1. The US - Haitian Partnership on la Gonave Island: The last 20 years

3. The mother church of the island (St. Francis of Assisi) in 1988.

4. St. Francis of Assisi Church and the new school building as seen from the main street in 1992. The wall that surrounds the compound is beautifully decorated inside and out.

5. In 1992 the school buildings in the compound are going up quickly. But, no blue paint, no second story yet.

6. The School’s administrative building on 1 st floor and classrooms on the 2 nd floor in 1994.

7. The school administrative building in 1995. Notice the cinder blocks that have been hand made, waiting to expand the church.

8. The expansion of the church began in 1995. The number of students enrolled in school was expanding as well!

9. The expansion of St. Francis of Assisi in 1999.

10. The church expansion was loosely modeled after St. Philip’s in Charleston, designed by the priest in charge at the time, Father Valdema, and built by Haitians using indigenous materials and craftsmanship.

11. St. Francis of Assisi Church in 2004

12. St. Francis of Assisi in 2008

13. Inside St. Francis of Assisi in 2004

14. Inside the church in 2006 during a kindergarten graduation.

15. St. Francis of Assisi Kindergarten Graduation 2007

17. St. Jean the Baptiste began around 1990-one cinder block at a time.

18. Everything was hand made by the Haitians themselves.

19. They just need help acquiring the resources. Haitians have the man power, the skills, and the time.

20. It takes a lot of paint to cover all those raw cinder blocks.

21. But look at what a little paint can do!

22. In 1998 the new three room school building was dedicated.

23. The kindergarten class was still under a thatch roof, but they were learning!

24. In June of 1999 the outline for the new kindergarten is drawn in the dirt as the “Soldiers for Christ” stand in the foreground.

25. The beginning of the kindergarten straight from Pere Val’s brain to the ground!

26. The foundation is laid effectively even without fancy instruments

27. In 2000 the new kindergarten is progressing rapidly.

28. This is the kindergarten school building and school office in 2002! .

29. They also started a bell tower for the church in 1999.

30. Here it is in 2002!

31. Lotore 1999

32. Lotore 2004

33. Bois Brule 1999

34. Bois Brule 2004

35. Nan Mango 2006

36. Nan Mango 2009

37. Ticotellette foundation in 1999 Ticotellette school office and school building in 2004

38. Ticotellette finished in 2009

40. The Clinic is vital to all of the programs of the partnership One of the dental chairs. The front door to the clinic. Little girl patient on IV at the clinic-2009

41. Carmel Valdema helped develop the nutritional supplement that is vital to the success of the nutrition program.

42. The Old Clinic Pharmacy (1999) inside and out.

43. Solar panels on the roof of the health clinic and the batteries they charge provide necessary lighting in the interior rooms.

45. This is the enclosure where the goats are kept. It is located near the clinic where the training for the program takes place.

46. This is one of the large Nubian goats that was imported to mate with the Haitian goats. The hybrid goats are healthier and meatier.

47. The goats and the Haitians are participating. And the program is growing and successful.

49. Sewing Beading This is Dr. Sandy Chai who helped start the program and maintains it in the states. She helps train the ladies in beading and sewing and is working on selling their products in the states. Cooking

50. One of our partnership goals is to help the ladies market their beautiful handmade items more broadly.

51. The ladies project is busy and growing.

52. Pwojet Famn (Women’s Project) First Graduating Class- Class of 2004

54. Here are some of the students who have been a part of PUSH. Michel Cenatus- graduated from medical school after 6 years. Now in his residency Napolean Johnson-graduated with medical technician degree. Volmy Exilien- electrical engineering

56. Music is an international language. It creates unity and teamwork

57. Music education begins in kindergarten at St. Francis of Assisi. The various bands and choirs are an important part of all Haitian activities.

59. New instruments, proper storage, and the tools to properly maintain them are needed.

61. If you go, you will be glad you did!

62. You will never forget the Haitian friends you make. And you will never be the same- Thanks be to God!