Petit Chaperon Rouge, Croix-des-Bouquets, Haiti

by Carmelle Morency
(St Petersburg, FL)

The name "Petit Chaperon Rouge" was given to the school according to a famous story of a little girl who always wore a red and white dress along with a red beret when walking to school. Despite her parents being very poor, they made great efforts to give her a good education.

I have always been inspired to help the less fortunate, especially the children, to acquire a good education and a better life. In 1989 I moved to a small town named "Croix-des-Bouquets". As soon I arrived, I found out that the place needed a school for the smaller kids so I decided to open a kindergarten in my home, I sent flyers throughout the community but eventually only seven registered. I was very determined so I started with them with the hope that more would come.

Year after year the children continued to come. Even while keeping tuition very low, I was able to have more classrooms built. The parents begged me to open the elementary school up to the 6th grade. With the help of Mr. Joseph Paul Joseph, the Director I hired, we achieved that goal. Furthermore, the school flourished under his strong direction. In June 2008, 21 students graduated from the 6th grade. As of June 2009 we had a total enrollment of 475 children. We are satisfied with our efforts.

Unfortunately we were not able to expand to the high school level because of financial issues. With the help of some parents and friends of the school we provided scholarships to a few kids who were in great need. They deeply appreciated the education given them.

We have a vision for the children; they have many talents which can be developed with your support.

The recent earthquake was devastating. Thankfully, no lives were lost. The school building was severely damaged beyond repair. The computer lab, infirmary and living quarters were demolished.

Our goal is to rebuild the school with an auditorium, a library, a computer lab, a clinic, and more classrooms. We have the land.

The need for educating the children is greater than ever. First we have to REBUILD. What we need is your help, big or small it depends on what you can give $5, 10, 20, 50, or $1,000. Your donation will allow us to cover tuition and provide uniforms, books, supplies and a hot lunch daily to needy children. For some this will be their only hot meal.

If you want to sponsor one child for an academic year, the cost is only $42 monthly or $500 for one year.

We want not only to offer the best education to all children but also to provide them with on-going medical services on-site. We cannot do any of this without help. With gratitude we will accept whatever your heart can spare. Even if you individually give very little, together we will be able to reach our goal and change the lives of many children.

Thank you so much.
Mme Carmelle A Morency, Founder
Joseph Paul Joseph, Principal

Please visit our website at www.mpcr.info

PS: We have partnered with HAITI'S HEALTH, INC., a non-profit foundation, to assist in the rebuilding of the school and in providing top notch medical care to our students and faculty.

Donations may be made out to: HAITI'S HEALTH, Inc.
Note in the Memo: "PETIT CHAPERON ROUGE" and 100% of your donation will be forwarded.
Please mail your check to: Dr. Frederic Guerrier, MD
PCR Medical Director
Roser Park Medical Center
500 Roser Park Dr. S
St Petersburg, Florida 33701