Thank you for your steadfast partnership. We are encouraged by your prayers. We want to keep you updated on the situation in Haiti and the work of Child Hope during this crisis and ask you to continue to pray and support as you are able.
November 11, 2024
The crisis in Haiti continues to worsen. The FAA has banned U.S. flights to Haiti for 30 days after several planes were struck by gunfire while trying to land at or depart from the main airport.
A rise in kidnapping is causing concern. At least 12 cases of kidnapping have been reported in the past week, including children on their way to school. The Kenyan police officers who are supposed to be reinforcing the Haitian National Police seem incapable of providing the needed support.
In several provincial towns, people are under constant threat from armed gangs, to the point where they are not confident enough to sleep at home at night. This is the case for the residents of Pont-Sondé, a town in the Artibonite department which suffered a massacre last month in which over 70 people were killed.
Meanwhile, tensions between the Presidential Council and the government of Prime Minister Gary Conille have intensified. An order was issued on November 10 terminating the functions of Conille and his government. He will be replaced by a businessman named Alix Didier Fils-aimé.
Haitians will still have to wait months to see if the problem of insecurity will be addressed. Videos and soundbites of gang leaders are circulating on social networks, urging the population to stay at home this week and not to send their children to school.
Please pray for Haiti and for the children and families of Child Hope International who are in great need.
May God keep you and bless you.
November 4, 2024
Current events in Haiti are marked above all by the disagreement between the Prime Minister’s Office and the Presidential Council. According to recent reports, the Prime Minister has hired a group of mercenaries to assist with police operations against armed gangs, a grave violation of international law. The Presidential Council has summoned Prime Minister Garry Conille to come and explain the presence of this mercenary group, but he is delaying the meeting.
The situation of insecurity continues to worry the Haitian population, as armed gangs continue to gain territory. Over 1,200 people were killed in Haiti by gang violence between July and September 2024 alone.
In view of the power demonstrated by the gangs, the coordinator of the Presidential Council, Mr Lesly Voltaire, has officially asked the UN for a peacekeeping mission in Haiti.
Because of you, 33 children and young adults are attending school. Families are being supported with rent, food, and medical. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts and ask you to continue to support CHI’s work for families in Haiti.
May God bless you all.
October 28, 2024
It has been six months since the Presidential Council was formed, with its primary objective being to provide rapid responses to the insecurity crisis. Unfortunately under Haiti’s new leadership, there has been no improvement.
The country is still under the control of armed gangs who are gaining territory. Roadblocks continue to disrupt travel & trade, organ trafficking has become more commonplace, and people continue to be displaced from their neighborhoods. Last week, residents of the Solino district were forced to flee their homes.
Instead of focusing on the fate of the Haitian people, a cockfight is being waged between the new coordinator of the Presidential Council and the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister and his government do not respect the hierarchical authority of the Presidential College.
In the midst of all this chaos, God is using Child Hope International to be a beacon of hope for families. Families send you their thanks from the bottom of their hearts because they benefit from food support, health care, support to pay their rent and to send their children to school. May God bless you and keep you!
October 21, 2024
While Haitians celebrated Dessalines Day last week, the government continued to show conflict between its various members. The new coordinator of the Presidential Council wants to dismiss the Minister of Foreign Affairs, whom he describes as a traitor. The Prime Minister is opposed to the dismissal. All of this disagreement distracts from their most important objective – establishing stability in the country.
October 14, 2024
The Haitian population was hoping that with the formation of the Presidential Council and the government of Prime Minister Conille that things would improve, but after nearly 6 months, there is virtually no change.
September 30, 2024
Gangs have extorted farmers cultivating their lands and have often descended on fields, armed with guns and machetes, to steal their crops and livestock. The attacks have forced farmers to abandon more than 3,000 hectares of land and move to less fertile but safer areas, which has contributed to the food crisis.
