On Saturday July 26th, 2014 the rendezvous was at Anbamango, Port-a-Piment. Monitors, lecturers, cooks, security personnel, volunteers from abroad and from Port-a-Piment responded present, and at 5PM the meeting started. On the agenda: the 2014 KPP Summer Camp activities that we were all engaged to manage. The summer camp program was reviewed and responsibilities assigned. Everyone knew and understood the task ahead: two weeks of hard and exciting work from July 28th to August 8th 2014.
The next Monday morning early, the “Diyite” bus, rented for the two 2 week period was already parked near the Notre Dame du Rosaire Church. The kids lined up eagerly, waiting for the monitor’s signal. In their eyes, one could sense the excitement. The roll call started, and one by one they were helped onto the bus. After ensuring that everyone was accounted for and properly seated, the bus driver proceeded toward the “Ecole Nationale de Figuiers”, the site of the 2014 KPP Summer Camp.
At the school, the security personnel and monitors were there to meet the kids and escort them to the reception room. It was time to meet each other. The president of KPP, Mr. Frantz J Jean (Mesye Milou), the Camp Coordinator, Mrs. Pauledeline Orcel and the monitors welcomed the kids and delivered a book bag as well as a colorful water bottle to each child. The book bags had been donated by our partner organization: Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., South Broward Alumnae Chapter. Each child received an ID card that they were to keep on for the duration of the camp.
It was the beginning of a wonderful ten days. The kids, led by Mrs. Orcel and accompanied by the monitors toured the facility. They were assigned by group to a monitor who would guide them throughout the two week camp.
Breakfast and lunch were provided daily to the delight of the participants. The classrooms and the recreation yard of the Ecole Nationale de Figuiers were filled with the laughter of the kids, who enjoyed themselves tremendously, playing soccer, learning songs, doing puzzles, reading, while others were doing art work or taking some basic sewing lessons.
The campers had the opportunity to engage in fun and educational activities. Each day, a new theme was developed. Lecturers came in to talk about the Environment, Personal Hygiene, Health, Nutrition, Safety, Civism, Geography and History. They learned about the causes of erosion and what one could do about it. They planted their own tree. Information about behavior in school, public places and at home was delivered. The kids learned about recycling and being a good citizen. Question and answer sessions were organized and rewards were given to the winners.
Activities included a weekly outing to the Labeyi River, on Wednesdays. Labeyi river is splendid, and unbelievably inviting to swim in and relax. The kids enjoyed it to the fullest. They sang and played, which reminded us about the old good times we had when we were young. While the girls were singing in the water, the boys were playing soccer while waiting for their turn to dive in. The excitement and joy were at their peak. These were memorable moments. Two hours later, the bus would show up for the return trip to the camp. One by one, the kids got on the bus, happily singing: “Au bord de l’eau , un bal fut annoncé…. Helène tomba dans l’eau”. This song resonated all the way from Labeyi to Figuiers!
Friday August 8th marked the end of the 2014 Summer Camp. The campers, accompanied by their parents, were greeted by the KPP Staff. Elegantly dressed, the kids put on a show of dances, songs and poems, to the delight of the audience. The campers wore the cap that they had made in art class. As the closing ceremony came to an end, the kids were called one by one to receive the KPP certificate of participation. A bag of toiletries donated by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., South Broward Alumnae Chapter had been reserved for each child. The campers also received light knapsacks and sunglasses.
KPP president, Mr. Frantz J Jean, in his speech thanked the parents for trusting KPP with their children. He expressed his gratitude to the staff that helped realize this exciting and successful summer camp.
On behalf of the board of directors, Konbit Pou Potapiman Inc would like to say a special Thank You to:
The Food for the Poor Inc (Haiti) for its donation of food
JRC Coppa LLC of Hollywood, FL for its monetary contribution
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., South Broward Alumnae Chapter
Akasan Inc for its monetary contribution
Mrs. Doris A. Izmery of Haiti for her extraordinary support
Mr. Adeemir Dacenay of Lake Mary, FL for gifts to the children
All the KPP members and supporters for their continuous support.
We also thank the 2014 KPP Summer Camp Staff who worked so hard to fulfill our dream of a great summer camp.
A special Thank You goes to Mr. Jacques Frazil, Director of the Ecole Nationale de Figuiers, as well as our volunteers Phedo Lubin, Violette Jean, Danie Lubin, Carolle Paul, Aguilnaire Seide and Nicole Jean.
Please click on this link: http://youtu.be/coGeugn5OLc
