Our parish has been involved in a Haiti parish support/twinning program since the early 2000s. The Notre Dame de Esperance (Our Lady of Hope) parish in Magagnosse is our twin parish. Our focus is on supporting the elementary school connected to the parish, St. Mary's (Sainte Marie) School. 

St. E’s donations sustain St. Mary's School, including funding for school lunches. Past support has also included a modest “nurses’ station”; improvements to latrines; helping the pastor buy a (used) vehicle; renewal of a corrugated roof over part of the school; provision of a cistern on the hill; a large water tank; modest livestock and planting support; an expansion of classrooms; and a Youth Group donation to the school, including fun items for the children.

Thank you again for your contribution throughout the year for St. Mary's. The school would not exist without St. Elizabeth’s financial support! The school recently invested in new benches, repairs to bathroom toilets, and new school supplies. To donate via Faith Direct, please click here.

The 24/25 school year is underway and we look forward to getting an update soon on how the kids are doing and photos too - stay tuned! Your continued support is sorely needed. Students, parents and staff are counting on it! Indirectly, you are also contributing to a safer and more stable environment in this part of Haiti.

A record number of 231 students were enrolled for the 2023-2024 school year.  An increase of 40 (!) students compared with 2021-2022 (191 students). The school has been stretching its resources, with contributions from St. E. remaining largely at the same level, no room to grow the campus, and rising costs. Hat off to the teachers and staff who provide a safe space for learning and the one nutritious meal students can count on each (school) day.

Education starts at pre-K and currently goes through elementary school. The school has been recognized in the region for the quality of education and dedication of the staff. This is no easy feat for a school in a poor mountainous area, and in a poor country continuously facing security challenges. 

Father Mario and his Parish and School community have asked to share a "thousand thanks" to all members of St. Elizabeth Parish for their support, on behalf of the students, their parents, and staff!

For reference: 

• Names are on record with St. E. We receive monthly accounting of expenses, so we know the contributions are used responsibly.
• Haiti continues to present serious security risks. No position or profession is excepted. Fortunately, levels of crime are lower in the area in which the school we support is located.
• Haiti is the poorest country in Latin America and the Caribbean. Infrastructure, health care coverage, school distribution, roads, water, electricity etc. are particularly poor in rural areas. 

Please reach out to Deacon Mark Asselin or parishioner, Fons Marcelis, for more information!