IMN Meeting on Friday

IMN Update, 12 March, 2010, 47 people present
(from Principal/Director Maxandre, translated by Erik Badger from Haiti Partners)

"On the morning of 12 March, two months after the earthquake, parents of IMN students came together so that we could exchange ideas about these three points"

  1 - How each parent experienced the earthquake
  2 - What they think about reopening the school
  3 - What IMN is proposing to parents

"It was a very enriching meeting.  Parents described their experiences of the earthquake and how they've been living afterwards.  Some described being in the garden or their yard when the quake hit.  In the moment, they didn't know what they should do, they were screaming Jesus' name and running back home to see where their kids were.  When they succeeded in finding their children, they ran out into open fields.  When we asked whether among the children there were any grave injuries or other problems, they all responded that, thank God, the children weren't injured.  However, all of their houses were damaged leaving the parents on the streets.  Some among them haven't found tents to stay in.  Even worse, the aid that's being distributed isn't reaching them.  They said they only find food with great difficulty.  It's the little that they'd saved that they're living off.  Things are really difficult..."

"Regarding the question of the children returning to school, all the parents said they'd been thinking about this.  To them, children aren't suppose to spend two months at home without going to school.  Each day the children ask to return to school, the only thing being that they won't return to a school with a cement roof or a school constructed with cinder blocks because they remember how many people died.  The parents agree that they would like their kids to return to school, but how can this be done?  Won't the principal have to ask them for money?  Will the little money they paid last September be considered payment for the whole school year?  They asked many questions, many excellent questions.  Other questions they asked were whether the state was going to help the principal find the money to pay the teachers, to rebuild the school, to clean up the space.  These were excellent questions, but the principal and everyone else there couldn't respond because they understand how the state works in Haiti.  Since the earthquake, the state hasn't contacted the principals in  the district, so we can't even count on the state helping to pay teachers, or get the school back on its feet."

"So what must be done?  The parents wondered if the principal could seek help from his friends who could support the children's studies; this would permit the principal not have to send the kids home if they can't pay the school.  But if the kids couldn't pay for school, the principal won't be able to find the little money he needs to pay the teachers when they come to school.  Many great ideas were exchanged at this meeting.  The parents agreed that they were better off relying on their friends abroad than relying on the state.  Because if they had relied on the state in the past to purchase school supplies, pay teachers or rebuild the facilities, the kids never would have gotten to school."

"When Maxandre announced that the relationship established with our friends at kids4good and other friends in Chicago will begin to help rebuild the school, everyone was very, very happy; they all said a great 'thank you.'  Maxandre invited them to go visit where they're reconstructing a part of the school so they could see the work for themselves.  They understood the necessity of the kids returning to school in the coming days."

"Maxandre the then distributed to each parent an envelope with 200 Haitian dollars, equaling US$25, as described in the proposeed budget.  All the parents received this with great happiness."

"Regarding the children's return to school, Maxandre is organizing a seminar for the teachers next week and the kids will come to a large meeting set for 18 March.  After this, each student must receive supplies for them to begin to work under the supervision of their teachers."

"Friends, this was a wonderful meeting.  The parents were very happy and thankful and they asked that our friends at kids4good and in Chicago continue to stand by IMN to help it recover until it really gets back on its feet."

I truly hope you find some sense of optimism and appreciativeness, as I did,  in the voice of these Haitians!

Many thanks,
Dick Flesher

Maxandre Meeting at IMN

Just wanted to let you know that construction is continuing on Institute Mixte Nao in Darbonne.  I heard from the Director (Principal) just a few minutes ago and this it what he had to say when I mentioned that I would be traveling to Haiti in April.

Said Maxandre, "This morning I had meeting with all parents in IMN school.  This was very enjoyed when I tell them I will have you as guest."  Though a brief note it nonetheless gives a hint of his optimism and positive attitude in the face of some daunting challenges.

As more details of construction of IMN become available I will be sure to pass them along to you.

Many thanks,
Dick Flesher

Meet Principal Maxandre and the IMN Staff

        

Haiti Update

Just wanted to pass along some updates on our work to help rebuild Institute Mixte Nao in Darbonne, Haiti. Lots of things are in the works as the school is being rebuilt.

