Monday, August 11, 2014
La Gonave Mission & Transition
An important project of our La Gonave Mission in Haiti was the education of 29 plus students. Eight chose University, others Vocational Training and several High School. President Paul of the Haitian Methodist Church said the program was problematic. The EMH offers a scholarship program in either agriculture or teaching in each of the districts. All of our students have chosen university science majors or vocation training primarily related to new technology. All have been active in EMH congregations and EMH Youth groups. One university student was a trained teacher who was paid infrequently and will graduate with a Nursing Science Degree.
Dorvil, the student who graduated with honors in November has yet to be awarded his license to practice as the professor did not have 3 projects for him ready to complete before graduation. One project he finally completed recently but has two left. That may perhaps mean another 6 months or more before he can move away from the university and try to find employment as a civil engineer. He can not work while doing the projects and although they have not tried to collect any other tuition, he still has housing, food and transportation expense. 
A computer science major who graduates this semester has been working for a school in Petit Guave for a salary of $650.00 per month but was recently told he can not continue unless he is married. They only hire married "men"...I am uncertain if female teachers have that restriction.
All of the students have had some assistance from family, but for 6 years most have lived "hand to mouth" and maintained high grade point averages. They all share fear they will not find work following graduation because of cultural issues AND because they are Haitian. We have contacted NGO's we know to see if they are hiring without any luck.
One retired ordained clergy couple of the EMH recently sent their two children to a university in Kansas for education and said they would only get work in Haiti if educated in the US.
Graduates from vocational training, and Nursing Science majors have had little problem finding work. Translators, mechanics and chauffeurs are hired but not necessarily well paid. We fear university training moves into another realm. Another group sponsoring a medical student is running into issues with obtaining license for the student trained in DR following the earthquake.
We have been blessed by the former Kansas East Conference for making Round Up Against Hunger funds available each year to ensure we could pay each semesters tuition for the eight enrolled university students and the other 14 still attending Vocational Training and High School.
Congregations, individuals, UMW, family and various organizations have contributed not only tuition. Church of the Resurrection UMC in Leawood refurbished more than 18 computers for students and are prepared to set up a "training project" for our graduating Computer Science major. Wyandotte UMC in Kansas City sponsored one student with tuition and a living stipend plus prayer support. Love offerings, monthly individual commitments and fund raising events plus generous offerings at Annual Conference and individual and VIM Team "gifts" have been used for tuition, housing, equipment, medical care and food. The need continues as student tuition, project costs and need for specialized equipment rise.
Primarily, I am feeling lost in cultural issues. We face the future with graduating students and it seems our task is not coming to an end but making a transition. These bright, committed and now educated young adults have dreams of "making a real difference" on La Gonave. We are now exploring ways to help as university students graduate and seek jobs that will actualize their devotion and education.
I like to think transitions in our UM Conference, the Round Up Against Hunger program, and the Haitian Methodist Church are not endings but doors opening for new and (to coin the Bishops word) audacious possibilities. I dream of the day 29 Haitian young adults will be using their education to improve their livelihood, and that of their families, neighbors and people on La Gonave and Haiti.
The need continues for funding for the Scholarship Program for La Gonave Students through our GBGM Long Term Volunteer Advance Special. Donations have been managed by Central UMC in Lawrence KS since we moved to Haiti in 2007. The advance number is #982465-6. Checks are made to Central UMC with the advance number in the memo line and mailed to the church at 1501 Massachusetts, Lawrence KS 66044. Much gratitude to Sid Snyder who retires soon as treasurer.
I will attend a Partnership Summit in Port a Prince, September 8th -11th.
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