Mission trips
Future trips
We regret that due to the ongoing civil unrest in Haiti, we currently assess it as too dangerous to send volunteers into the country, and there are no trips or visits being planned. We do however hope to restart mission trips again as soon as the situation in Haiti improves.
Anyone who has travelled as a mission trip volunteer will know how life changing it can be. The person who travels receives much more than expected but the aim is always to serve and empower people in need. We want to thank all the volunteers and organisations who have travelled with us in the past. If you would like to join a future mission to Haiti, please get in touch with us by emailing [email protected].
Recent trips
The Trustees took the difficult decision in November 2019 to cancel the January 2020 Medical Mission, due to civil unrest which initially started in February 2019. In its place, Yvrose was able to organise a local team using two Haitian Doctors who had been part of the January 2019 medical team, supported by two Haitian nurses, a pharmacist and Hope House staff. We dispatched the medicines to them which thankfully arrived safely, praise God, and were able to provide the funding. The team were able to check and treat around 500 of the children, and update their records (below right picture)
Following the medical mission in January 2019, a volunteer subsequently visited Haiti to carry on the medical work, weighing and measuring the children and administering worming medication, during a quieter period. She also started a project to make re-usable sanitary care (below left picture).
Our long term volunteer returned in September 2019 for 9 weeks to support teacher training being provided by professional Haitian trainers, to implement "learning through play" throughout the school. The first week of the new school year she spend supporting the 1st Grade Special Class, which is for children who have never been to school before, whatever their age (below middle picture). These children have never sat at tables before, handled pencils and books, or used counting blocks. A special teacher is needed for this class and two teachers were trialled and moved on to other classes before the right one was found in Mme Naphtalie . Unfortunately after this first week, all schools in Haiti were forced to close due to political unrest. Nevertheless, despite severe food shortages and the dangers of travelling anywhere outside the complex, teachers continued to show up at school, demonstrating the amazing resilience of the Haitian people. The volunteer was able to provide some training, but also supported the family and teachers both practically and spiritually - it proved to be vital input. Then while there was a safe day declared from the rioting, she was able to fly out two weeks earlier than planned under God's protection.
Following the medical mission in January 2019, a volunteer subsequently visited Haiti to carry on the medical work, weighing and measuring the children and administering worming medication, during a quieter period. She also started a project to make re-usable sanitary care (below left picture).
Our long term volunteer returned in September 2019 for 9 weeks to support teacher training being provided by professional Haitian trainers, to implement "learning through play" throughout the school. The first week of the new school year she spend supporting the 1st Grade Special Class, which is for children who have never been to school before, whatever their age (below middle picture). These children have never sat at tables before, handled pencils and books, or used counting blocks. A special teacher is needed for this class and two teachers were trialled and moved on to other classes before the right one was found in Mme Naphtalie . Unfortunately after this first week, all schools in Haiti were forced to close due to political unrest. Nevertheless, despite severe food shortages and the dangers of travelling anywhere outside the complex, teachers continued to show up at school, demonstrating the amazing resilience of the Haitian people. The volunteer was able to provide some training, but also supported the family and teachers both practically and spiritually - it proved to be vital input. Then while there was a safe day declared from the rioting, she was able to fly out two weeks earlier than planned under God's protection.
Medical Missions
After formation of the Hope House Haiti (UK) charity in April 2013, visits to Haiti were made initially by Bolney residents and teachers, and in 2014 Mr Edwards a former teacher at Bolney CEP school visited Hope House for 3 months to undertake staff training and teach English. During 2014 word spread, and in January 2015 the first medical team of 8 visited to undertake medical screenings and establish medical records in the school. A Medical team was then sent every year in January from 2016 through to 2019.
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In 2017 all school children had their eyes tested, were weighed, measured and had their growth plotted on their medical records. 40 children were identified as malnourished and a breakfast club for these children was started, whilst 10 children were identified with very poor eyesight and provided glasses. A serious eye condition was also diagnosed and successfully treated preventing blindness. As a volunteer on this trip stated “it was very rewarding to see the positive changes that have been made following on from the previous clinics. One example of this was a young boy for whom I was plotting a growth chart. In 2016, he was underweight and his family was identified to Yvrose as people who would benefit from additional food supplies. This year his weight is now proportional to his height; one example of the success achieved.”
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In 2018, the team provided health screening for 954 children as well as the staff at Hope Christian Academy. All of the children, many of whom complained of stomach pains, received worming treatment and 41% of the children were diagnosed with a medical condition and given additional prescriptions. 85 children were identified as undernourished and invited to the Breakfast Club to help them in their growth.
We couldn’t have completed all this Medical work without hardworking volunteers who have contributed in so many different ways and with such a passion and servant heart. Plus, we want to acknowledge the invaluable contribution of LATA (who have funded translators vital for doing the clinics as well as a Haitian Doctor), and the Cuckfield and Lindfield Rotary Club (England) who have helped us with the purchase of medicines. |
And finally, we have seen the Master Physician at work when no medicine could cure. Jesus heals.
- Isaac (15) was born deaf in one ear. He came to school clinic and immediately after he was prayed for he could hear!
- Merlande (7) was mute. After being prayed for in clinic her first words were “Thank you Jesus”. She continues to speak freely and fluently.
Other Team Trips
In addition to the annual medical missions, other teams have also visited Haiti.
- In February 2015, a team of Architects visited to help plan the expansion of the school and creation of a farm.
- In February 2017, a UK drama team visited to build confidence and skills with the young people by producing a musical version of Ruth, which included over 60 hand-made costumes for each performer. For most it was their first time acting. They embraced learning their lines, songs and parts with enthusiasm. Parents were astonished and very proud of their performance.
- Since 2017, a Trustee of Hope House Haiti UK has regularly visited Haiti to undertake teacher training, and feedback on the latest situation in Haiti and on the projects and activities ongoing.
