Report from Tony B in Haiti 2.17.2021 "Valentines"
Dear Friends,
The political crisis in Haiti is apparently calm today despite repeated violent clashes between the police and Government opponents in certain strategic streets of the capital and some provincial towns.
Since yesterday all the 7 Star of Hope schools reopened, all school activities functioned as usual, but children were invited to come to school either in uniform or in colorful dress up. According to the school calendar, the school will close for the carnival holiday. From today, children are on short carnival vacations to Wednesday the 17th. They will be back to school on February 18th.
“Haiti's Carnival"
Haiti's largest annual event takes place throughout the country. However, the largest event called Haitian Defile Kanaval is held in the capital, Port-au-Prince, Haiti, every year. Like New Orleans' Mardi Gras celebration, Haiti's Carnival involves parades, costumes, local music, and dancing in the streets to herald the holy season. Fat Tuesday falls before Easter and has families dining on banquets at home. Meanwhile, in the streets, the festivities continue far into the night.”
Before going on vacations, children of some Star of Hope schools decided to celebrate Valentine's Day and Carnival in quite different ways from years past. Instead of organizing festive activities they organized inter-class football championships and made a special sign to wish all the star of Hope sponsors “Happy Valentine's Day” in recognition of all the support and attention they have received from sponsors.
On every special occasion of the year, children always show special attention to sponsors because they love them very much and are incredibly grateful to them.
* If these children can go to school, it is thanks to the sponsors.
* If these students are dressed in nice clean uniforms, it is thanks to the sponsors.
* If these students go to school in a secure school building equipped with appropriate furniture, it is thanks to the sponsors.
* If these children can have a free hot meal every day, it is thanks to the sponsors.
* If these students have confidence in a better future, it is thanks to the sponsors.
* If these students have adequate materials and qualified personnel to educate them, it is thanks to the sponsors.
* If these children have safe drinking water in school and in the community, it is thanks to the sponsors.
* If these children and parents get food package support during pandemic crises and natural catastrophes, it is thanks to the sponsors.
It is why children are so happy and thankful to have sponsors in their life and to wish all of them Happy Valentines Day.
Stay safe.
Tony B, Haiti