About Haiti ...

Haiti is located in the Caribbian approximately 600 miles south-east of Miami. It occupies the western third of the island of Hispaniola (with the Dominican Republic occupying the remainder of the island).

Slightly smaller than the state of Maryland, and with a population of just over seven million, Haiti is currently the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, with more than two-thirds of its labor force not currently holding formal jobs. Many rely on small gardens or charity to survive, while many simply have nothing at all. Nearly 80% of the population is considered to be functionally illiterate with slightly less than half of those over the age of fifteen being able to read and write. The official languages of Haiti are French and Haitian Creole. While everyone speaks Haitian Creole, only about 20% of the population speaks French.

As you can imagine, these conditions are taking a great toll on the people of Haiti, especially the children. Approximately one-in-four Haitian children dies before they even reach the age of five. These children are dying from poor hygiene, malnutrition, neglect, and sometimes even abuse. It is here that Maison Fortuné Orphanage hopes to have some impact, by taking in and caring for the children of Haiti.