The Blog

Time For Kanaval!

An annual carnival celebration—leading up to Mardi Gras—is a big event in many places around the world.

Haiti is no exception!

Many schools across the country celebrated Haitian Kanaval last week with a day off school, and a big party complete with food, drink, music, dancing, and more dancing.

In Montrouis, Haiti, we were part of an exciting Kanaval story this year.

We learned from some of our students who attend school together that they would not be having a kanaval party this year. That they are one of many schools that cannot afford to throw a party each year.

You see, in order to hold a kanaval party, school administration ask each parent to contribute a small amount to the cost of the party, and to ensure that their child has a kanaval style outfit/costume to wear to the party.

As a school that serves extremely low income families, this administration knows that it is not realistic to ask families to contribute to the party costs.

For $80, HFF was able to cover costs for a drink and small snack for each student at the school—512 kids total—and supplies for each student to decorate a kanaval mask!

The students and parents pitched in to plan what music would be played, who would perform, and to choreograph a group dance.

Everyone agreed that the suggested attire would be anything at all, removing the pressure for the students to dress up in a kanaval costume, which can be expensive.

The outcome was amazing and many of the students said it was the best party they have ever been a part of.

We received a letter from the school director this week thanking us for the contribution, which made it possible to give these kids a special day that they all deserved so much.

It was the first year since the earthquake in 2010 that this school was able to celebrate kanaval.

While it is true that most of our days are filled with desperate parents, scary sicknesses, and frustrating situations, sometimes we are able to bring remarkable happiness to the children we love.

This brings us the joy and encouragement to continue our work every day.

We have the incredible opportunity to continue to bring happiness and joy to the families we serve because you support us.

We can not do this without you.

Thank you.