The re-organization of the feeding program for the 300+ school children of the Ste-Elisabeth's school.
From funds collected through our many activities we have contributed $5,000.00US yearly since 2008. The money has permitted
Ste-Elisabeth to purchase rice and beans to feed the children 3 days a week. They have also constructed a kitchen where the
food is prepared; they have planted a garden- which helps supplement the rice and bean with fresh vegetables when available.
We hope to continue and increase this program to feed the children every school day.
Education of children- Through a special fundraiser we have provided $5,000.00US yearly to supplement
the salary of 11 to 13 teachers. These teachers are government qualified and are able to provide the children education
that permits them to pass the government testing that gives them the opportunity to pursue their education. These funds
also help the teachers help support their families and therefore being less dependent on aids but aiding themselves better
their lives.
School supplies- From special collection at our parish- books, school supplies, backpacks were sent
to the school in Perodin, providing the students with the tools needed to help offer them a better education. This has
proven beneficial by offering the children individual material for each to use during class time and therefore enhancing their
academic performance.
Home Economics supplies- A class organized and conducted by the sisters at the parish has given an opportunity
for young girls from 15+ to learn basic cooking and sewing skills, therefore, helping their families be more independent and
also giving them an opportunity to supplement their families income by selling some of their goods. Our parish helped
improve the program by providing funds for them to purchase 5 sewing machines to be used at the school. We also provided
them with notions needed -thread-needles-pins-etc, these through special collections at our parish. The class continues
to be successful and some of the projects completed were brought to the United States, sold, and the money sent back to the
students to help them continue the success of the program.
Financial/Material-During visits to our sister parish and meeting with the leaders of the parish many
material needs were identified. Better and easier communication between the two parishes was of outmost concern.
We were able to establish internet connection between our parishes and have provided the pastor of Ste-Elisabeth with a laptop
to ease communication between parishes.
Solar Power-Electricity is
essential for maintaining the communication between our parishes, and providing lighting in the rectory and church.
A solar system, installed in the past, is in need of repair and upgrade. We have started the process by purchasing two
(2) solar panels which have been installed. We need additional solar panels, a charge controller, new deep cycle storage
batteries, and a new inverter to complete the project. The ultimate goal will be to provide additional electricity to
power lights and computers in the classrooms.
Generator - Using funds donated by an OLPH parishioner,
a new generator was purchased in Haiti helping provide some power to the rectory and church and helping with communications
between our two parishes. We are hoping to purchase and install a battery charger with the generator to supplement the
energy provided by the solar system.
Electronic Keyboard- The liturgies at our sister parish have been enhanced by providing accompaniment
to the choir and also giving the children of the school an opportunity for music appreciation classes.
Rainwater Collection- We were able to gather funds for 30+ rain barrels to be purchased. Those
at the discretion of the pastor were distributed to the residents of Perodin. Some were kept at the school and are being
used by the school.
Transportation - Thanks to the generosity of one of our parishioners and the support of the Catholic
church of Germany, we purchased a truck for our sister parish to make it easier for transportation of people and goods
to and from Perodin. This has proven useful to bring injured to hospitals in Petite-RIviere and St-Marc, to bring rice
and beans and supplies to Perodin.
We look forward to continuing a successful relationship between Ste-Elisabeth and OLPH through our efforts to provide an opportunity
for our sister parish to gain independence and to strive as a vibrant community.
Each parish is responsible to provide
detailed accounts to the Archdiocese of Baltimore's missions office on how funds are procured, administered, dispersed and
their impact on both parishes, by providing a yearly report due June 30th of the year.