First of all we have a number of exciting projects that we are participating in to raise more funds for the construction of IMN. The Hinsdale Central H. S. FEA and FCCLA clubs are sponsoring a March 19th bowl-a-thon from 3:30 to 6:00. Students participating in the 3-game bowling are seeking sponsors for the number of pins knocked down. If you want to sponsor a bowler you can do so by emailing me at rich219@comcast.net and I'll hook you up.

This will be a great event as we are providing food to the bowlers, a t-shirt, and various prizes. Of course the real winners in this are the students of IMN!

Speaking of bowling, one of my great student volunteers at York H. S., who has collected school supplies for New Orleans schools, is also running a bowl-a-thon. As details emerge I'll be sure to pass along the information. All of the proceeds of both bowl-a-thons will go towards IMN.

Within the next week to 10 days I will also be selling red and blue wrist bands (the colors of the Haitian flag) for $2. The inscription says "Hands Helping Haiti." Again, all of the money raised will aid IMN. If you want to place an order let me know and I'll send you the band(s) as soon as they come in.

Finally, on another note, I will be traveling to Darbonne, Haiti in April to assess the progress on the school and get a first hand glimpse of the damage to the region. Just as importantly, I will have a chance to talk with the citizens of Darbonne and to meet with John Engle of Haiti Partners. My visit will also afford me the opportunity to meet Maxandre the Director of IMN. I am especially looking forward to meeting some of the students who attend IMN. I'll be sure to sure my impressions of the April 23-26 trip when I return to the states.

Anyone interested in running their own fundraiser...GO FOR IT!! Any and all assistance is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Dick Flesher

Haiti School to Reopen!

Great news!!

Haiti Partners, who we work with in concert, along with Kids4Good, has just reported that IMN has already started construction to rebuild the elementary school in Darbonne, Haiti.

You have to check this out to believe it!! The crew chief says a structure will be up in a couple of weeks! Nearly two months after the earthquake rocked Haiti the students will be returning to class.

Your donations and hard work have made this possible.

Many thanks!
Dick

Marvelous Mardi Gras

The third annual Hinsdale Central Jazz Ensemble Benefit was marvelous in so very many ways! The February 23rd concert was full of sensational jazz. All three ensembles were simply brilliant!

The larger Hinsdale community simply loves their jazz and there was no better proof of it than the fact that it was a standing room only crowd in the student cafe. Every person who attended raved about the music.

It was a marvelous night in terms of raising funds for Live Oak Elementary School in New Orleans. The final admission and donation tally was a staggering $2198.00! Beyond the cash we were able some other contributions; an electric guitar, a couple of trumpets and a sax. Quite a haul and these will go a long way towards helping Live Oak get their music program up and running.

The success of the night belongs to many; the jazz musicians, HC Jazz Director Jeff Waggoner, Debbie Waggoner (and, of course, their daughter), the patrons, the HC Music Parents Association, and the HC Central Bldg and Ground Department. Together these people made for a memorable night.

Many thanks!
Dick Flesher

A Haitian Voice!

To the left are some of the students, prior to the Jan. 12th earthquake, who attend Institute Mixte Nao in Darbonne, Haiti. Their hard working Director (Principal) is Maxandre.

Yesterday I received a brief email from Maxandre and I want to share it with you. Maxandre speaks both English and Creole. I have not translated Maxandre's words; rather, I left them as they were written. I think you will, nonetheless, get the warm sentiment he is expressing in his note.

"Thank you very much for your note and your nice words. I'm very happy to have you in my group of supporters. So students, staff and parents will happy to see you and touch, talk to you."

"They hope you will find the best way to help them to go to school."

"I learned you already sent a check to HP (Haiti Partners). Its wonderful. Thank you, thank you."

"We count to you."

Your best Maxandre

Whenever Maxandre writes me, though through an email, I still find that he is so full of hope and appreciativeness. Since you are the donors and volunteers in the effort to help rebuild IMN I wanted to share Maxandre's sentiments and feelings with you.

Thanks for all that you do!!
Dick Flesher