“Life has never been easy in Haiti, and that may be why the current nightmare there is not getting more attention.”
As the New York Times editorial board opined on Monday: “Life has never been easy in Haiti, and that may be why the current nightmare there is not getting more attention.” https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/04/opinion/haiti-protests.html
It needs more attention.
For nearly two months, there have been violent demonstrations that have largely shut down transportation, medical services and general business. Pursuing an education has become nearly impossible for young people in recent weeks.
In the midst of that turmoil, human trafficking remains among the many problems. Kids from extreme poverty and unstable families are sometimes sold to other families. Known as 'restaveks', these young people are used for labor — the toughest, dirtiest jobs — while enduring physical abuse. If they try to leave, they often end up on the streets where they can be lured into prostitution or gangs.
After 10 years of helping orphans get the resources they need to get an education and ultimately, employment, Kids Connection Haiti has begun taking some young people who were once enslaved into its care. In a new chapter for the organization, KCH is opening a girl's house where these young women will be able to live in a peaceful, secure environment where they can learn how to trust again. It will house 10 girls at a time, allowing them to attend school, to participate in basic life skills workshops and to be empowered to start stable and independent lives. It would be an oasis amid the turbulence.
When we read the news, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and as if there's nothing an individual can do. However, over the next several weeks, we'd like to tell you about the vision for this house and how — together — we cannot only give the problem in Haiti the attention it needs, we can do something to help.
What's the cost to do this?
$25 pays for rent for one girl for a month.
$50 pays for food for one girl for one month.
$100 pays for ten pillows.
$250 pay for one month's rent for 10 girls.
As you can see, it doesn't take much to make a real impact.
As you plan your contributions this #GivingTuesday, we hope you'll listen to the stories of these girls and consider using some of your generosity to offer support and hope these young Haitians need so very much.
- By Tina Reed Sloan
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