Mitch Albom and his wife Janine run an orphanage named Have Faith Haiti in Port-au-Prince, offering refuge and education to at-risk children in a city besieged by gang violence and poverty. Since the 2010 earthquake that killed approximately 200,000 people, the situation in Haiti has deteriorated, with the government nearly collapsed and many families unable to feed their children. Albom visits the orphanage monthly from Florida, where he oversees the care and education of 63 children, some of whom are not orphans but were brought in by desperate parents. The children receive schooling in both French and English, with a focus on personal growth in a nurturing environment. Albom emphasizes that every child deserves a chance at a future, despite the harsh realities many face outside the orphanage walls.
Why It Matters
Haiti has faced significant challenges since the 2010 earthquake, including political instability and widespread poverty, leading to a humanitarian crisis where many children are abandoned or left in dire conditions. The orphanage run by Albom provides critical support in an environment where over a million people remain homeless, and gang violence has made daily life perilous. Organizations like Have Faith Haiti play a vital role in addressing the needs of vulnerable children, providing them with education and a safe environment, which are essential for their development and future opportunities. The ongoing situation in Haiti highlights the need for sustained international attention and assistance to address systemic issues of poverty and instability.
Want More Context? 🔎
