Education is Key
Education is a key component in everyone's life. Every child deserves the chance to get an education so that they can grow up and have a better life. When children are unable to be educated the community and the nation suffer.
The education system is set up differently in Haiti than the US. In Haiti, many children have the opportunity to attend school for the first semester (Oct-Dec), but if at the end of December, tuition has not been paid children are not permitted to take their exams or come back for the second semester of school. Without completing the exams a child can not move on to the next grade.
Tuition in rural areas of Haiti range from $150-$250 (US $). The price varies by grade and by the school. The average Haitian with a good steady middle class job will bring home ~$40 (US$) a month. This money is quickly spent on life necessities and little is left for savings. Most Haitians living in more rural areas are not lucky enough to find a steady job. Instead they make ends meet by selling drinks, gas, or trinkets on the side of the road.
About the Group
Currently we consist of 4 couples in the United States and 2 people living in Haiti. We were brought together by our Leaders Phenes and Kara Magny. Phenes was born and raised in Haiti. He met his wife in Haiti where Kara was a missionary. Eventually they were married and moved back to the US. They go back to Haiti multiple times a year to visit family and friends.
In mid 2013, Phenes' father passed away. Phenes was overwhelmed with the amount of people who showed up to honor is father. His father had touched many peoples lives by doing little things to help them out. Phenes was also overwhelmed with the number of requests from people he ran into asking for help in any form.
From this trip, Phenes came home with a calling on his heart to follow his father's footsteps and help the people of Haiti.
Note: We are not a not-for-profit group. We are currently just a group of people. If this vision progresses and the Lord wishes us to establish a foundation, we will. But for now we are just trying to do what we think is right and go where the Lord is leading us.
Selection of Children in Haiti
The two members of our group that live in Haiti are close friends of Kara and Phenes whom they trust completely. After prayer the men let the spirit guide them to children in dire situations with legitimate needs. We do not personally know the children or their families. The children and parents do not know why their picture was taken or that we hope to pay for their schooling.
Interaction with the Families
Tuitions for school will be paid directly to the schools. The parents
will only receive a letter letting them know that their child's school is paid
for this year. All they will know about us is that we love them and
wanted to help. These families will be in our prayers and our
hearts.
Yes, we could seek correspondence with the child or family to see what our
money is doing. But this is not about us being acknowledged for our
gifts. Nor do we want to check in to make sure that child was a wise
investment to our cause. The money is given to the child the Spirit leads
us to. The rest is in God's hands and we are at peace with that.
Where the money Goes
The money will be given directly to the school administration to pay for the child's education. Any additional money leftover may be given to the parents to help pay for uniforms, books, food, etc. If there is a substantial amount of money left over after paying for 15 children's tuitions we may use this money to help send other children to school as well.
How Can I Support Your Group
- Prayer. Please pray for
- Our group as we seek guidance in finding the Lords vision for Father's Footsteps.
- The families and children we are trying to reach.
- The men in Haiti as they assess and discern the needs.
- Monetary Donations
- Any amount is appreciated. Our goal is to send 15 children to school. Assuming an average tuition of $200 per child, we need to raise ~ $3000 before early November 2013. This would allow sufficient time for the funds to be sent to Haiti and distributed to the school with out a child having to miss a single day of school
- See contact information on how to submit funding
- Spread the Word
- if you know anyone who would pray for us or be willing to help us out, please send them this website link
Contact Information
For additional information about the group or our mission, you mail email through the blog or send an email to
thefathersfootsteps@yahoo.com
If you live in the Gainesville/High Springs, Fl area and know anyone in the group, please give the donation directly to them.
If you do not live in the area or are not familiar with any members of the group, please email either through the blog or to the email address below and we will contact you will the appropriate address to send a check.
DEniva, Age 8, entering 3rd grade
Dephelande, Age 18, entering 9th grade
Hoodckenley, Age 5, entering preschool II
Magnenie, Age 8, entering 2nd grade
Samuel, Age unknown, entering 7th grade
Carl-Juvensley, age 8, entering 2nd grade
Maseline, Age 5, entering preschool II
Walsen, Age 11, entering 6th grade
Wendji, Age 7, entering 2nd grade