and dreams that are being put in to action with the help of others. The need in Haiti is great, the urgency is high and the task is daunting BUT together a change can be made.

Evens Lanot and Angela Mohr are the names behind A.S.A.P and OnebyOne. Our hearts desire is to make a change. We have seen the urgency and seen the need, and have decided to take action.  We know that it will take time, but none of the children in Haiti are lost causes, they are all worth our time, our energy and our recourses.  As Soon As Possible; which is now; let’s have a positive effect on each life we encounter, and One-by-One we can make a new Haiti for the future.

                                    Written by: Angela Mohr

How you can be a part of the Kids Today, Adults Tomorrow Program

1.  Log onto my blog for the updates and success stories as amazing things start to happen:

Your support and encouragement will be needed as I am on this journey!

www.alm-onebyone.blogspot.com

YOU DID IT, YOU ARE HERE ON MY BLOG!!!

 2.  Giving Opportunities:

 KEEP SAVING YOUR BOTTLES!  I have been doing bottle collections (for refund) for 2.5 months, and this will continue once I have returned to Haiti with the great help from some friends and family! Stay in touch for bottle drop off locations etc. Money raised to date is $350

 

Or:

The initial funds required for Phase 1 to complete the three month Art Program/ Me, hands in Haiti

$3,678

We can achieve this goal if…

·       41 people gave a $1 a Day for 90 days

·       One time donations for a specific project or supplies

At this time we are looking to secure a Not for Profit Organization or Partner so your donations are tax refundable. Updates to follow

Please help me get back to where my heart is, and doing the work I am most passionate about.

Read more for information about the budget for Phase 2, and long term plans.

For Phase 2 to be achieved and OneByOne to continue on, we will be looking for supporters to pledge annual amounts or donate to specific projects as the funds required are approximately  $5000 a month. 

We have prepared a budget to outline the funds required. contact me for full detailed budgets.

KIDS TODAY, ADULTS TOMORROW

PROJECT

OBJECTIVE:

Create a community center for the street kids where they can come anytime to have foods, clothes, take a shower and rest if they need. To create an environment where each kid feels welcome and comfortable. Have an orphanage for the kids to stay at and study at till they become adults, at the age of 18.

INTRODUCTION:

January 12th 2010 added thousands of children to the already estimated 350 000 orphans in Port-au-Prince, and an approximate 2000 of those kids are living on the street (based on a February 21st 2011 report by UNICEF) All these children are having a hard life. They are under the influence to take part in of drugs, prostitution and violence to survive and most of them; if we let them grow in the streets with no education; will become a danger in society. The goal of ‘Kids Today, Adults Tomorrow’ will be to change those statistics. The project will provide a safe place for these children where they will receive food, clothes, medical aid and most of all an education. Education will be the main focus, but we know their basic needs must be met first and in combination with teaching.

SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT:

PHASE 1: Educate the Children

A psychologist will evaluate each child, their talents will be identified and they will find specialized help to develop and improve their personal capacities.  For those who don’t know how to read and write they will be able to learn the basic subjects in our literacy program and other subjects such as computer, French and English, art, sport, dance etc.  For the children who had started school before, we will have a program built for them to continue their education. We will assess the level the children are at and place them accordingly into the program. These children will also have to attend the vocational school we will run.

PHASE 2: Educate the Parents

We know we should attack the problem from its foundation. This is exactly why the second phase of our project will be establishing vocational schools for the parents in neighbourhoods such as cite soleil, bel’air, la saline, cite de l’eternal, fort national, etc. These neighbourhoods are the poorest in Port-au-Prince and are referred to as the ghettos. A change needs to happen here desperately. 

They will be able to learn a skill (sewing for example) from 3 to 12 months for free. With these skills learnt they would be able to work for themselves and have the confidence to earn money to support their families.  Doing these things in turn will reduce the kids in the streets. We know how important it is to help these kids but it would be in vain if our only focus was to take them off the streets. Having parents that can provide for their children will reduce the number of street kids in the city and also will increase the social and health condition of the family.

PHASE 3 and on: 

Introduce opportunities and networks that are available for future studies, work experience and employment. Empowering individuals to the possibilities available, to be a positive part of the new Haiti for the future. Taking their future into their own hands

Long-term

Allow phase one and two to develop, grow and evolve naturally.  We will look to pass on the leadership of these programs and concepts to be run by locals that have come on board. This will provide the ability for a permanent location. Providing a recourse centre for the program to expand and be an example for others to duplicate all phases in other areas of need.

INITIAL GOALS:

Phase 1 Goals: have an open door to a safe environment and provide opportunities for kids in the streets. Help them build their personalities threw education and make them have a positive role in society of the new Haiti.

Phase 2 Goals: Provide opportunities for parents to be apart of a change in the future. Enable them to utilize their skills and education with confidence to pass on to the next generations.

STEPS FOR EACH PHASE:

PHASE 1:

1^st Step

·       Find 15 recipients to start (Boys & Girls)

·       Create a file for them that will include name, date of birth if they know it, location of birth, and also a medical record.

·       Start a 3 month Art Program with the 15 children

·       Reinforce the budget for a better management for the execution of this project, both short and long term.

2^nd Step

·       Create a secure place for the kids to learn. For the children who had been attending school, they will return, and the rest will attend our literacy program. Teach them computer, French, English, art, music, dance, etc…

·       Make sure a doctor and a psychologist evaluate them. Maintain regular check-ups by a doctor to be sure they are healthy, and their medical needs are being met.

·        Create a library for them where they can read and a place for them to discover new things.

PHASE 2&3:

 3^rd Step

·       Incorporate parents into education programs

·       Set up vocational schools in variety of areas

4^th  Step

·       Buy a piece of land to be confident that the kids will have a home for a long period

·       Find funds to help them attend the university to study the subject of their choice in the future

·       Search contact so that on each vocation there can have work experience in their special field and earn money

·       Connect them with potential employers

WHO WE ARE:

Angela Mohr- ONEBYONE Foundation

Evens Lanot - A.S.A.P: Developed the art program and is the hands on artistic instructor. Passionate towards kids on the street specifically and currently working with street kids to better their lives.

Dr. REV.Frinel JOSEPH - FOMES (Fondation les Mains de l’Espoir):  A non-profit organization, created July 1997 in Haiti to ameliorate the life conditions of the kids and the population in general.

Carlo Larosa - THE ORPHANAGE SMDT: Currently a home of 25 kids. Initial 3-month art program was run here, started by Evens and Angela.  Providing hands on support and an example of a structure for the Kids Today, Adults Tomorrow Program.  www.smdtorphanage.org

 And many more working together to bring the Kids Today, Adults Tomorrow Project to reality.

VALIDATION:

This project is very important especially for kids who became orphans after the earthquake, some of them have found help from a neighbour or just someone who want to help them and some just live in the street. It is a very difficult life for most of them because they are not used life in the streets, and are now forced to turn to begging and stealing to survive. They may have started school but now can’t go because of lack of financial support. This is a situation that will increase the level of poverty, crime and prostitution if the nothing is done.

This situation is daunting and overwhelming.  But One By One, little by little change can happen. Each child is worth our time and effort, in the end the change will be substantial. We also know that all these things would not be as effective if we do not make sure that each child is healthy, they are not suffering of malnutrition etc… so our goal will be combining the development of each child’s talents, education, heath, and quality of life.