PROGRAMS IN HAITI

Element of Play®

Research suggests that 10 to 20% of young children will experience developmental delays with significantly higher rates for children living in poverty. These delays, when not addressed, carry forward into poor academic achievement. In Haiti, children are at high-risk for delays, with 59% of the population living on less than US$2/day. 

To mitigate the effects of poverty and developmental delays, we launched our Element of Play® Learning Spaces inside preschools, orphanages and created community-based locations.

Now, more than 400 children annually are receiving regular developmental screenings, accessing quality early intervention programming, and entering school with the language, cognitive, and social skills needed to succeed. For many children, this is their first experience with a structured play-based program where they can interact with their peers, learn and playing together. 

Skills Development

We work to enhance the capacity of youth, parents and teachers involved in caring for and working with children and families. For many youth volunteers who have dropped out of school, this is their first opportunity and exposure to the workforce, and their first chance to feel positively engaged in their own community. This combination of programming for young children and youth as role models has a dynamic effect, with change and growth happening on both sides. 

For parents/caregivers and teachers, we provide training, support and ongoing coaching to ensure the home and school are safe spaces for children to play, learn and thrive.

Kan Etwal (Camp of Stars): Children and Youth Living with Serious Illness

Since 2011, through a partnership with SeriousFun Children’s Network, we have created annual summer camp experiences for children and youth living with serious illness. Our camp provides opportunities for bonding, building friendships, and increasing self-confidence in young campers. 

In Haiti, Kan Etwal activities are designed to teach children life-skills, interpersonal-skills, healthcare knowledge, and to renew their resilience and sense of hope in the most exciting and creative ways. Campers sing “Pran medikaman’m” as they receive their medication, take part in nightly “Coeur a Coeur” (Heart-to-Heart) cabin chats and transform recyclables into handcrafted jewelry near Kenscoff.