By Bob Simon
“Belle-Fontaine is a countryside area where children are thirsty for education, says Eunice Laborde, president of Souvenir Children Foundation of Haiti, at Lutz, last Saturday.
She also explains the urgency to keep schools open in Haiti, while explaining how children of certain area in Haiti sacrifice themselves to reach the organization’s school facility.
“For 11 years, SCFH has supported children’s education in Haiti, but nowadays, things get worse, Laborde explained. “More children come to us because many nearby schools are closed, gangs took over nearby towns, and the organization was forced to close two school facilities, including one at Delmas 6.
The former nurse said, “She hosts this annual fund-raising event to keep classroom doors open at Belle-Fontaine. This locality is 12 miles from the capital – Port-au-Prince and represents hope for the children in this community where there is no other local school.
Through her speech, she outlined a list of vocational education programs that the organization supported since day one. With these extended programs they want to give these children hope and skills to move forward in their career.
“The school is usually open every year for 10 months with eight teachers and a principal at the cost of $200 per month,” said Laborde. “In addition, S.C.F.H. opened an adult illiteracy program, a professional sewing course, and a goat sharing program to empower children’s parents while they are attending school.
”Whether the organization already supports energy and water installation and equipment, many actions need to be taken, explained Laborde, who outlined that a few children and teachers decided to stay at the school for weeks when violence rages in nearby towns.
In addition to their fears, explained Laborde, “the children still gathering inside of our makeshift shelters made with thin sheet metal five days a week.”
In her short welcome speech, she read the organization board’s wish list: “Provide the teacher’s salary monthly, build a permanent structure, expand the school beyond primary education, and increase the organization’s financial capacity for post-high school scholarships to the university.”
Besides, the president thanked the audience while explaining how their contributions significantly help children avid for education in Haiti.
“There’s so much more that we need to provide for the school. But above all, we want to be able to pay the teachers.”
In our organization, said Laborde, “we choose instead of supporting each child to support the teachers. This way, they can come and teach a class, and the kids can be educated.”
“Last time I went to Belle-Fontaine, I saw the children and their willingness to learn… it made tears come down my face. I hope I can help more children! Laborde concluded.
DC of Tampa 
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