Frantz and I spent the last two weeks of December in Port a Piment. We were happy to reconnect with the families of the KPP Sponsorship Program.
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We got there just as schools were closing for the holidays. We had the chance to visit with the staff of Notre Dame Du Rosaire (NDDR) Parochial School. We also visited the 4eme Annee Fondamentale classroom. Eleven of the sponsored children attend NDDR.
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Our special event for the kids and their families was held on December 21st, at 4PM, at the “Salle Paroissiale”. 23 children accompanied by a parent attended. Some siblings were also present.
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Our program included short speeches, story reading, poems, a mini book fair and a modest reception.
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The theme for the event was to inspire the kids to read for fun, to start to build their own little library, and to learn to respect books. In preparation, we had brought in about 100 small, easy to read, Haitian printed books for children, some in Kreyol, some in French. They are edited by Kopivit- L’action Sociale in Port-au-Prince . We are most grateful to Mr. Gerard-Marie Tardieu for his help and a generous discount. We also had for display an assortment of reference books such as atlases that were donated by Mr.Gabriel Verret to the Sponsorship program.
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Frantz opened the afternoon, reviewing the goals of the program and congratulating the parents for their participation.
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I spoke to encourage the kids to read for pleasure, to suggest to parents to read to the kids or to have an older sibling do it. We discussed respecting books, using them without destroying them. Each kid would be given his books in a plastic “Ziploc” bag, to keep them neat.
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Our program also included:
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– Darlene Forestal, 11years old, who read a story from the book “Rene ak Rita ap Jwe”.
– Daphne Mentor, 7 years old, who sang a Christmas carol.
– Berline Moise, 7 years old, in a Christmas poem.
– Mrs. Potus, a parent, read and explained a story from the book “Le Colibri d’Ór”.
– Regina Potus, 4 years old, her daughter, recited a poem.
– Mrs. Roselene Gentil, Program coordinator in Haiti , spoke to the parents on helping the kids achieve their academic goals. She also spoke of the need to appreciate the sponsors’ commitment. Mrs. Gentil also acted out a “conte” from one the books, to the delight of kids and adults alike.
– Mr. Jean Marc advised the parents on contacting him promptly with the report cards, bills…
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The children then lined up to receive the books that they had selected. .A reception of sandwiches, Kola, sweets was well appreciated by all present.
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Mrs. Potus then led the audience in a song thanking the KPP staff. All the families expressed their appreciation as they departed.
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I am personally quite satisfied with our first “mini book fair”. As one who enjoys books, I am eager to share my thirst for reading with the KPP children. I had held deep doubts that the kids would appreciate books ( in lieu of the usual Christmas toys). But there they were, in line, eager to pick up their very own story books! Some parents requested extra books for siblings at home, and as we were leaving, neighborhood children also approached us asking for books!
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The next afternoon, 2 of the children proudly came to visit us, book in hand, to show off their reading skills!
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Please see the pictures from our December event using the link below.
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We thank you, and the families of the sponsored children thank you for your generosity.
Have a Peaceful and Healthy New Year,
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Nicole Jean
KPP Member.