Christmas Gift Ideas # 2 HELP

Goats aren't you?  Not  exactly that "perfect gift " you were looking for?  You dont think your teenager would appreciate a goat or at least not a goat that they cant keep in their room ? ( Have you thought about the fact that it would be the one pet you would never have to nag at them to feed or clean up after? )

How about the Gift of Knowledge? Give a child the World? How about sponsoring a childs education? 

Education is a privilege, not a right in Haiti.
Less than half the children in Haiti go to school.
Students must pay tuition to attend both government and private schools.
Most families need help to pay tuition, buy uniforms, shoes and books.
Education provides hope for a better future.
Promise for Haiti operates 8 primary Christian schools that have feeding programs and scholarships available.

Every child has a dream.....

Every child needs someone to believe in them.....

Every child needs someone who will walk beside them.....

How does the program work? Students are chosen by a  committee in Pignon based on the family’s financial situation and chooses only those children who could not otherwise attend school.  The H.E.L.P. program volunteers  match a child with the sponsor and provide the sponsor with regular reports of student progress and information about the families.

What does my sponsorship provide?
Your annual scholarship  provides tuition for your student as well as money  to buy the required school uniform, books and school supplies.  Children also receive a meal at noon three days each week.

How do I know my student is attending school?  
Stateside HELP volunteers maintain accountability and follow up for all students in the program through yearly visits to Pignon and collaboration with the education coordinator in Pignon.   Sponsors also receive a report card, updated photos of their sponsored child and other information as it becomes available.

How do I sponsor a child?
There are four ways to sign up as a sponsor
1.    Fill out the on-line form.
2.    Download the H.E.L.P. brochure and send in
3.    Contact the H.E.L.P. office at 641-628-9353
4.    E-mail  HELP2000@kdsi.net

The stateside Education Coordinator will assign a child from the waiting list compiled by the Comité Bienfaisance de Pignon.  You will receive a photo and information about the child as soon as payment is received.

$125/year - Primary School 
The official primary school cycle requires children to spend 6 years in school before becoming eligible for the state exam granting them a certificate of primary education (CEP).   

$290/year - Secondary School  
The official secondary education cycle requires students to spend 7 years in secondary school before sitting for the national exams in two consecutive years. Successful students receive a baccalaureate

If I cannot sponsor a child are there other ways to support students through the Haitian Education and Literacy Program? 

HELPMATE FUND:  Your donation  will help fill in the gap for students who do not have a sponsor or whose sponsor has failed to renew their scholarship.  Picture at right show students checking "the wall" to see if they have a sponsor. Many students are forced to drop from school while we are trying to find them a new sponsor so the HELPMATE fund pays their tuition and expenses until a new sponsor is found.  Donations of any amount are appreciated.

The Comite Bienfaisance de Pignon /Promise for Haiti have built and are currently operating eight Primary Christian Schools in the Pignon area.  The schools have been built in rural and remote areas outside of Pignon in villages where student otherwise would not have a chance to attend school. Each school has seven classrooms and a teacher/principal room where supplies can be stored.  Currently, there are over 2,000 students enrolled in these primary schools.  Scholarships for students who cannot afford tuition are available through the Haitian Education and Literacy Program. To find out more about sponsoring a student click H.E.L.P.