It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men -- Frederick Douglass

Mar
15

2013 March Newsletter

 Uncategorized
March 13, 2013

Greetings!

The music video,LANBI KONNEN(Youtube) that we produced 2011 is still being played on Haiti’s popular television and radio stations. It has inspired mediapersonalities to speak on the issue of child slavery, and the legal system to prosecute abusers of children. This is excellent progress becausein the 60’s children in servitude were often whipped at the police station.

Last month we provided financial incentive to an elementary school with 500 studentsto teach the song in the video to their students.This is a pilot project to encourage other schools to participate in the singing competition to sensitize youngchildren.A TV executive has offered to televise the contest to encourage participation. We are hoping to have at least 10,000 children a year learn the song.This is extremely important since most of these childrenarecared for by children in servitude.

These pictures of children in servitude carrying children were part of a presentation by Jean-Robert Cadet at the Oslo Freedom Forum in May 2012.

High school students in Haiti reading and discussing Restavekby Jean-RoberCadet

In August 2012, we enrolled 25 children, 21 girls and 4 boys, in domestic servitude in school. I need your financial help to register them for catechism, purchase their First Communion attire and celebrate their achievement. A child participating in this tradition knows that she is a valuable member of society. Having been denied this myself, I cannot convey the poignant joy I feel ensuring that our kids will make their First Communion.

Movie update: The final script is done. I learned recently that the producer is in the process of negotiating with actors, and that filming may start this year. We do not have a date.

Thank you so much for your continuing support of our work in Haiti, and best wishes.

Jean-Robert Cadet


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If you were a restavek child, you would most likely be:
One of an estimated 300,000 Haitian children enslaved in child labor.
If you were a restavek child, you would most likely be:
From an isolated, rural area of Haiti where there are no schools, no electricity, no running water and few possibilities for the future.
If you were a restavek child, you would most likely be:
Living in the city with a family who is not your own -- not as a foster child, but as their servant.
If you were a restavek child, you would most likely be:
Between the ages of 5 and 15, and missing out on your childhood.
If you were a restavek child, you would most likely be:
Three times more likely to be a girl than a boy.
If you were a restavek child, you would most likely be:
Up at dawn, before any member of the family you serve, to begin preparing for their day, and in bed well after most other children are asleep.
If you were a restavek child, you would most likely be:
Responsible for preparing the household meals, fetching water from the local well, cleaning inside and outside the house, doing laundry and emptying bedpans.
If you were a restavek child, you would most likely be:
Getting no pay for any of these activities.
If you were a restavek child, you would most likely be:
Unable to see your family or remember where they live.
If you were a restavek child, you would most likely be:
Unable to attend school consistently, if at all -- depending on your owner's financial situation and schedule.
If you were a restavek child, you would most likely be:
Hungry, as you would probably not get enough to eat or food with enough nutritional value for someone who works hard all day.
If you were a restavek child, you would most likely be:
Subjected to physical, emotional or sexual abuse.
If you were a restavek child, you would most likely:
Never have all of your rights as a child respected.
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