The KPP Two-week Summer Camp has just completed its fourth year!! The camp ran from July 6th to July 17th, and this year, was set to accommodate 60 children ranging from 7 to 12 years old.
As in the previous years, the participants were selected from all the schools in Port-a-Piment and were referred by their school directors on the basis of academic excellence. The kids traveled from as far as Potus and Paricot to attend the camp daily.
The daily routine included boarding the Dignite bus at 8 AM, in front of the Notre-Dame du Rosaire church, and under the supervision of the KPP personnel. The children were then transported to the National School of Figuiers, which was chosen again this year, due to its setting, facing the sea, with plenty of trees and adequate facilities, including large classrooms, running water, a kitchen and clean toilets.
On the first day, the participants each received an ID badge, a numbered camp drawstring bag and a water bottle. This year, each child was assigned to one of five individual monitors, all local school teachers and each coming from a different school.
Each morning, the children were greeted by the Camp Director, Mrs Pauledline Orcel, and the KPP President, Mr. Frantz Jean, for the daily “causerie” . They were reminded of principles of savoir vivre and how to become a good citizen. The children then filed up to wash their hands and hold a short prayer in preparation for breakfast.
The morning meal would consist of Chocolate milk, or, Oatmeal porridge, with Bread and Peanut Butter. Wednesday was Spaghetti and Herring breakfast day.
The monitors would then gather their assigned children for activities which included Arts and Crafts, Sewing, Word Games, Floral Art, Puzzles, Kite making, and learning songs from the Cahier de Chants de Marie-Therese. Physical activities included games of soccer and basketball, jumping ropes, circles (rondes) , races and more.
On most days, a guest speaker visited the children for a talk on different important topics of daily living. We are grateful to the nurses of the local hospital, Mrs. Jean and Mrs. Abraham for their talks on nutrition, and on hygiene. We also appreciated the visit of Mr. Gentil, local school teacher who held two sessions on Civism, and Mr. Lubin who yearly educates the children on preserving the environment. On the next day, a short question and answer session on the topic covered would guarantee prizes of pens, balloons, handkerchiefs and school supplies to the winners. The day before Graduation, a Raffle was held with even more coveted prizes of Teddy Bears, Flip Flops and toiletries.
Once a week, there was Outing Day to the River Labeyi, which by the children’s accounts, remains the most enjoyable part of the camp and Helene tomba dans l’eau” the favorite song.
At lunch, the children delighted in a meal of Rice or Cornmeal with Bean Sauce, Herring, Sausages or Meatballs and a Fruit Drink.
After lunch was the time for Änimation Culturelle””when the children would start preparing their contribution to Graduation day, and from where they left to board the Dignite bus back to town at 2PM.
On Friday, July 17th, the children, parents, staff and members of KPP assembled for a simple Graduation ceremony that included songs, skits, poems and dances performed by the children. There were speeches by Mrs. Orcel and Mr. Jean, and a Thank You song by the parents. The children received a Certificate of Attendance as well as parting gifts of school supplies. A reception of Sandwiches and Punch followed. When it was time for the Dignite Bus to take children and parents back to town, we were showered with Au revoirs and Thank Yous for a great time.
The children are hoping for a repeat performance next year.
Our thanks also go to Mrs Pauledline Orcel for her leadership,
To the monitors Francoise, Rafania, Odeline, Emiel, Joacine ;
to the Support staff Beanie, Lambert, Linet, Eliovil,
to the Kitchen Staff Nicole, Inelda, StRose, Simone,
to the helpers Jonathan, Kelot, Anel, Elimont and Jean.
Our gratitude also goes to the Director of the National School of Figuiers, Mr. Jacques Frasil, for the hospitality;
To JGR Copa LLC for its extraordinary contribution
to Mrs. Izmery for the gift of food
to Mrs. Verret for the gift of school supplies
to Mr. Appolon, Mrs. Boulos, Mr Desormeau and Unitransfer for the monetary contribution.
Our deepest gratitude to the directors of Food for the Poor-Haiti for their valuable contribution of foods and supplies.
A special Thank You to all the KPP members who contribute yearlong to this effort, and to those who each year travel from overseas to insure a smooth operation, Thank you to the team of Carolle Paul, Frantz and Nicole Jean.
Thank you for helping the town of Port-a-Piment. Frankly KPP, you are doing such a great job and hopefully more people will contribute. GOD bless you ALL.
MARIE