"The rainy season is looming. When you ask people who live in these places, on the streets, in tents made of pieces of tissue, and with plastic, What are they panicking about the most right now? They all have the same answer, “Rain.” Myriam's newsletter, Feb 24, 2010
"We decided to go down to the encampment and interview individuals, and get more specific information. We learned that the Mayor had arrived and kicked them off the property. He said they could move behind that piece of land, to a ravine." Holli's newsletter, Feb 18, 2010
The mission of PINP is long-term personal development through partnership, but we are also working to provide immediate need during this crisis. Go here for details or to donate.
Child slaves
“I have to carry 20 gallons of water per day. Some times I go to bed without a meal. I am suffering from different kind of sicknesses. I am generous and I am a strong girl. I would like to get the chance to go to school like every child.” Fedeline Jean Charles
“My mother has sent me to live with another lady because she does not have enough food and money to take care of us. Sometimes I remain around 3 days without solid food. I wish I could go to school one day, and go to university. I would also like to get away from the situation that I am in as a restavek [child slave].” Sonia Samedy
“I can sleep only for two or three hours. I sleep in the house on a piece of carpet. Sometimes I spend the night on my feet when it’s raining, because I sleep under the bed. When the rains stop I have to clear the water out from the floor where I sleep. I have a dream. I would like to become a doctor.” Christmarie Dorelien
Video clip in profile!
“The house I am staying belongs to my aunt. I call her aunt according to the custom of my country but she is not my aunt. I always have fever, stomachache. My aunt, the lady, buys me some tablets. I want a good life with love, respect, appreciation.” Rivaldo Camille
“I wash dishes, scrub the floor, carry the water, sweep the floor. I don’t feel good because I am always working. I never have fun and I don’t like to play. I loves school, but I can’t go, I am very unlucky. I eat once a day, at noon, but the food is not enough for me.” Marie-Ange Joanise
“I never went to school even a day. My mother is dead since 9 years. I am living here for 8 years with an old woman named Lisa as restavek (child slave). I am always tired and I never have time to rest. I can’t be happy because I have no freedom.” Dorce Jamine
“Sometime when I am too tired and can’t do anything, she hits me all over my body with wood or cable, anything she finds. I am always sick, as you can see my throat came big like a balloon. I have never been going to see a doctor for that. I like to smile, play soccer with an empty bottle in the street.” Jocenel Lubain
Falant is a restavek (an indentured servant or child slave). He washes dishes, scrubs floors, and gets water. His mother would like him back, but her husband died recently, she doesn’t work, and couldn’t afford to feed him. Sponsorship level: $12 per month.
“I can count the numbers of rice on the spoon the women I am staying with gives me. When I was living with my mother I used to ask her, When will you buy a pair of shoes for me? She said, the little money is not even enough to feed us. How can I buy you a pair of shoes?” Gerald Tide
