The Haiti Episcopal Learning Project
(H.E.L.P.)

Haiti is a Caribbean island of 7 million people. Haiti's tragic history extends from political oppression and gruesome forms of slavery in its colonial days to continued political oppression, economic dependency and the scourge of AIDS today.

Statistics paint a gloomy picture of Haiti. With an average annual income of $360, it is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Only one in five persons can read and write in Haiti - the worst literacy rate in the Western Hemisphere. In Haiti, one in five children dies before the age of five - the worst child mortality rate in the Western Hemisphere. Voodoo is prevalent in Haiti and has important religious effects on social and health practices.

Poor in worldly goods, the Haitian people have a priceless faith which sustains them in a truly remarkable way. Visitors can't help but be struck by their spirit, their joy, their will to live, to laugh, and to "make do." New possibilities for democracy and the rapid growth of Christianity have given Haitians new hope for their future.

Episcopal parishes in Haiti are actively seeking partners for Christian fellowship and to develop social ministries. Local churches are the center of Haiti's community structure, providing schools, health care, economic development programs and all effective forms of social relief. Local churches address specific needs and opportunities in the community and implement change in culturally appropriate ways. Aid offered through local churches also supports Haiti's existing social structure, encourages self-value, and is incorporated into strategies for self-sufficiency. A variety of Christian denominations and civic groups have responded to this vital need for fellowship and support. The Haiti Episcopal Learning Project (H.E.L.P.) coordinates these partnerships through the Episcopal Church of Haiti.

Learning is the common thread of the partnership ministries. Education encompasses:

  • Primary schools
  • Health Programs
  • Ministry Training
  • Evangelism
  • Skills Training (economic development)
  • Adult Literacy
  • Mothers' Clubs
  • Cultural Exchanges

Partnerships strive for long-term relationships that encourage cross-cultural understanding and commitment to our shared Christian mission. Partnerships take on a variety of forms: Parish to Parish, community to community, family to family, Diocese to Diocese, hospital to hospital. They also include prayer, commitment, sharing of talents, financial support and the exchange of material and spiritual gifts.

Finally, partnerships bring solidarity. In Haiti, they call it "tèt ansanm" - working together with common goals, encouraging one another in faith, and glorifying God in Jesus Christ, through the Holy Spirit.

There are many ways you can help, you can make a donation of money, time, talent, medicine, dental and medical supplies, or children's books in French. Contributions can be sent to:

H.E.L.P.
c/o St. Andrew's Church
6401 Wornall Terrace
Kansas City, Missouri 64113

 The Haitian Episcopal Learning Project now has it's own Web Page. You can access at www.haiticonnection.org.