History
In the early 1990's, P.W.P. directors became aware of the incredible country of Haiti and the extreme challenges being faced by the people living there. Through a variety of church and community contacts, the fires of our interest in this Caribbean nation were stoked. Quite early in the process we knew that someday we would set foot on this troubled, decimated land.
By the mid 1990's our contacts with Canadians and Americans were augmented by meeting some Haitian nationals. Things accelerated rapidly in 1995 and early 1996. At the end of February, two of the current board members took a maiden voyage to Haiti. 'Life changing' would be far too soft a phrase to describe the impact of the trip. In September of 1996, the directors of P.W.P. returned to Haiti to finance and oversee the beginning stages of a school/church building project.
At this point there was no turning back! Our commitment to change for this impoverished land and the precious people who live there was permanently solidified. Multiple trips since, have been vehicles for tremendous learning about this land. We have also gained the understanding that there is much more we need to know.
Our interaction with Haitian brothers and sisters has filled us with an overflowing desire to know more and do more. Every scrap of news and data about Haiti are welcomed, cherished and consumed eagerly.
So, what have we done?
- Since the birth of Partners With Purpose Mission To Haiti, the following has happened:
- Achieved registered charity status in Canada.
- Sponsored two evangelism crusades in Cap-Haitien. The first one took place in March, 2000 and the second at the end of October, 2001. Both have featured evangelists, pastors, preachers and teachers. These crusades have been aptly titled HIMPACT. In 2001 we were blessed to have Florida based evangelist, Reese James and Pastor Michael Clark of City Gates Church International in Fergus, Ontario join the team.
- Established regular prayer nights for Haiti. Here, intercession for the ministry as well as the spiritual and natural needs of Haiti take place.
- Sponsored an annual walk-a-thon to raise funds.
- Created an annual musical benefit concert showcasing local talent. Current and important information regarding the country of Haiti in general and reports on the progress of P.W.P. programs are shared with our audience at these events.
- P.W.P. has provided training for twenty-four Haitian ladies in Rotary International's ROTALPHA, Concentrated Language Encounter (CLE) Literacy program and Beyond Borders Reflection Circle and Open Space teaching methodology.
- P.W.P. recently opened ten literacy centers in and around the city of Cap-Haitien employing ten women as teachers and one administrator as well as providing the opportunity for hundreds of Haitians to become functionally literate. There is no cost for these classes making it possible for even the poorest of the poor to receive this gift and the respect that comes from gaining literacy.
- In the Fall of 2004, the P.W.P. directors accumulated video footage in Haiti. We have engaged the services of a professional film editor to produce a documentary style film depicting the dire need for our literacy programs and education for women such as our Liberty School will provide. We are aiming for this film to be released and distributed in the Spring of 2005.
- Delivered a business proposal to a branch of the Canadian government requesting funding support for Liberty School for Women.
- Conducted extensive research in advance of introducing an additional educational program and micro loan initiative.
- Maintain a close, on site relationship with our Haitian staff to readily be attuned to what needs to be re-assessed and/or incorporated to keep all PWP programs evolving in productive ways.