“Because of you, I am free”

Living in Haiti all of my life, I have always witnessed and heard people say that Haitians do not put their heads together to do the work.  Now I know that is not true.  This past November I witnessed something I have never seen nor heard about in Haiti. 

When we came together to begin the process of planning the music competition I never expected to see the results we have seen. The process took place over several weeks and the final day more than 9,000 people showed up to lend their support and to stand up for the FREEDOM of children in restavek.

The crowd was very enthusiastic and the people cheered when something powerful was said.  The people voted for their favorite performer and the finalist that were chosen, deserved to be there.  We had many powerful performances and so many talented people that put their hearts into creating original lyrics and music.  My arms were filled with little bumps as I realized what was happening right in front of me.  To think that all these people were coming together to support the work we have been doing for so long.  I wanted to shout with excitement.

One of the most encouraging things to see was so many young people lifting their voices for this cause.  I have confidence that this will bring a good result for my country and that together we will raise the flag higher and more Haitian people will stand up for freedom.

Tomorrow night (Jan. 9) Pastor Bilda, Gardy and 8 of the finalist will be on TV in Haiti.  The show is for 1 hour and will send a message to the entire country of Haiti.  If you are Haitian and living in Port au Prince, please watch at 8 PM on channel 24.

Together we will arrive!

Shinaida Thomas, Child Advocate

In October 2010, before we officially opened our transition home, I received a knock at the door.  Standing before me was a young woman with obvious signs of physical and emotional abuse.  The scars, the blank stare, her hunched shoulders…everything about her spoke of hopelessness.  She was seeking refuge and had heard that we were working with children living as restavek. 

Marie’s story is one of transformation, brought about through education, patience and love.  She moved into our home and the transformation began to take place immediately. She was 21, and our maximum age of acceptance is 17.  However, when I met her, I knew there was no way I could return her to the life she had been living. 

From the age of 3 years old she had been passed around from one family to another, abused and humiliated, illiterate and exhausted.  Her options were few but then one day she could not take it any longer.

Today Marie has hope.  She transitioned out of our home 16 months later, confident and full of anticipation that her future would be better. Now she can read and write, cook and sew and supports herself with the money she earns creating beautiful jewelry.  She knows what it means to give love and to receive love and she understands the value of education. She is happy and has friends and a community of people that care about her.

I recently received a text message from her saying, “Mwen renmen w anpil” (I love you a lot).  This, from a young women who 2 years ago could not even write her name.  This is HOPE!

Marie is just one of thousands of young women that need a hand up. 

Marie gave us permission to share her story and to share these photos.  Typically we do not post photos of the girls in these situations.  However we felt that her story would be one of inspiration and visible change.  We hope that you are as inspired as we continue to be by the courage of these young women.

Thank you for standing with us for FREEDOM.

Djougine Desrosier, Child Advocate