Petuelson's Story

Petuelson gets along quite well with his classmates. He loves to run and play soccer. He would like to be a construction worker when he is older.

The Country of Haiti

Haiti is a Caribbean country that occupies the western third of the island of Hispaniola, which it shares with the Dominican Republic. Previously a French colony, Haiti declared its independence in 1804 as the first black republic. The country of Haiti is slightly smaller than the state of Maryland with a population of approximately 9.5 million people. Haiti was once one of the wealthiest colonies in the Caribbean, largely based on its forestry and sugar-related industries. Due to deforestation, erosion, political unrest and natural disasters, Haiti is currently the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, with approximately 80% of the population living under the poverty line and more than 50% of them living in extreme poverty.

Haiti is a beautiful, mountainous country with a tropical climate. The people of Haiti are vibrant and hopeful, with a rich heritage. Children typically enter orphanages or creches in Haiti because of poverty, parental abandonment and neglect.

America World has partnered with a Haitian school to sponsor 150 children living in a rural farming community outside Port-au-Prince. The school is a great blessing, as many families struggle to provide for their children. Your donation provides each student with a uniform, two hot meals a day, books, music lessons and sports activities. Teachers from the local community instruct the children in their studies, and school staff members love the children as their own. The school works hard to ensure that the physical, educational and emotional needs of each student are well met. Your sponsorship of $36.00 a month will continue this work and fund future care for the children.

As a sponsor, you will receive a picture and short biography of your child. You will have the opportunity to exchange letters and cards with your child, and see their progress in school when you receive report cards. We also encourage families to visit their child in Haiti through an America World sponsored mission trip.

The Haiti Sponsorship Program asks for a one year commitment, which can be funded either through a monthly payment of $36.00 or a one-time payment of $432.00 due at sign up. Families are asked to make a financial commitment before receiving photos and the full social history of their child.

Families are welcome to share the news of their sponsorship with friends and family members. To ensure the continued safety and privacy of the children, families are prohibited from using social media sites (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc) to share identifying information on their child. This includes, but is not limited to, the child’s last name, pictures of the child, and details that would reveal the exact location of their family or school.

Currently, 150 children are in need of scholarships. Your generous contribution will help provide the support and stability these children need to thrive. Please direct any Haiti Sponsorship Program questions to margaret.hebda@awaa.org.