Haiti Partners’ benefit embraces ‘hope for the future’

The current turmoil in Haiti was on people’s minds at the Educate and Celebrate fundraiser to benefit Haiti Partners last Thursday evening at the Grand Harbor Golf Club. Proceeds from the event support the efforts of the Vero Beach-based nonprofit to provide a better life for Haitian residents through an innovative education and leadership paradigm.

As the gentle Caribbean sound of Bjarne Jannik Kjaer’s steel drum playing washed over them during the cocktail hour, guests perused donated silent- and live-auction items as well as a Haitian Marketplace featuring a large assortment of hand-crafted Haitian artwork, including lustrous wooden bowls, vibrantly colored artwork and hammered metalwork pieces.

In addition to educating 1,200 children through its Children’s Academy and Learning Center and partner schools, Haiti Partners has launched various entrepreneur programs for the parents to earn an income, and some of those efforts were available as well – such as notecards and paintings made using paper hand-crafted from Haitian plant fibers, and Merline’s Hot Sauce, made in the U.S. from Caribbean Scotch Bonnet peppers grown in the center’s gardens.

“It’s an emotional time; it’s a very tough time,” said John Engle after a Caribbean-style dinner. Engle co-founded Haiti Partners in 2009 with Kent Annan, and the Children’s Academy in 2012 with wife Merline.

“And in the midst of that emotional roller coaster, you also find extraordinary humanity, both in Haiti and also here.”

Engle stressed that the situation will remain unstable until the country’s dramatic inequality is addressed. “Haiti is one of five countries on the planet that has the worst inequality,” he said, noting the other four are similarly volatile.

“The vast majority has a terribly, terribly difficult life, and a very, very small percentage lives in unbelievable luxury. And they’re also willing to do things to keep that luxury coming. It’s a tough situation,” said Engle, adding that a corrupt government has enabled a hyperinflation of prices for basic necessities, including food and water.

“We know that in the long run, we’ve got to work on education,” said Engle.

Because there is a lack of jobs in Haiti, he said their educational approach is to prepare students and parents to become entrepreneurs, creating work for themselves to make a living. “And so when you’re in there buying these things – whether it’s the art, whether it’s the hot sauce, whether it’s the handmade cards – you are helping Haitians to live a more dignified life and put food on the table.”

He introduced Rev. Dave Johnson, minister of mission and education at the Community Church of Vero Beach, who spoke of his visit to Haiti. He shared that while their poverty is real and needs are great, Haiti is much more than poverty, corruption and endless needs.

“Stereotypical views don’t take into account the amazing beauty of the country and the people; they don’t account for the pride and the determination and the drive for a better life,” said Johnson.

Sharing three realities that impressed him, he mentioned the beauty and hospitality of the people; the feelings of joy and enthusiasm permeating the Children’s Academy; and the inspiring scope of the Haiti Partners vision, one that is educating and preparing students, parents and teachers for a better future.

“In so many ways, Haiti Partners is giving a whole community, not just the children, hope for the future,” said Johnson. “The world needs these models that you’re putting together … not just Haiti.”

For more information, visit haitipartners.org.

Photos by: Kaila Jones
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