September 23, 2024
The new school year is a week away in Haiti, but there are challenges to reopening. Many displaced people are occupying public schools and are still unable to return to their homes or neighborhoods. This is just an example of the main issue facing students: insecurity. In the streets of Port-au-Prince and in the provinces, caution is the order of the day.
Last week, Prime Minister Garry Conille took stock of his government’s 100 days in office, which is far from what the Haitian people expected in terms of results.
Child Hope International continues its mission in Haiti. In addition to working with beneficiaries and families for the new school year, last week we hosted a 3-day seminar for 20 professionals on child protection policy.
We thank everyone who contributes in any way to CHI’s work in Haiti. Your support really matters to families in Haiti.
September 16, 2024
A solution to the crisis in Haiti is still a long way off, as the current government faces internal conflicts. No light has yet been shed on the three members of the Presidential Council implicated in a corruption scandal in which they allegedly demanded 100 million gourdes from the former head of the BNC to keep his post. The representatives of Caricom and several sectors of political life are demanding the removal of these 3 members of the Presidential Council, but the parties they represent are categorically refusing this request. This is already creating an imbalance within the current government, which is likely to worsen at the beginning of October, as one of the 3 accused will have to become coordinator of the Presidential College.
September 9, 2024
September 2, 2024
Current events in Haiti are dominated by the inability of the Presidential Council to set a course for the elections. The reason for this is that the Council has to contend with the division of the various sectors that are to make up the Provisional Electoral Council. Given that February 7, 2026 is the date set for the inauguration of a new President, the Council is really running out of time.
August 26, 2024
The Haitian population held violent demonstrations, which included erecting barricades and burning tires, to call on the government to launch operations against the gangs.
For its part, the Transitional Government installed a new general at the head of Haiti’s armed forces, and the national police force received a delivery of 20 Toyota armored vehicles. Promises were made to rapidly launch gang dismantling operations, but the Haitian people are still skeptical.
We thank you for your continued support and may God continue to bless you even more.
August 19, 2024
Today many areas are blocked and tires are being burned in the streets. This is the first strong demonstration since the installation of the new transitional government. The people have very legitimate reasons to protest. Since the new government was installed at the end of April, not much has been done to quell the gangs.
Armed gangs are still in control of a large part of the country and continue to multiply their attacks against certain target areas. On August 14, the neighborhoods of Solino and Delmas 24 were attacked by gangs, resulting in the death of a policeman and the wounding of several residents.
Haiti’s Prime Minister affirmed his awareness that security is a crucial issue for everyday life. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to working with national and international partners to strengthen security.
August 12, 2024
The Haitian people are still left to fend for themselves in the unprecedented crisis that has gripped the country for several years. To date, the current government has sent no signal that it intends to restore security to the country and armed gangs continue to gain more territory.
August 5, 2024
The socio-political crisis in Haiti continues to worsen, with insecurity and the high cost of living on the rise.
The 400 Mawozo gang attacked and set fire to the customs office in the commune of Ganthier. Many residents were forced to flee. Ganthier has now been added to the list of territories controlled by armed gangs.
July 31, 2024
It has been four months since the Presidential Council was appointed. The Haitian people had hoped their main objective would be solving the insecurity. However, Haiti’s leaders seems to be overtaken by the complexity of the crisis and internal corruption.
Three members of the Presidential Council are accused of having demanded 100 million gourdes from the chairman of the National Bank’s board of directors if he wanted to keep his job.
Meanwhile, the gangs are growing in strength. Last week, the 400 Mawozo gang set fire to yet another police station. In Cité Soleil, the country’s largest shantytown, two rival gangs decided to make peace after years of fighting. Walls marking the territories were destroyed and, according to images shared on social media, the residents of Cité Soleil could be seen shouting their contentment.
In the midst of all this doubt and uncertainty, your support continues to bring hope to young people and their families. Last week five students from CHI’s Future Hope program took the official 9th Grade exam. It’s a grace from God for these young people and all the families who can count on CHI.
