New Kindergarten Brings Hope and Joy

“Where flowers bloom, so does hope.”

Lady Bird Johnson

As we welcome the warmth and promise of spring in upstate New York, Health for Haiti is celebrating an exciting new beginning at the school in Grande Saline.  Construction that began last fall is now complete and students have started attending classes in their beautiful and sturdy new kindergarten building.  The building was designed by the community in Haiti and was built by a local Haitian construction company, providing much-needed support to the local economy. This project was funded by a grant from the Endicott Rotary and contributions from other Health for Haiti donors, including a generous gift from the winner of our holiday raffle.

The new kindergarten building is a vast improvement over the previous structure that was made mostly of sheet metal and was very hot. The kindergarten students are only four and five years old, and this is their first introduction to school and formal education. It was important to the community that the school have an appropriate space to get their youngest students off to a great start.

In many ways this structure is much more than just a building. It is a community dream that became a reality. It is concrete evidence of a partnership that, despite many logistical challenges, remains strong and vibrant. It is an example of what we can accomplish when we value each other and work together to create positive change. It is a wonderful and solid investment in the future of these children.  And perhaps most importantly, it is a beautiful tribute to our belief in the transformative power of a quality education.

“I am filled with joy and cannot find the words to use to thank the team for our new kindergarten.”

Pastor Dorcent Berlando, School Principal

The new kindergarten is now filled with excited voices, laughing, and singing. It is a place of joy and learning and promise. Together we remain hopeful and look forward to watching our littlest students bloom and blossom.