Our Work in Haiti
Port-au-Prince and Cavaillon
Children as well as many adults in Haiti are severely malnourished. While visiting an orphanage housing teenagers, we saw that children were only provided with two meals; we were inspired to get involved. Agape is partnered with the Light for Living Ministry in Haiti to support a summer Vacation Bible School program, a medical clinic, healthy meals, educational assistance, vocational training, and the Blessed to be a Blessing initiative.
Medical Clinic
Due to severe financial constraints, Haitians seldom visit doctors and often end up in the hospital at a critical stage when their chances of survival are minimal. Free medical clinics sponsored by western mission organizations like Agape are often the sole form of primary care. Here’s how it works:
Once a year, a medical team from the United States travels to Haiti with the missions team to provide care alongside local health care practitioners, including local doctors hired by Agape.
In advance of these trips, Agape ships over-the-counter medicines, wound care supplies, reading glasses, vitamins, baby formula etc. to Haiti.
Both adult and pediatric prescription medications are purchased from the local pharmacy in bulk and 1 month’s supply of medications is provided free of charge to patients as needed.
Patients who need further diagnostic tests (ie. X-ray, lab work, EKG) are sent outside the clinic with a local volunteer. Agape pays for these diagnostic tests.
A hired local dentist conducts free dental check-ups, fluoride treatments, and teaches oral hygiene to young children.
Healthy Meals
Agape sponsors healthy meals for children attending the summer vacation programs. Grains, beans, meats etc. are purchased and prepared by local volunteers.
Blessed to be a Blessing
Our most recent initiative, this program distributes goats and chickens to children from impoverished families. The goal is to encourage sustainable income as well as teach the children accountability. By raising goats and chickens, these families can earn a good portion of their living and also improve nutrition at home.
Educational Assistance (e.g School Supplies)
School supplies (notebooks, pens, pencils, crayons, coloring books, school bags etc.) are collected from local organizations in the United States and shipped to Haiti prior to missions trip. Local Sunday Schools often prepare blessing bags stuffed with small gifts (toiletries, nutrition bars, crayons, pencils etc.) for the children in Haiti.
Vacation Bible School & Vocational Training Programs
In addition to a summer VBS program, children gather together on Saturdays to participate in continued learning and meal programs. Local professionals are hired to teach masonry, sewing, and computer classes.