Changing the world one person at a time

by Rodney Montreuil, CPP Chairman

Two of two hundred children at LPES helped by the efforts of CPP

What a difference 3 years can make!! Three years ago, I landed in Cape-Haitian after 19 years of absence away from my beloved city which has known such a glorious history and flourishing past. I was mandated by CPP Board of Directors, along with Tim Hull (board member) to erect the first foundations of our operations in this city that needs so much help from its sons and daughters and from the friends of Haiti in general. We were so right in choosing this geographic destination, and the evidence continues to pile up day by day as far as the relevance of our work with CPP-sponsored La Pepiniere Emmanuel School. It was painful to witness the alarming economic situation of the population, but so inspiring to interact with my strong and resilient people who refuse to give up on the pursuit of liberty and their search for a better life and future. We hired Edy Joseph as our country Representative, we connected with our first CPP-sponsored school, and we were ready to go....

The second trip saw a quattuor made of Kari Hull (founder), Catherine Shuter (Board member), Emmanuel Sam(Africa Rep), and me (Rodney Montreuil) cross the border via Dajabon-Ouanaminthe by bus to assess progress on the ground, support the school staff, and meet the beneficiaries-students in person. It was quite an experience considering how welcoming and appreciative they were of our fundraising effort back in Prescott USA. It's important to underline that 100% of all money raised goes to sponsor the school. All CPP staff are volunteers except for our Haiti Rep Edy Joseph. The sponsorship package covers teachers' salaries, tuition, uniforms, materials, technical assistance (teacher training, curriculum development, and technology). We also had a chance to meet and work with the women that make up the Zanmitay group, a small business initiative created by CPP to promote economic self-sufficiency. The group went back to the states more motivated than ever to continue raising funds through our annual dinner and other programs such as Change 4 Change.

Rodney introduces the CPP team to a class at LPES

That brings me to this year's trip which I could say without hesitation confirms the importance of CPP's presence in Cape-Haitian. I traveled with Dave DenHartog (trainer and board member), Jessica Sult (trainer, volunteer) Michael Strasser (volunteer), and 3 high schoolers from Prescott (Sarah, Gracie, and Martel) whose blogs are also posted here. Overall, it was a successful trip in that we met the challenges as a team, serviced with fidelity and dedication, and made the best out of all situations. We did everything we had set to accomplish including:

Rodney and girls pose with some of the future soccer players at LPES (balls and jerseys supplied by CPP)

• A successful teacher training for La Pepiniere's teachers at the Hotel Christophe where we stayed, presented by Dave and Jessica

• Remarkable projects (journals) and ateliers (bracelets making)  by Sarah, Gracie, and Martel with La Pepiniere students

• Delivery of sports equipment (26 soccer balls and uniforms) to help our sponsored school start 2 soccer teams for boys and girls

• Class observation at College Notre Dame, a local all boys-catholic school by Gracie, Sarah, and Martel 

• Meeting with College Notre-Dame management to explore a scholarship program

• Visitation of the Justinian University Hospital for future partnership  

• The implementation of our first technology pilot project (lab) where students and teachers were given solar-powered i-pads loaded with educational applications that will help enhance their skills in math, science, geography, languages, computer, etc...CPP also donated a solar panel to the school                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Finally, we set time aside to enjoy the beautiful beaches, the fabulous Haitian cuisine and visit historic sites such as Vertieres (site of the last battle for our independence), Breda (birthplace of Toussaint Louverture), La Citadelle (8th wonder of the world), and Sans-Souci Palace (Milot).  We spent an afternoon in Cormiers Plage (beach) and the girls almost elected permanent domicile there (lol). Everyday we tried a different restaurant. We will definitely recommend Kokiyaj, Lakay, Hotel Christophe (breakfast and dinner), and Croissant d'Or.       

           Success belongs to those who open their hearts to others...........