As earlier blog entries explained, we are supporting a school in Cite Soliel, the worst slum in Haiti. I posted pictures and explained the adult literacy program. Another aspect of the expansion of the school is a sports and dance program for the kids. This provides them with a connection to the school that is outside the area of academics.
Last night we had dinner with Mdm. Chenet, the in-country director for Mercy & Sharing. The sports and dance programs have gotten off to a great start. Mdm. Chanet told us that there has been a very positive unintended consequence as a result of the programs. The kids get together in an informal environment. Now they are finding that the kids talk among themselves and it is therapeutic. They talk about the earthquake, the tragedies that they have witnessed and suffered and they empathize with each other. She feels that the programs are significantly contributing to their mental heath as well as their physical health.
It is Mdm. Chenet’s opinion that while some of the large charitable organizations are providing mental health counseling for some children she doesn’t see it as all that beneficial. It’s her opinion that the children need to talk to their peers, not be counseled by adults.
It’s an interesting situation and we will watch it.