We are very grateful for all the support you give to the CHI ministry. God bless you.
July 23, 2024
The Haitian population is still waiting for an improvement in the country’s socio-political crisis. Over 570,000 people have been forced to leave their homes, and 2,500 deaths or injuries from gang violence were reported in the first quarter of 2024 alone. The government has declared a state of emergency in 14 communes in the West and Artibonite departments.
Last week, a second contingent of Kenyan police officers arrived on Haitian soil, bringing the total to 400. Security operations are already underway with the new reinforcements. A patrol in downtown Port-au-Prince was organized by the national police and Kenyan police officers. Armored vehicles were seen in the vicinity of the national palace and exchanges of fire were heard, but so far no casualties have been reported.
Please pray that the Kenyan force along with the new government will be able to quell the violence, bring the gangs to justice, and provide critical support to the most vulnerable people.
July 15, 2024
The long-awaited international force has so far had minimal impact in providing stability in Haiti. Kenyan police are providing security at some embassies and executing checkpoints not far from their base. Haiti’s Prime Minister stated that it’s not the Kenyan police who will confront the gangs, but the Haitian national police and army.
As if to send a clear signal that they are not afraid of the Kenyan or Haitian police, Gangs have restarted their criminal activities in several areas of the country. They are attacking working-class neighborhoods as well as public and private buildings such as the Gressier police station and university buildings. They have restarted their kidnapping activities in the capital.
In some neighborhoods, to ensure their safety, residents are forming vigilance brigades and erecting barricades and gates to control access. Unfortunately, these strategies sometimes lead to serious abuses. Earlier this month, a 10-year-old child acting as a scout for gangs was killed and burned by vigilantes.
Despite all of those challenges, the vulnerable families you support at Child Hope International are continuing to move forward. Students are starting to receive school results and five students will be taking the official 9th grade exam next week.
We thank you for your prayers and encourage you to continue to support the work of CHI. You are making a big difference to the lives of these families, especially in these times of crisis.
July 1, 2024
200 Kenyan police officers arrived in Port-au-Prince on Tuesday June 25. They are the first contingent to be mobilized as part of an international mission to restore security in Haiti, particularly in the capital, which has been plagued by gang violence.
The criminal gangs want to send the message that they are not panicked by the arrival of the Kenyans. Gang leader “Barbecue” said in a video that they are ready to face Kenyan troops, asserting that their morale is high and they are preparing for battle. By way of demonstration, on Sunday, armed bandits attacked and took control of the police station in the town of Gressier (southern entrance to the country).
Child Hope International’s ministry continues to make a difference. The majority of our schoolchildren are on vacation and awaiting their final results of the school year. Families are receiving a stipend to cover their basic needs. Last week our staff visited a family in the North to check in, support, encourage, and pray with them.
We thank you for your continued support and encourage you to pray for Haiti and for the work of Child Hope International.
June 24, 2024
Insecurity continues to ravage the country. People who have had to abandon their neighborhoods are still unable to return home.
Prime Minister Gary Conille launched a two-day retreat for members of his government to define strategies to deliver on promises to restore security and fight corruption. The long awaited Kenyan police force is due to arrive in Haiti by the end of June 2024.
Please pray that the arrival of the Kenyan force along with the new transitional government will be able to quell the violence, bring the gangs to justice, and provide critical support to the most vulnerable people.
June 17, 2024
The Haitian people are still waiting for concrete solutions to the country’s insecurity problem. The number of displaced persons rose by 60% between March and June 2024, with children accounting for around 20% of the total.
In addition to physical insecurity, Haitian families are facing food insecurity. 2/3 of households in Port-au-Prince do not eat enough.
Two months after the installation of the presidential council, the official transitional government has finally been appointed. The fourteen ministers were sworn in on June 12, 2024. Prime Minister Garry Conille and the Presidential Council will have to deal with security challenges and organize elections. A new director has been appointed to head the national police force, which will collaborate with the multinational force to combat gangs.
