Days 24, 25, and 26: Immediate Progress

There has been a lot going on in the past three days, all except the ability to connect to the internet! I have managed to find a previously unknown connection just 30 minutes ago, so thankfully, I’m back!

There have been some very important developments in the past 3 days, as well as a very important fact finding field trip. We will start with the most important news.

WE HAVE BEEN DONATED ADDITIONAL LAND!! Through the generous contributions of a local Haitian colleague and her family we have been provided with land that is 2-3 hours south of Port-Au-Prince in the province of Nippes. We are scheduled to view the property either Monday or Tuesday of this coming week. The distance from Port-Au-Prince brings both positive aspects and challenges to the development of our programs. The greatest asset of this land is that it is fertile, large, and away from the noise and distraction of the big city. In contrast, the logistics of transportation and delivery can become complicated at such a distance. Regardless, H.E.R.O. is extremely grateful for the land. We look forward to developing a 21st century self-sustainable orphanage for the most disenfranchised youth in Haiti: orphans and street children.

We also met with the architect to solidify the design plans of our first complex in the development. It will consist of a 1200 square foot building that has a kitchen, 4 rooms to be used first as a dormitory and eventually as classrooms, and a common space for the children. This will be the first of five buildings that will be constructed. The pace of the planned development is contingent on the speed at which we are able to raise funds. The beauty of creating a development one 1200 square foot unit at a time, is that it allows for piecemeal growth, while still providing a residence for street children and orphans.

Finally, Michele and I went to visit Louverture Cleary, a school in Santo, just outside of Port-Au-Prince that boards and educates 350 middle and high school students. The school has been open for over 22 years, and provides quality instruction to its students. Graduating students are fluent in English, French, Kreyol, and Spanish and most attend University. We spent the day with Patrick Moynihan, the director of the school. You can see them in action on their website at www.haitianproject.org

All in all, it has been a great week. Please take the time to comment on our posts, or visit our website at www.haitihero.org We hope that you will continue to join us on our journey to provide housing, education, and rehabilitation to orphans and street children in Haiti.

Steven Kirby, President