The Library/Safe Space project will provide over 500 students who are enrolled in HAC-Haiti’s primary and secondary school with a library and “safe space” to study. Over 100 of the students come from orphanages, where we are educating and feeding them every day. The library will be equipped with 4 laptop computers and Internet access for the students to conduct research. It will also have copies of all books used in the classrooms (many students cannot afford the cost of their books), reference books in French, English, and Creole (the three languages of the school), dictionaries and encyclopedias. It will be staffed daily by one librarian/teacher and one faith-based therapist specialized in trauma therapy. The therapist will provide services to students who suffer from behavioral issues in the classroom and those struggling at home. Additionally, the library will be available to the community after school hours and on the weekends for mental health and domestic violence counseling.

Many students, especially the orphans, have experienced terrible trauma not only from the devastating earthquake that left over 3,000 dead, but also from abuse in their homes and the loss of family members due to inability of parents to feed and care for their children. Some of our students are living daily with depression and suicidal thoughts. Our teachers at HAC spend the time with them reminding them that they are God’s children and to keep hope alive, but they are not trained in dealing with these issues.

HAC has become the epicenter of the community for not only educating our children, but adult education, medical and dental clinics. With the funds from Legacy Collective, HAC will have the resources to convert an existing building into the community library center, hire a Librarian and therapist, add solar panel systems, upgraded desks, chairs and other much needed technologies.

HAC will work with the local churches to provide Christian counseling, with a focus on faith and prayer as the ultimate solution. HAC will also open the library doors for anyone in the community who need someone to pray with them.

As a resource to the community, we have many other ideas for programs that can be hosted from this location. Computer training for adults, group counseling sessions, enhancement to our adult literacy programs and adult English classes are to name a few.