Child Hope International is humbled to be able to continue to make a difference in the lives of the families we work with. All of this is only possible thanks to your continued support.
Please continue to pray for Haiti, especially for the success of this new transitional government in its mission to restore security and organize elections in Haiti.
June 10, 2024
Haiti’s socio-political crisis has yet to improve. Insecurity is still in full swing and the population continues to fall victim to gang violence. Cases of kidnapping, disappearance and murder continue to be reported throughout the country, particularly in Port-au-Prince. The number of people abandoning their neighborhoods has risen considerably. On June 9th, three police officers were killed in an ambush.
Although the Presidential Council appointed its Prime Minister at the end of May, the formation of his government is still in progress. To further complicate things, he was hospitalized over the weekend following an asthma attack. Fortunately, the Prime Minister’s situation is now stable, and we hope that by this week the country will have its transitional government.
The Child Hope team continues to support families. Thanks to you, they are receiving food which is helping immensely. The students are almost at the end of the 2023/2024 school year, which has not been an easy one for them.
We thank all of you who support the work of Child Hope with your prayers and donations, and encourage you to continue to help us shine light into the darkness.
God bless you all.
June 3, 2024
After more than a month in office, the Presidential Council has finally chosen its Prime Minister, Dr. Gary Conille, who previously served as Prime Minister under former President Martelly.
Many Haitians remains skeptical about the choice and political activists have already protested his appointment.
In the meantime, the gangs in the country have not been idle, and a rise in insecurity has been noted in the capital. Almost every day, corpses are found in residential areas, kidnappings, disappearances, and cases of vandalism are reported. The Haitian population is impatiently awaiting the deployment of the multinational force to come to Haiti.
Activities have reopened in the ports and at Toussaint Louverture International Airport. This is good news for the Haitian market, which had been experiencing a lack of many pharmaceutical products.
Child Hope International continues to support families in distress. Our students are attending school, even though it is difficult just to leave home each day. They are receiving the support they need to encourage their efforts.
We thank you for your continued support and encourage you to continue to pray for Haiti.
May 27, 2024
The selection of a Prime Minister is still dragging on. Meanwhile, the first group of Kenyan police officers arrived in Haiti on May 20th to prepare the ground for the deployment of the Multinational Security Support Mission.
The “Viv Ansanm” gang coalition continues to sow terror on the population. On the night of May 23rd, gangs killed three people in an orphanage, including an American missionary couple. They are also taking steps to actively defend themselves from the multinational force. Their strategy consists in gaining new territories, destroying police stations and prisons, and asking the people they have displaced to return to their neighborhoods to use them as a shield.
Child Hope International is working very cautiously amid all these difficulties. By the grace of God, all our families and beneficiaries are safe. They continue to receive the assistance they need during this time of crisis.
We encourage you to continue to pray that a prime minister will be chosen as soon as possible, and that this multinational force can help Haiti regain security.
May 20, 2024
Last week the gang alliance “Viv Ansanm” demolished a prison in the Croix-des-Bouquets neighborhood and launched attacks in Gressier, Carrefour and Fort National.
Meanwhile a new Prime Minister of the transitional government has yet to be named after the first appointee was rejected earlier this month.
The international forces from Kenya and other countries are due to arrive possibly as soon as this week.
After nearly 3 months, the main airport has finally reopened.This is expected to help ease a critical shortage of medications and other basic supplies.
Child Hope International continues to provide much-needed support to families and beneficiaries. This year, seven students in our program will be taking the official exams. These students have demonstrated their determination to succeed, and we are so proud of them. Pray that their results this June will reflect all their hard work.
Thank you for supporting the work in Haiti. May God continue to watch over you and bless you.
