Folks,
Living in Haiti as I do is wearing. Politics, poverty, lack of services, human drama, and more make each day something of a marathon. Our new Reforestation Mentoring Program, however, has given me a shot of excitement and enjoyment that I, frankly, wasn’t expecting.
It’s a lot of work organizing the five young women and four young men, creating a curriculum, and trekking the mountains when we aren’t in class. But they surprise me in each session.
First, they are well versed in chemistry and biology. The CODEP School has prepared them well.
Second, they dive into homework. Early on we asked them to identify trees as they were out and about over the weekend. One gal came in with 39 on her list!
Third, they are respectful and responsible. They stand when they speak in class. They take their small monthly stipend and turn it over to their families who need it for food.
I was in the States for a good part of the month of April. I have to say that I couldn’t wait to get back to work with the group. They have captured my heart and given me great hope for Haiti.
Michael Anello
Executive Director
Four members of the Haiti Reforestation Partnership’s new mentoring program.
Deeply mannered, proteges stand to speak in classroom settings.