Haiti

Haiti shares the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic. It was the second country in the New World, after the United States, to free itself from colonial powers. Most Haitians are descendants of Africans who were brought to the country as slaves by the French. Though the country’s official language is French, the majority of its people speak Creole. The Creole culture is a distinctive fusion of African, French, and West Indian elements. Haitians are particularly proud of their art, which has drawn international interest for its vitality and vivid colors.

Haiti is the most densely populated nation in the western hemisphere. About half the population is peasant farmers. Some of these farmers own land, but most do not have enough to grow food for their families, let alone earn a sufficient income. Overcrowding and the demand for wood charcoal have led to severe deforestation and soil erosion throughout the country.

A mountainous region, Haiti means “high land” in the native Arawak tongue. After Columbus discovered the country, the Arawaks were decimated by Spanish armies in search of gold. The Spanish were succeeded by the French, who were expelled in 1804 following a heroic struggle for independence.

Haiti has the lowest per capita income of any country in the western hemisphere. Plagued by disease, malnutrition, illiteracy, political upheaval, and deforestation, more than three quarters of the population live in extreme poverty. Because of the dreadful conditions, people often try to immigrate to the United States or the Dominican Republic in search of better opportunities.

The country’s climate is generally hot, with cooler weather from December to February. Rainy weather in the spring and fall can make roads virtually impassable, isolating rural communities and delaying correspondence with sponsored children. Hurricanes deal further blows to living conditions on the island.

Life for Haitian children is quite difficult. Though they are supposed to begin school at age six, many parents can’t afford the mandatory school fees, and some villages don’t even have school facilities. It’s not uncommon for a child to enter the first grade at age 15.

It is also common for children to marry at an early age. Girls may marry as young as age 15. Thus, your sponsored child’s mother may be quite young.

• Pray that churches and families will respond to God's call to care for orphans and widows, especially those affected by the AIDS pandemic.
• Pray that your sponsored child might be open to God’s love and grace.
• Ask God to guide your sponsored child as he or she learns, grows, and moves toward a future full of hope and possibilities.
• Pray for God to protect the health of your sponsored child and his or her family.