May 13, 2024
The new Presidential Council, installed April 29th, seems unaware of the urgent need for a rapid response to Haiti’s socio-political crisis. After about a week of disagreement, the choice of Fritz Belizaire as Prime Minister was rejected.
While they are arguing in the Presidential Council, the population continues to be victim to the terror of the gangs that rule in many parts of the country. On Friday May 10th, the gang alliance known as Viv Ansanm forced the population of certain neighborhoods to join them in demonstrating against the multinational force due to arrive in Haiti very soon. The town of Gressier (located to the south of Port-au-Prince) was attacked by bandits who took control of the town’s police station.
By the grace of God, all CHI families and beneficiaries are safe. We make sure to keep in constant communication with the families in order to provide them with the necessary assistance for the difficulties they face. None of this would be possible without your continued support to this ministry and we thank you for that!
Please continue to pray for this Presidential Council and for the choice of a good Prime Minister to form a transitional government to restore order in Haiti.
God bless you all.
May 8, 2024
The Haitian people are still waiting for a rapid and urgent response to the country’s sociopolitical crisis. According to a Haitian newspaper, the first group of Kenyan officers is due to arrive in Port-au-Prince before the end of May. The Haitian people really hope that this multinational security support mission can help solve the problem of gang violence.
The Presidential Council has elected a President and Prime Minister, however these choices have already caused discord among the members of the Council.
While schools in certain neighborhoods are trying to open their doors, the scarcity of fuel is a big obstacle for the students to attend classes. A gallon of gasoline costs up to $11.30USD in the streets. This increased cost of transportation is also aggravating food insecurity.
CHI, despite the difficulties, continue it mission to support families and young people. We are happy to report our students in Port-au-Prince have started going to school again!
Please continue to pray for change in Haiti.
April 29, 2024
The installation ceremony of the Presidential Council was held at the National Palace in the early hours of Thursday, April 25, 2024. Unfortunately, the way in which it took place does not inspire confidence for the Haitian population.
In order to redirect the gangs, a false location for the event was published. To show their displeasure with the diversion, gangs attacked several neighborhoods in the capital, killing people, burning houses and displacing many families.
The new government has a long and challenging road ahead.
The support that our friends and partners provide to families is a great relief. Last week, a mother said, “I want to thank Child Hope for the stipend that I receive every month. It allows me to put food in the house for the children and also to support my small business of selling chicken, which would already have gone bankrupt because of inflation. Thank you very much.”
This is only possible because of supporters like you. Thank you for continuing to support Child Hope’s ministry in Haiti with your donations and prayers. It makes a huge difference.
May God bless you.
April 22, 2024
Last week the resigning government appointed 9 members to the Presidential College. This is a major step towards resolving the country’s crisis. Once installed, the urgent task for the Presidential College will be to elect its President and choose a Prime Minister, and to build a government to take charge of the country.
However, the Presidential College announcement has aroused the anger of the alliance of gangs known as Viv Ansanm, who want a place in the transitional government. In response, they attacked a police station, the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy building, and the national press building. At the National Palace, gangs are attacking the police almost daily to prevent the inauguration ceremony from taking place, even though the date is not yet known to anyone.
The Child Hope team is in constant communication with the families and beneficiaries and we continue to provide them with the support they need (medical care, food, etc).
Some of the schools have timidly opened their doors despite the risks they run.
Please continue to pray for Haiti, the families, and the staff. Also pray for God to inspire the hearts of the members of the transitional government in the decisions they will make to bring the country out of this crisis.
April 15, 2024
For over a month, the crisis in Haiti has been worsening. Ports and the international airport have been attacked and remain closed. Hospitals are dysfunctional. The local pharmaceutical industry is running out of the raw materials it needs while at the same time imported medicines are becoming scarce. Schools have transitioned to online/remote learning. Many public schools in Port au Prince now serve as shelters for people displaced by the violence.
