Our Story
In February 2016, when I first met this young boy – 8 or 9 years old, obviously very poor, dirty and barefoot – but with a peaceful, unforgettable smile. I asked him what his dream was. Without any hesitation, Jean-Fritznel answered me: “Simply having the privilege to get a school uniform, sir and the opportunity to learn how to read and write.”
“This is it? This is your dream?!” I was thinking to myself…
I will never forget this moment because, just like me, he was grieving the loss of his mom… Except he was only a boy and his mom was killed by his own dad who couldn’t accept the fact that this poor woman was expecting another child. He was now wandering, as a restavek (creole term for child servant), hoping for a better life or a miracle, and yet longing to see his father again, to my great amazement, which is still in prison! I was almost 44 years old, overwhelmed. My life changed at that precise moment. I knew what my destiny was, it was clear and it came like a vision. Oasis… an Oasis… for hurting kids…
o·a·sis [oh-ey-sis]
noun,
- A small fertile or green area in a desert region, usually having a spring or well.
- Something serving as a refuge, relief, or pleasant change from what is usual, annoying, difficult, etc.
This is the challenge (or opportunity?!): Haiti is the poorest country in our hemisphere with an unemployment rate higher than 40%. There are over 100,000 orphans in Haiti, and 300,000 restavek. About half of the population estimated of 12 million people (maybe 13 or 15, who knows) is under 18 years old. At least 50% of these children do not attend school. The first black republic in the world is wrestling for its survival. I see a nation who needs our help. But also, their resilience is remarkable, especially in the eyes of the kids.
When you see the light, in the eyes of only one of those beautiful children, the answer becomes so simple: ONE. One simple act of love at a time. One simple act of love is the most powerful answer to a complex problem… This is our vision now, through the Oasis project: Every child has the love and support they need to thrive.
You can now join us and make a difference that will last for a lifetime. Oasis is a loving and caring family, first and foremost. Everyone is welcome to participate and bring what they can. In only a short period of time, we are astonished of what we are witnessing. Here are a few examples…
Our (very brief) History
At the beginning in August 2016…We envisioned to open the doors of a humble and loving home that would host 4 orphans the first year and 8 the second and 12 the third Instead we had 8 on the first day and now 13 and already 15 today! I don’t know how because we didn’t have much when we started. And despite we were hit by a terrible killer storm only 2 months after Hurricane Matthew who killed at least 800 people and brought everything down on its path we managed to bring hope for dozens of families with food, water and medical assistance. Rebuilding homes, a school roof and church buildings, just around us and in a remote village because The Creator as He promised always filled the hands of those who give and care.
At the lowest point of discouragement when we first began we met some new friends who provided to help more than 34 people with a microloans program soon more than 50 we were dreaming to start a textile business when we bought 2 sewing machines. Now the Mayor of the city opens the upper level of the City Hall for our creative little hands cooperating with us to dream and accomplish our most faithful and boldest dreams
We were dreaming to start a school one day in the future when we will be rich yet while we had no land no building and no teachers for it we were given a little piece of land and a building and the beginning of a pilot school project 25 unschooled kids living in abject poverty now have the hope for a future. In September, 2 classes and 50 kids God willing one day a full elementary school how in the world did all this happen in less than 2 years? Teamwork & generosity for sure, but ultimately the divine inspiration and guidance and providence through humble prayers could accomplish so many things therefore the glory can’t come to men but to God only. And now you can join us in the same way with just one simple act of love and become the privileged witness of the power of ONE…
Where we are today: Excitingly afraid
Where we are today, looking ahead to draw a vision of our future. Many people have been asking me: “What is your vision and plan for the next few years?”
I’ve been terrified by this question because I’m afraid at times to look ahead. We have great hearts and compassion for the poor but very little means. We have great dreams but just a little faith. To be honest, it’s very humbling to think clearly and faithfully about the future. We need your help to continue growing in our faith and love for the least fortunate. This is what it could look like with a little bit of your help…
Our Hopes, Dreams & Goals
2018
Completing the construction of the orphanage: Girls section (almost done)
Upper deck to welcome big groups (almost done)
Rebuilding / upgrading the solar panel system destroyed by Hurricane Matthew
Buying the land beside the church building donated for the future school (done)
Starting a school pilot project (E.M.O.C.) for 25 unschooled kids (January)
Having a second class for a total of 50 kids (August)
Establishing a business of textile and t-shirt printing / Trade school center
Starting the bio-farm project in Savanette: Livestock, fruit trees, agriculture, etc.
Rebuilding a church in Saint-Martin destroyed by the hurricane (almost done)
2019
Building the second level of the school by the orphanage (4 classes and a library)
Building and establishing a medical and dental clinic (attached to the school)
Digging a deep well by the school and establishing a treated water factory
Obtaining the land for a future school in Saint-Martin
2020
Building Petuel’s new family house (2 blocks from the orphanage) & a parking lot
His actual house (2nd level of the orphanage for the boys) will become a guest house with 4 rooms, 2 full bathrooms, kitchen and living room
Getting a new 4X4 Jeep Toyota (or the like)
Establishing a welding business, bike shop and mechanic / Trade school center
Building the school main floor in Saint-Martin (big community room + 1 class)
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2021
Finishing the school building by the orphanage / 3rd level (4 classes & upper deck)
Solar panel system on the roof of the school / High-tech green house
Finding a school bus for the orphans and students / HVC & Single Corps group
School pilot project in Saint-Martin (2 classes) / Medical clinic
2022
Establishing a cultural center in Les Cayes (café-bistro, exhibition, movies, etc.)
Building 2nd level of the school in Saint-Martin (4 classes)
Digging a deep well by the church building in Saint-Martin / treated water factory
2023
Building the extension of the school in Saint-Martin (4 classes)
Anytime
We are assisting a team from Montreal who is working on a massive solar panel field to produce clean electricity / on that site project we would love to develop giant greenhouses (high-tech and bio) to provide, transform and sell products of the farm / The long-term vision would be to become self-sustaining
Future
Interested in starting projects in Cuba, Ecuador, Africa, Philippines and India
About Us
Oasis Haiti is a non-profit organization located in Les Cayes, Haiti. We currently have an Orphanage & Microloans Program. Learn more.
OASIS HAITI is a project of
The Hamilton Church of Christ
Charity Number: 869633586RR0001
Get Involved
Oasis Haiti relies on help of volunteers and donors. Learn how YOU can be involved in our projects Learn more.
Donate Today
Oasis Haiti has NO ADMINISTRATION FEES, 100% of the donations goes to the Oasis orphanage! Tax receipts will be given for donations of $20 or more.