Meet Beatrice

Beatrice is 16 years old and in the 8th grade class at the EcoVillage School (aka Ecole Nationale St Jean Bapiste de Beganabe). She has attended the school all six years that it has been open. I had the opportunity to interview her during our trip to Haiti in April 2019.

She grew up in the town of Jacmel in the southern part of Haiti. She has 3 brothers. In 2010, the earthquake that devastated Haiti destroyed her home. Both of her parents died. She moved in with her aunt and continued to live in Jacmel for a while but life was difficult there in the aftermath of the earthquake.

When given the opportunity to move to the Central Plateau, she moved with her aunt’s family to the EcoVillages. There she was able to have a home, healthy food to eat and to go to school. She lost a couple of years of schooling because of the earthquake but the school in the EcoVillages has given her the opportunity to continue her education.

Beatrice told me about how much she loves her school, her teachers and her principal. She is able to have an opportunity for a better future through education because of the dedication of MPP to make the school a reality and the donations of the Americans who support their efforts.

submitted by C. Calia

Beatrice in the 5th grade. Photo taken during our trip in April, 2017.

Beatrice in 2017 with Artwork describing herself

Learning is a Gift

It brings me great joy to see the pensive look and ready hand of this girl.  She does not know that she lives in a country abandoned by her own government and disparaged by foreigners.  What she does know is that today she has the opportunity to learn and be all that she can be.

As I review the photos and travel logs from our most recent mission team trip to the EcoVillages in Haiti, I find myself reflecting on all they have accomplished.  Sure, the people could not have gotten the school built without our help.  But we did not construct the building, hire staff, and manage the budget.  We do not oversee day to day operations.  THEY DO.  It's their school and what a marvelous job they are doing with the gift they have been given.

It started with the simple question "how can we help?" and the principle that we wouldn't do for others what they can do for themselves.  The result is something that exceeds our expectations and demonstrates what is possible.  As our friend, Mark Hare, put it "I don't know if there's hope for Haiti but there is hope in Haiti".  Despite all the disadvantages and lack of opportunity, the people are eager to work and the children are eager to learn.

Chris Calia