A decree has been published concerning the creation of the Presidential College, but the appointment of its members still depends on the resigning government. As the transition is prolonged, the uncertainty creates greater risks to the Haitian people, who live at the mercy of the gangs.
In the midst of all these difficulties, Child Hope continues to be a beacon of hope for young people and families. A few of the youth we work with are experiencing minor health problems and we have been able to accompany them to their medical appointments. One major highlight is that last week we completed a 3-day workshop on family reunification! This workshop had already been postponed once due to the crisis and we were worried we would have to reschedule again. Praise God it not only happened, but capacity was maxed out with twenty social workers and orphanage staff in attendance!
We thank you for your continued support of the ministry and ask to pray for Haiti.
April 8, 2024
The socio-political situation in Haiti remains tense. The coalition of armed groups known as Viv ansanm continues to sow terror. Cases of kidnapping, looting and arson continue to be reported. Last week, the national library and a number of well-known schools were looted and set on fire.
A 9-member Presidential College has been formed, and the announcement will be made in the Moniteur newspaper by the resigning Prime Minister, Ariel Henry. The term of office of the Presidential College will be 2 years from the date of swearing-in.
As previously mentioned, we are checking in with families on a weekly basis and doing our best to help meet their needs.
Please pray that Haiti emerges from this crisis soon.
April 1, 2024
The socio-political crisis in Haiti has not yet improved. Helicopters are flying over the country to evacuate foreigners, and American and Canadian soldiers are providing security for their embassies. The airport is still closed and there are no plans for its reopening.
In mid-March the Prime Minister, Ariel Henry, announced he would resign following the installation of a transition council. The Council of Ministers is due to meet today to sign the decree appointing the Presidential College.
We are checking in with families on a weekly basis. All of the families we serve are in need of extra support right now, especially for food. We are doing our best to help them meet their needs. Many of the older graduates have relocated to the Dominican Republic. Schools are open from time to time and students are trying to maintain normalcy, when possible.
We pray that all will go well and that Haiti will have a transitional government to work towards a solution to this crisis situation, which is affecting families enormously and threatening the school year of children, especially those who are due to take official exams this summer 2024.
Please pray with us.
March 27, 2024
Right now, Haiti is in a state of emergency. Gangs are in control. The prime minister flew to Kenya last month to ask for international assistance, and during his departure the gangs worked together to shut down the airport, barring him from returning.
Families in Haiti are suffering. Food and water are hard to get. Schools are closed.
The families of Child Hope remain safe, but you can make sure they are getting their basic needs met.
Will you please make a gift today? It’s important to act soon. Haitian families are under immense strain today, and they could really use your help.
March 5, 2024
Currently the country of Haiti has declared a national emergency and is under a curfew in Port Au Prince as police and gangs fight throughout the city.
Last week Haiti’s Prime Minister Ariel Henry went to Kenya to try to broker a deal for international support. The UN approved a multinational security mission last fall and Kenya has agreed to lead it, but there have been delays.
During his departure, powerful gangs aligned themselves to work together to overthrow the government – including the Prime Minister, the head of National Police and any acting government officials. Multiple police stations have been ransacked and burned. Two prison breaks freed nearly 4,000 prisoners over the weekend. Order is eroding as gangs take further control.
WATCH BBC Story about the prison break: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbyif0qamBs
Much of our staff and the families we serve continue to lay low and stay in their homes, praying for solutions and protection. We are asking for additional consistent prayer for our staff, families and partners in Haiti.
Please pray with us.
- Pray for quick resolution towards peace.
- Pray for wisdom for staff as they assess needs for Child Hope families. If you are a family sponsor, pray specifically for your family.
- Pray for peace in the midst of high stress. Gunfire is a constant right now throughout the city. Pray Psalm 91.
- Pray for protection over innocent lives. Two staff members have had to relocate and flee their homes in the last 24 hours.
In the coming hours and days, we will have a stronger assessment of what the needs are. Thank you for joining us in prayer!
