Most Track Meets Ever!

I am proud to announce that this past week ADAH, the track and field organization I have started in Haiti, just held our 7th track meet of the year!  It was a school competition for athletes in the U13 and U15 categories!  Enjoy the photos!

Sincerely,

Steven M. Kirby, Ed.D

The EcoShell is Standing!

This past week Dan Hildebrand from Hildebrand Construction joined us for another fun filled week of building an EcoShell on our land in Maniche.  The EcoShell, a 40ft. in diameter, 17ft. tall, round building will serve as the focal point of the H.E.R.O. Youth Development Center (YDC).  The YDC will eventually include housing for up to 24 orphans from all over Haiti and include many of the same programs that are now in operation at the H.E.R.O. House in Port-au-Prince.  I want to thank Dan, and his wife Sarah, for not only raising the necessary funds for building the EcoShell, but also donating their time to come to Haiti and construct the building!

Not only have we nearly finished the entire EcoShell, but we also started the construction of the perimeter wall for the property.  The unfortunate reality in Haiti, especially with regard to the safety and security of our children, is that we must build a 10 foot concrete wall to protect our kids.  During the construction we are employing more than 20 local Haitians for more than 3 weeks to complete the wall.  While our children will definitely have the chance to experience life outside the walls, when they attend a school in the community, for example, even in rural areas such as Maniche one must take every precaution.  The wall is expected to be completed before Christmas!

As we work diligently to finish the EcoShell and perimeter wall, I also like to think to the future of what lies ahead for the construction of the Youth Development Center.  Our plan consists of 4 additional buildings, but we must also build a septic system and water reservoir to store collected rain water.  I am so thankful for all of our supporters that have worked with us to not only provide for the 9 children currently in our care, but who know that we must do more to help the orphans of Haiti.  The completion of the YDC is the next step in this process, and we hope that you will join us in our mission to serve the children of Haiti!\