Ongoing issues with infrastructure, a shortage of qualified teachers, overcrowded classes, and need for additional educational materials negatively impact the quality of children’s education in rural Haiti. Our goal is to empower individuals in Haiti to positively transform their nation. We aim to equip a new generation with the vision and skills to make their dreams a reality through the following activities:
School Supplies Drive. We are seeking partners (individuals, businesses or charitable organizations) to help provide educational supplies such as backpacks, notebooks, pencils, hygiene kits (e.g. toothbrushes), and teaching resources for over 1,500 children and 50 teachers. Your small donation can help purchase educational resources that make all the difference in encouraging a child to stay in school and ensuring a successful academic experience.
Teacher Training Program. For the past 8 years, international volunteers have donated their time, talent, experience and resources to conduct intensive teacher training workshops in Lebrun, Haiti. Local teachers are trained in teaching techniques, basic classroom management, and other related teaching skills. Donate your time, training materials, and supplies to keep this crucial program moving forward.
HavServe Community Library and Technology Center. This project makes books, computers, tablets, and the internet available to children and adults in the community regardless of current enrollment status in school. HavServe supporters have donated approximately 875 books in Haitian Creole, French, and basic English to help establish the only library in a community of over 19,000 people where over 100 students participate in our weekly after-school program. This tiny library, housed in a space donated by the village, helps promote literacy and a passion for learning. We welcome your donations of children’s books and technological equipment as we continue to expand the library’s collection.
Haiti Music 4 Development (HM4D) Program. This program reinforces and enriches the academic experience and serves as a powerful incentive for student retention. The HM4D project relies on the investment of time from volunteers with musical talent or skills and donations of musical instruments. In 2017, 75 students were enrolled in this program and attended sessions on a weekly basis. Participation is projected to double by September 2018 and so we would appreciate any donations of musical materials and instruments.
Haiti Sports 4 Development (HS4D). This program promotes sportsmanship and team building skills for Lebrun’s children and adolescents. Each year, starting in 2010, international volunteers have conducted summer soccer camps and sessions to train locally recruited coaches. These local community volunteer coaches implement after-school soccer programs focused on child development and leadership during the year. HS4D serves as a powerful incentive for student retention in the five elementary schools that HavServe supports. Contributions in the form of funding, soccer gear, uniforms, equipment and time, make all the difference to the sustainability and success of this program.
Estimated Time
- Volunteers: 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 4 weeks
- Time: TBD
- Organizations: Ongoing
- Location: Lebrun – Haiti
Steps to Become a HavServe Volunteer
- Submit an application
- Interview
- Provide 3 references
- Complete background checks via Verified Volunteer
- Attend an orientation and training calls
- Accept recruitment letter and sign liability waiver form
- Read and accept position assignment
- Accept support and supervision by Team HavServe
- Follow-up and provide feedback to Team HavServe
- Complete review after position assignment ends
- Receive formal recognition by Team HavServe for your services
Sustainable Development Goals Trips are designed for first-time travelers and those who have an undefined skillset to share in Haiti, but want to participate in HavServe’s mission. This trip will allow travelers to see the work what HavServe has accomplished over the past eight years, and what our vision is for the future. Travelers will be able to assess how they can be part of our future vision and develop roles within the organization that can have a lasting impact. Travelers will interact with schools, the mobile clinic, churches, distributing supplies to school children and the Haitian community while organizing workshop and training in music, soccer, library activities, community clean, recycling activities, and more.
Vision Trip Qualifications
- Designed for first-time travelers and people new to HavServe
- The purpose of this trip is to learn about HavServe’s mission and vision, what is happening in Haiti, and how you can be involved
- Travelers will not participate in a specific project or task, rather they will be learners, understanding how HavServe works and why we do what we do
- Ability to be extremely flexible in a diverse environment
- Ability to learn and observe with an open mindset
- Ability to live and work in extremely rugged and harsh conditions without electricity, running water, or modern conveniences
- Ability to deal with complex emotional struggles
- Cultural sensitivity to beliefs and practices different than your own