You are a click away from making a tangible change in the life of ten young Haitian girls, currently working as child slaves.
Haiti- you can do something
After the devastating earthquake and the collapse of a society in Haiti, where can you start to make a difference? Ten thousand NGOs and human aid organizations are already on the ground, and many are doing great work. But how do you know that your money or effort is going directly to humanitarian aid- and not being siphoned off to high overhead and administrative costs? Now, you can help- with the click of your mouse.
Xiren is a student, and has recently returned from Haiti where she volunteered at her own expense.
She is devoting her life to something she is passionate about- working with at-risk children. Here is her current initiative- and an easy way for you to help- at no financial cost to you:
Dear friends,
My various involvements with Hearts Together for Haiti have been the basis of my nomination for “Canada’s most inspiring young leader”.
The top prize is worth $2500, of which 100% will go to support Hearts Together for Haiti.
I’m currently in 2nd place, and need all the votes I can get! Yours would be truly appreciated. Votes can be entered with any valid email address, once daily until May 25th.
Thank you in advance for your support!!
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Haiti. Why?
Because those of us who CAN do something, should.
Two weeks ago, I had the opportunity to travel to Haiti with Hearts Together for Haiti, visiting and working with their local contacts in villages where they have been involved. These villages are primarily in the North, and include: Ouanaminthe, Deppe, Dilaire, and Cap-Haitien.
We visited multiple orphanages and schools each day, and checked up on most of their sponsored children, as well as their school in Deppe. We also surveyed land that they plan to purchase, to build the Kay Nou house.
It was a most insightful and worthwhile initial visit. Albeit short, reality doesn’t take long to register …
Upon my return, I’m faced with mixed feelings. Even though I’m physically back in Paris, mentally, I’m still in Haiti. The disconnect really shifts one’s thinking, not to mention it being further accentuated by the blunt and sharp contrast from my immediate surroundings. Attending lectures at an elite school in an elite Parisian quarter, after having had a taste of one of the poorest countries in the Western hemisphere, really disorients you. Although Haiti has quietly disappeared from everyday news, it remains a point in focus where I study, and is highly pertinent to issues such as global governance, development, and international relations.
Haiti. Why Now?
Some have called Haiti “the republic of NGOs” – surely with more than 10,000 international organizations “helping Haiti”, there’s bound to be some sign of progress and success? Unfortunately, Haiti remains a fragile state after more than half a century’s worth of international aid; aid effectiveness is simply not matched to its magnitude in size.
Arriving at this point, I asked myself – what difference could I really make? Amidst the current calamities that Haiti is facing, it is easy to feel powerless, yet the Haitian people have shown only resilience, strength, and hope. In terms of character, those of us in more privileged societies have much to learn. Hearts Together for Haiti is an incredible organization to work with, and 100% of the raised funds go directly to support their projects – a statement not many could make. Their projects are community based, and they really have changed lives – one can see it, one can feel it, and the girls whom they had supported and are continuing to support, are living proof of their good work.
Kay Nou is designed for a group of ten girls in Haiti who are working as restavecs (child slaves), or who are at-risk of becoming restavecs as a result of the 2010 earthquake. We will provide a home with a garden, house parents, meals, sanitation, education, health care, and a music program, fostering their physical and emotional well-being, into self-sufficient adults. Because of my musical background, I will be involved with music therapy projects, and I will also be donating an upcoming solo concert to raise funds for Hearts Together for Haiti.
With your help, the project could be realized. Please vote and show your support!!
Thank you.
Xiren. xoxo
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VOTE NOW for XIREN! There is no registration, no cost, and your click will directly add hope to the lives of ten Haitian girls who are currently child slaves.
Children of Haiti, all photos courtesy of Xiren Wang.
Tags: canada's most inspiring youth leader, child slaves, children, fundraising, grassroots, Haiti, Hearts Together for Haiti, htfh, htfhaiti, human rights, Kay Nou, Mike & Ike, Mike and Ike, NGO, restavecs, youth entrepreneur, youth leader
