After an 18 month absence I was able to return to Haiti to work with local staff, visit our programs in action, catch up with the kids and their communities. It was an incredible feeling to be back after so long. The overwhelming sense from the field was how incredible a year it has been to be able to continually provide our daily programs plus a meal a day for each participant.
Staff reflected on the year it has been and shared their hopes for the new year ahead. Here are some of their thoughts which I found inspiring. The commitment of our staff, Board and team of supporters is what keeps GOALS thriving despite the odds.
“It wasn’t an easy year. There were a lot of challenges. Such as; severe flooding due to tropical storms, extreme gas shortages, country wide strikes, and increased gang warfare. We are an organization that works together to solve challenges and it is our collaborative nature that always rises.” – Pele, agronomist
“13 years of work and our work is not done yet. All of us we will not step backwards - we will go forward.” - Bruce Lee, Coach
“Every day the gangs are growing bigger and recruiting more kids. Every day it is our work to keep the kids engaged to save them.” – Jerson, Coach
“Things can get even worse in Haiti but we will continue to hold on to our principles and effort to keep our programs going for the kids to have a better future.” – Frantzo, Program Coordinator
“Since our inception we haver been working on equality for girls. When I was growing up and wanting to play soccer the opportunities did not exist for me. A generation of girls in GOALS have changed whole communities on their perceptions of what is acceptable and no prioritizing access to education and playing sports for girls is normal.” – Nadege, Coach
GOALS Haiti is a grassroots organization and that has always been our strength, to keep overhead low, to focus on local solutions and community partnerships and our ability to be flexible and creative working in challenging environments.
As we prepare for a break over the holidays, we celebrate what we have accomplished, all with an eye towards the new year and the opportunities it will bring.