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Visit from Haiti to Ludington--Jan. 2014

"We give you good news. All students (tuition-paying) at the school have succeeded in official examinations (3rd, 6th grade). Of the students who come in the afternoon (tuition-free), only one did not succeed. All students in the 9th have succeeded." --Sr. Josseline.

Note: The Haitian educational system is currently divided into preschool, fundamental, and secondary schools. Fundamental school consists of three “cycles”. Cycle one contains first year of fundamental through third year of fundamental, cycle two is fourth year of fundamental through sixth year of fundamental; and cycle three, seventh year of fundamental through ninth year of fundamental. Catholic schools follow the same grade structure. Technical schools vary somewhat in the age of students they serve, ranging from out-of-school youth of all ages, to secondary and post-secondary aged students.

 Sr. Josseline has received a new assignment. She will be moving to the Novitiate community in Thorland. You can see more about the Salesian Sisters at http://fmahaiti.org. The website is in French but the pictures show many details.

Sr. Emiliene Michel will become the new director for the School of the Infant Jesus.

Market in Port-au-Prince

Used clothing from USA?  We saw many shoppers at this open air market near the Port-au-Prince waterfront.  Most were purchasing items to sell at their own small street stands.

Dear Kathryn and Dear Benefactors,

Life is really expensive in Haiti.  The teachers have asked us for a raise in salaries for the year 2013-2014.  Within our community of Sisters, we have thought a lot about this request.  But, many parents are not even able to give the minimum that we ask, so how can we increase the salaries?  It is not easy.  On one other side, teachers are right, life is really expensive, when you have to pay for the house where you live, pay the school fees of your own children, transportation, food, illnesses and so many other things ...  You have to put yourselves in their shoes to understand their problems.  As you can see, the School of the Infant Jesus, still has great needs.  We thank you for your heart of love and support which helps us make life better in this Cite Militaire neighborhood of Port-au-Prince.

God bless you!  Sr. Marie Laguerre Josseline FMA. and Community. 

Dear Kathryn and Dear Benefactors

Thank you for all the efforts that you and Judith MacDonnell made to meet the requirements of the exchange student program for the summer work-travel J1 visa.  Unfortunately it does not seem to be possible.  It is expensive to send the girls to a university and their 2 year teacher college does not meet the requirements.  The other orphans and the girls who would have traveled, Maria Gorethy and Willienne were really disappointed when they hear the news.  But their hard work to learn English will serve them in other ways.
                                       
God bless you!  Sr. Marie Josseline Laguerre FMA.and community on June 17, 2013

Roof Collapse at the school

During the night of Wednesday, February 20th, the beam collapsed in the roof over a 4th grade classroom (top photo).  If it had been in the heart of the day, there would have been many deaths.  We thank the Lord for His infinite goodness.  The roof and ceilings have now been removed from 12 classrooms which had been built at the same time.  The structures are being studied for strength before rebuilding can begin.  The children and teachers still use the classrooms.  When it rains, it is more difficult for all but much better than risking another collapse.

St. Simon parish is collecting money to repair the buildings.  The bottom photo shows the school before the roof collapsed.  If you can help with this rebuilding, please send a donation to St. Simon Parish--Haiti, 702 E. Bryant, Ludington, MI 49431.  Thank you!  Mesi!  --Kathryn