A New Beginning for the Bethany Project

by Rachel Pitot, U.S. Coordinator

The purpose of the Bethany Project is to work in partnership with Haitian schools to create an educational environment that meets the physical, spiritual and health needs of the children.

Since beginning my volunteer position last fall as the US Coordinator for the Bethany Project “BP“), a 1,250 child sponsorship program under the auspices of Partners With Haiti, I have been in an educational journey of a lifetime! Working to support the staff in Haiti by communicating with donors mostly in the US and Canada, I have had the privilege to travel to Haiti four times to learn about the Bethany Project and my role within it.

One of the highlights was this past January was when Partners With Haiti Treasurer, Robert St. Julien, and I spent week working alongside the BP staff to simplify the program by creating a policy manual. Based on the founder’s (Dr. Claude Noel) primary reasons for starting the Bethany Project in the 1960’s, the six member staff in Haiti created the following mission statement: “The purpose of the Bethany Project is to work in partnership with schools throughout Haiti to create an educational environment that meets the physical, spiritual and health needs of the children of Haiti.” Keeping the fundamental purpose for the Bethany Project at the forefront of our minds helps us to stay focused on helping the school children during difficult times.

The Bethany Project staff in Haiti has been faced with numerous setbacks and difficulties since last year’s earthquake. The price of gas has significantly increased, along with the price of food, causing an even greater stress on the people of Haiti. The Bethany Project’s shoestring budget is being stretched more than you can imagine, but the faithful workers continue to press on despite political demonstrations, hurricanes and illness.

We are working tirelessly to bring you news about your sponsored children, updated pictures, and letters. Thank you for showing kindness and generosity to the children of Haiti as you are making a difference in their lives! On behalf of the devoted team in Haiti, I would like to say thank you for your prayers and your continued financial support of the Bethany Project program.

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Gift Boxes for Sponsored Children--What to Send 

Once a year you can send a gift box to your child. On our site is a list of suggested items that you might send in a small shoe box, plastic Ziploc bag or cloth bag. Click here to read more.