In 2007, Saint Anthony Catholic School students were introduced by a Saint Anthony parishioner, Odette Morency, to Child Jesus School in Petit Goave, Haiti. Started as an orphanage by Odette, Child Jesus had begun to provide basic education to Haitian children who could not afford the five dollars per month to attend Haiti’s public schools. Most did not even own the required shoes or clothing necessary to go to school. Since Saint Anthony students have developed a sister school relationship with the Child Jesus School, we have donated used uniforms, supplies, and money to help fund the school. After the devastating earthquake in Haiti, we received news that, although the school was only 38 km south of Port-au-Prince, it was still standing and its employees and students were safe. Our students held many fund raisers in order to help our Haitian brothers and sisters. Saint Anthony students and families collected over $8,000 for Haitian relief and provided our sister school with enough tents to house its students and their families. Last year, for the first time, we also were able to raise enough money to provide Child Jesus students with Creole language texts. Every month, Saint Anthony Catholic School has a jean day on the first Thursday. Students pay one dollar to wear jeans and all monies collected go to help Child Jesus School. Students who attend Child Jesus send our students notes and photos and a relationship based on mutual respect has been developed. We plan to continue and expand our efforts in Haiti for many years to come.
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Sister School in Haiti |
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