In a world saturated with breaking news and fleeting attention spans, it's easy for some of the most harrowing crises to fade into the background. Today, we shine a light on Haiti, a nation gripped by spiraling gang violence, where the most vulnerable – its children – are paying a devastating price. As the international community grapples with other global issues, a crucial question echoes: what is happening to the children of Haiti?
The answer, as reported by Vatican News, is nothing short of heartbreaking. Gangs now hold sway over Haiti's cities, plunging the country into the depths of extreme poverty. Parents, facing the agonizing reality of not being able to feed their offspring, are witnessing their children being lured into the clutches of these gangs with false promises of money and a semblance of safety. Mothers recount the unbearable pain of months passing without any word from their children, trapped in a living nightmare of not knowing if they are alive or dead.
Anne Marie Berlier, the President of Confiance Haïti, an NGO working tirelessly on the ground to cultivate education and resilience, offers a stark observation: "Western media often focuses on regions with more immediate political or economic ties." This selective coverage has cast a shadow of silence over Haiti, leaving its stories of brutal violence, desperate hardship, and flickering hope largely unreported on the global stage. A nation in dire need of international solidarity finds itself without the widespread support it so desperately deserves.
In the midst of this chaos, schools across Haiti have become unexpected beacons of hope, a sanctuary for both parents and their children. In the immediate term, they provide the crucial guarantee of at least one meal a day. Looking towards the future, they represent a fragile promise of a brighter tomorrow, a stark contrast to the lawlessness that reigns outside their walls.
For the past fifteen years, since the catastrophic earthquake of 2010, Confiance Haïti has stood firm on the frontlines, committed to empowering Haitians through opportunity. "For fifteen years we have been growing in the field of education, focusing on the construction and operation of schools, while ensuring that Haitians acquire key skills for self-sufficiency," explains Berlier. The association's two main schools, nestled just north of Port-au-Prince, embody this powerful ethos. One, perched on a hill in Canaan, offers nursery and primary education, nurturing young minds. The second, situated below, is a haven for secondary education, guiding adolescents towards their potential.
But the work of Confiance Haïti extends far beyond the traditional academic curriculum. They are deeply invested in vocational training, equipping their students with practical, life-sustaining skills. "In Canaan, we are developing trades such as plumbing and construction, while at the Santo school, precedence is given to agriculture, with support from the French embassy for projects like vegetable farming and keeping animals,” Berlier reveals. In a region where resources are scarce, these skills are not just beneficial; they are vital for survival and building a sustainable future.
Even the simple act of keeping chickens and rabbits to supply the school canteen becomes a powerful lesson, mitigating food shortages while teaching the children the intrinsic value of nature's resources and the crucial importance of environmental responsibility. These vocational programs are more than just training; they are pathways to securing livelihoods for local families, contributing to the overarching goal of community empowerment – or "confidence," the very essence of the NGO's name.
However, the current climate of relentless violence in Haiti, particularly in the capital, Port-au-Prince, casts a dark shadow over this fragile progress. The struggles faced by the children are relentless. Many bear the invisible scars of violence, while countless others come from fractured homes or are orphaned, tragic casualties of the ongoing conflict.
The situation on the ground is described starkly: a state of "lawlessness." With gang violence reaching unprecedented levels, schools, once safe havens, are increasingly becoming inaccessible. "Many schools in the capital are no longer functioning,” Berlier states with grave concern, explaining the agonizing dilemma faced by poor families in Port-au-Prince: "risk their lives to send their children to school, or keep them home and send them to work." In this environment, Berlier warns, "it’s no longer about living - it’s about surviving."
The situation deteriorates with each passing day. "Last week, our two schools were still open, but many others across the country have closed, particularly in the larger cities.” Even the journey to school has become a perilous undertaking. Safe means of transport have vanished, forcing children to embark on long and dangerous walks to reach their place of learning. In Port-au-Prince alone, over 2,700 schools have been forced to close, leaving an ever-growing number of children without any access to formal education.
"The consequences are far-reaching,” Berlier cautions. Some children have already been out of school for an entire academic year, and with each passing day, the promise of a brighter future, once glimpsed within the school walls, seems to recede further into the distance. "Without education, children are left vulnerable to gangs. They can be recruited, and we are already seeing that happen.” The very institutions meant to protect and empower are being eroded by the pervasive violence.
Yet, amidst this horror, there are heroes – the people who choose to stand strong, taking immense risks to be a beacon of hope for those most in need. Berlier commends the extraordinary resilience of local educators and the communities they serve. "The teachers in our schools are remarkable. They remain dedicated despite the challenges. They’ve been able to maintain a sense of stability and continue offering education, even in the most difficult of circumstances," she emphasizes, highlighting their unwavering commitment.
Among those whose presence remains a constant source of strength are members of the Church. "The Church is essential. It is present on the ground, offering not only spiritual support but also practical assistance in education, healthcare, and food distribution. The Church fosters a sense of community and hope, even in the darkest times," Berlier stresses, underscoring their vital role in providing both spiritual and tangible aid.
While acknowledging the often fleeting nature of international attention on Haiti, Berlier passionately appeals for consistent and stable support, particularly from European donors and Christian organizations. "We need the support of civil society to ensure that we do not abandon Haiti. If we fail to act, the situation will only worsen, leading to mass exodus and widespread poverty," she warns, the urgency in her voice palpable.
But even in the face of such overwhelming adversity, the spirit of the Haitian people endures. Berlier describes them as "incredibly creative and inventive," people who "find solutions and adapt to their circumstances." In their daily struggles, a persistent ember of hope flickers, driving them forward. For many, survival is not just about enduring the present; it's about envisioning and striving for a future that transcends the current nightmare – a future they are determined to build, no matter the formidable obstacles in their path.
