Author: potapiman

On Saturday August 9^th, Konbit Pou Potapiman proceeded to the inauguration of a Children’s Library, a first in the town of Port-a-Piment.

The staff of KPP had been working on this project for some time, and it is the fruit of many efforts, from numerous individuals, from Haiti and from abroad.

For some of us, it was the realization of a dream: to bring to the kids of Port-a-Piment a larger and improved vision of the world, and to help develop inquisitive minds.

The library is located in a section of the EFACAP School, but is open to all students of the commune. In preparation for the opening, the area was freshly painted. Chairs and tables had been ordered in vibrant colors, enough to accommodate 25 students at a time.

The library opened with a load of over 1000 books, mostly to the level of the very young. It also includes books for older children, a small Adult section, and a section of Reference books including a complete set of an Encyclopedia.

Management of the library has been trusted to Mr. Josue Paul and Mr. Gentil Abraham, both local educators in Port-a-Piment. When the school year starts, at the beginning of September, the library will be open 2 days a week.

The inauguration ceremony took place in a festive atmosphere. Over 60 adults and children responded to our invitation to first visit the library, and then participate in the ceremony, which included:

Cutting of the Ribbon by Mr. Frantz J Jean, president of Konbit Pou Potapiman Inc.

Invocation and Blessing of the Library by Father Gilbert Claude, Pastor at Notre Dame du Rosaire Church.

Speeches by Mrs. Pauledline Orcel, Inspector of Schools; Mr. Aguilnaire Seide, Director of the Lycee;  Mr. Phedo Lubin, local environmentalist; Mr. Gentil Abraham, professor,  and by Mr. Frantz J Jean.

The speakers discussed the importance of books in young people’s formation. They recalled their own experiences with reading, and they exhorted parents and teachers to help the young children take full advantage of the library.

Mrs. Carolle Paul and Nicole Jean reminded the audience of the contributions of many, from as far away as Switzerland, Belgium, Port-au-Prince, Miami and Canada, who donated and shipped the books, all for the benefit of the youth of Port-a-Piment.

A raffle was held, and 10 lucky young recipients each received a new copy of the book La Chenille. For many, it was their very first reading book.

It was all followed by a modest reception, enjoyed to the sound of music.

KPP transmits the appreciation of the youth of Port-a-Piment to all individuals and families who contributed to this effort

Our Special Thanks go to:

Mrs. Livie Magloire Louis

Jo, Joelle, Marie Paule, Nadine, Veronique

Mrs. Madeleine Oakes

Mr. & Mrs. Gabriel Verret

Mr. Karl Fontaine

The N’Deurbelaou family.

Mr. Robert Orcel

Please click on this link: http://youtu.be/nynDN-V8KAo

On Saturday July 26^th, 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 28^th 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 8^th 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

On July 21^st and 22^nd 2014, Konbit Pou Potapiman Inc (KPP) in collaboration with the Association des Médecins Haitiens (AMH) held its annual Free Health Fair Clinic  at the hospital in Port-a-Piment.

People from all ages turned out for this event. More than 300 patients received free consultations and medicines. This Fair included information on diabetes, high blood pressure, hygiene and a chance to speak with qualified professionals.

It was a successful event by all accounts. The AMH  physicians, Dr Eddy Jean-Baptiste and Dr .Eder Jean Baptiste from Port-au-Prince and the local hospital physician Dr. Ronald Charles  teamed up with Dr Edwig Eugene from Louisiana and  Dr Dominique A Jean of Los Angeles, California  to provide all the necessary care.  A variety of health care professionals from the hospital and from abroad came in to help make these two days a great KPP-AMH event.

“These two days have been a great success,” said Dr Dominique A Jean “I have seen a great turnout and I am happy to provide this service for the county of Port-a-Piment.”

Konbit Pou Potapiman Inc, thanks the members of KPP-Haiti for their support and collaboration.  We thank Dr. Dernst Jean Baptiste (Doc Eddy), Dr. Eder Jean Baptiste of AMH for their time and expertise at this event.

We also acknowledge the extraordinary sacrifices of Dr Edwig Eugene and Dr Dominique A Jean who volunteered  their time and services to our brothers and sisters of the county of Port-a-Piment.

Our sincere thanks go to volunteer KPP members, Mrs. Carolle Paul from Boca Raton, Fl, Mrs Nicole Jean from Pembroke Pines FL, Nurse Michelle Borgellas, Nurse Yvrose Lazarre and Mrs. Danie Lubin from Boston, MA for their outstanding contributions.  We also acknowledge the efforts and dedication of Mr. Jean Robert Isidor, the Hospital Administrator, Nurse Violette Jean of Port-a-Piment and the local hospital staff.

The   KPP–AMH Health Fair was made possible by many supporters and contributors. A special Thank You to:

Dr Marie Greta Roy Clement, President of the “Association des Medecins Haitiens (AMH) for the continuous support of AMH.

JGR Copa, LLC of Hollywood for its monetary contribution

Marie Therese Boulos of PEHACHEVE, Haiti for her monetary support.

Please see these pictures below: