Resilience in Fearful Times

How do you cope when your circumstances become overwhelming? How do the children and families in the EcoVillages find courage to continue? It’s hard for us to comprehend how they are dealing with the forces against them as Haiti struggles with political, economic, and environmental realities that seriously challenge every aspect of daily life. 

For the EcoVillage community, political instability means living in uncertainty and fear. While our school provides a sense of safety and continuity for the children, the broader environment remains oppressive. Government support for essential services, such as police, education and healthcare are either underfunded or unavailable. 

Inflation is soaring, and the value of the national currency has been steadily declining. These economic difficulties result in high prices for basic needs, including food, fuel, and school supplies. 

Many families in the EcoVillages struggle to afford daily necessities. Despite these hardships, the EcoVillage School has continued to operate thanks to the unwavering commitment of our teachers, partners, and supporters. The community faces the challenge of sustaining these efforts amidst ongoing economic difficulties.

Deforestation, soil erosion, and water scarcity are rampant due to unsustainable farming practices, natural disasters, and lack of environmental regulations. A recent report highlighted how climate change and environmental damage continue to threaten the country's fragile ecosystem, making it harder for communities to thrive.

In the EcoVillages, water scarcity impacts both daily living and agricultural activities, which the families depend on for their livelihood. Unpredictable weather patterns, such as droughts and heavy rains, also threaten crops, further straining the community's food security and the ability of the people to earn income.

UNICEF reports over 900 schools have closed with more than 150,000 students being displaced. Families are fleeing the violence in search of safety and hope. 

Our EcoVillage School and community remain determined and resilient. The people have adapted to harsh realities with incredible courage. The school itself is a beacon of hope, offering stability, education, and a sense of normalcy for the children. Our school continues to accept children who have escaped the violence—our benches are overflowing. With the support of donors, partners, and organizations like MPP, the community continues to find ways to support its members, nurture its children, and look towards a brighter future. Their resilience inspires us.

"Education is the Best!"

I am Rosegaële Alfred and I am a 7th grade student at the Haiti EcoVillage School. I am 14 years old and I live with my mother, Eliane Estenat and my 2 brothers and 4 sisters. We live in the small village of Beganabe so I walk about 10 minutes to get to my school in the EcoVillages.

Education is The Best! It is the key to changing the lives of little children like me from poverty to a better life. My mother is a sales woman by trade but in Haïti right now this is very challenging because of the violence and insecurity in our country.  My father is a policeman. Unfortunately, the police in Haïti are in grave danger from gangs that control parts of the country. And, my father finds it difficult to make enough money to meet the needs of his family. Even though my parents work very hard, there is often not enough for our family because life is so hard.

I take my studies at school very seriously because I hope to bring change to the life of my parents and my family and myself. My teachers tell me I am very intelligent. I work hard (like my parents) because I understand my parents fight for me to have a better tomorrow. 

I am very grateful to the Haiti EcoVillage School Partnership for helping the school. Ke Bondye beni gwoup la ak fanmi yo! (May God bless the group and all their families.)