The more immediate needs

Maison Fortuné Orphanage has many long term plans which will enable us to continue to grow and provide for the less fortunate children of Haiti. Things like additional living quarters for the children, guest quarters for volunteers, additional staff and more. In the mean time we must also contend with some of the more immediate needs here at the orphanage. We have made a great deal of progress in the past few years, but we still have a long way to go. If we are to continue providing the children with the care they need and deserve, then we must maintain an ample supply of food, clean water, clothing, school books and personal hygiene items. Some of the goals will take time to achieve, but they are all achievable. Below are some of the more immediate needs Maison Fortune Orphanage faces.

• With the completion of the new school building the orphanage now has adequate classroom space for teaching not only the children that live at the orphanage, but is also providing an education for as many as 150 children (boys and girls) from the neighboring village. However with more children now attending school at the orphanage, items like text books (in French), pens, pencils, composition books, art paints, compasses and protractors for geometry, rulers, and other school supplies for the students always seem to be in short supply. Sometimes there just is not enough to go around. We are also always in need of many teachers materials (in French language).

• Another item that is needed is a DVD Multimedia Projector. This would not only serve as a tool for the teachers during classes, but also allow the children to see an occsional movie in a group setting.

• Along with regular school subjects, physical education is also very important to the children's health and happiness. We have basketball court and area for soccer field here at the orphanage, but are often in need of replacement basketballs, soccer balls, nets and goals.

• Another project funds are needed for is a reservoir or holding tank system to store water for laundry, cooking, bathing in the outdoor showers (when the boys want to), and filtering for drinking.

• Because the main source of power at the orphanage is a generator, energy efficiency practices are a must. One way this is accomplished is by using energy efficient CF (Compact Fluorescent) lighting when ever possible. The problem is that these bulbs are hard to come by in Haiti and when available, there initial cost can be high.

• Common medicines are always greatly needed. Things that many in other parts of the world often take for granted like aspirin, cold medicines, antibiotic creams and bandages can be hard to come by in Haiti. With such a large number of children there is always a cut or scrape that needs tending. Even the more common over the counter medications when available at the local clinic are often well beyond their posted shelf life.

• Shoes (especially mens sizes 6-10) and sandals are another item that is often needed. I am sure that anyone with children can appreciate what it must be like trying to keep this many growing children in footwear! If they are not growing out of them, they simply wear them out.

• Along with shoes there is of course always a need for basic clothing such as pants, shirts, underwear, etc. Trying to keep nearly one-hunred growing children in clothing is a major task in itself and clothing always seems to be in short supply. While we sometimes have offers from afar to donate some of these items, getting the items to the orphanage presents a whole new issue. Often the cost of shipping items of this type will exceed the value of the items and for this reason, though we are happy to accept donations of clothing it is usually recommended and more economical for those wanting to help to instead make a monetary donation to the orphanage operating fund. This allows Jean-Louis to then purchase the clothing items locally, not only providing more clothing for the same cost, but also helping others in the area by providing business for the local merchants.

• Because we now have as many as 20 of the older children attending the local secondary school outside the orphanage, we also have a need for bicycles. The bicyles enable them to get to and from school as well as run errands. While the orphanage has acquired some bicycles, a few more are still needed as well as funds for parts for maintaining them.

• some computer equipment had been donated in the past allowing computer training to be added to the classes in the new school. Many of these systems are slow and outdated so we are hoping to acquire additional and more up to date computer equipment as well as software (french language) and related. Power filters are also needed for the compter lab to help prevent damage to the systems during the frquent power outages.

• To help reduce costs and teach some of the older children about agriculture a garden was created at the orphanage. This garden is used to grow some corn and other vegetables and it is hoped that funds can be raised to purchase some additional garden tools (hoes, shovels, etc) so that this project can be expanded.

• Last year land had been acquired nearby for the new girls campus. Being able to also provide for the many girls in need has always been a part of the long term goal at the orphanage and construction was started on the girls dorm and other buildings on the girls campus. Unfortunately funding issues have caused delays and at times construction even had to be halted at the girls campus due to lack of funds. It is hoped that additional funding can soon be found so that perhaps construction resume and on a more regular schedule.

• There are also the more obvious needs. Things that many may take for granted are often a precious commodity in Haiti and often in very short supply at the orphanage. Things like toilet paper and other personal hygiene items such as soap, toothpaste and shampoo. There is also always a need for brooms, mops, buckets and other cleaning supplies.

We sometimes receive offers from afar to donate some of the items mentioned above. However, getting the items to the orphanage can presents a whole new issue. Because of the orphanages remote location the cost of shipping the items may often exceed the value of the items being sent. Though we are of course happy to accept the donated items it is often recommended and more economical for those wanting to help to instead make a monetary donation to the orphanage operating fund. This allows Jean-Louis to then purchase the clothing items locally, often not only providing more clothing for the same cost, but also helping others in the area by providing business for the local merchants.

If you or your group may be able to assist with any of these items, or you would like more information please be sure to Contact Us. If you would like to make a donation at this time, please Click Here for more information on how to do so.