What is "Kanaval"?

What is “Kanaval”?

“Kanaval” (Carnival) in Haiti is a colorful and exciting time of year. Starting in January, Haitians begin to celebrate the period of time leading up to Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) on weekends, which is the last day before Ash Wednesday. Many enjoy listening to upbeat and repetitive music that asks listeners to “Jump!”, “Dance!” and “Spin your shirts above your heads!”. One example of Kanaval music is below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYfrTCqhud4

On the days leading up to Mardi Gras, the celebrations are at their peak. Haitians deck themselves out in multicolored outfits, some shower themselves in glitter, and others wear masks. Many carry maracas in their hands to shake to the never-ending joyful tunes. In major cities like Port-au-Prince, Les Cayes, Cap Haïtiene, and Jacmel the celebrations are especially vibrant. Party-goers meet somewhere central in the city to follow floats adorned with colorful decorations and dance to the songs of  famous musicians performing live atop the floats for all to hear.

What does it look like at Espwa?

This is a special holiday and cultural tradition for Haitians and, of course, the kids at Pwoje Espwa love to celebrate along with their country. This year masks, hats, and glitter were purchased for the kids to wear on the Monday before Mardi Gras. With schools closed for the holiday, the kids all met outside on the big field to listen to Kanaval music, dance and celebrate with their peers. Huge speakers blasted music and a DJ came to play the most popular Kanaval tunes. Everyone had a blast!

A Special Dedication

So many donors helped us to make the new hurricane-proof domes happen; for this we are endlessly grateful.

This morning, the new little boys’ village was blessed by Father Elysee. A group of visitors from Wisconsin along with all of the little boys’ house mothers and Executive Director of Free the Kids, Frank Irr, attended the beautiful ceremony.

One of our Wisconsin visitors was especially moved by the blessing as he and his late wife donated money for one of the domes to be built. To honor her love of Espwa and her endless generosity to those in need, one of the domes was dedicated especially to her.

The Wisconsin group and some of the residents of the domes dedicated especially to Ron's late wife.

We are thankful for the moments that remind us just how far and wide the Espwa family stretches.

20 Years of Learning and Love

On January 4^th and 5^th, Pwoje Espwa Sud celebrated 20 years of existence.

The first Haitian Cardinal, Chibly Langlois was the Chief Celebrate for the Mass; Monsignor Cologne, Father Marc, Father Gregoire concelebrated and were assisted by Deacon Peter. Attendees included 300 staff members, older Espwa children, and dignitaries. Staff and children participated in various parts of the Mass, such as the Prayers of the Faithful, the offering, and in the choir. After Mass, a short Spektak (talent show) was performed and dinner was provided to all those in attendance. It was an evening filled with nostalgia and joy as we all celebrated and honored Pwoje Espwa Sud and all those who have contributed over the years.

Father Marc, Deacon Peter, Monsignor Cologne, Cardinal Langlois, and Father Gregoire 

Some house mothers presented different fruits and vegetables to the Cardinal during the offering. 

Frank Irr, Ben Ablies, Linda and Peter Faford with the Cardinal and Monignor after Mass.

We ate delicious peanuts during the reception.

On January 5^th, we celebrated with all of the kids! A ten course meal which included cake and ice cream was provided to each child. As the kids ate they watched a Spektak which included singing and dancing acts from current and former Espwa children, who are now in their mid-20s. Of course, the celebration ended in a wild dance party where kids, dressed to the nines, broke out their best moves.

Look at all those cakes!

Visitors helping distribute cake to the kids.

Matante and Berthony watching the kids celebrate.

How can one capture the work that this place has done since 1998? Pwoje Espwa Sud has been an oasis of hope for so many – children, staff, and volunteers; it has filled hungry bellies, provided laughs for sad souls, and given faith to those who had given up. God bless the children, staff, volunteers, donors, supporters, Matante, and Father Marc. Here’s to 20 more years of learning and love!

Christmas Pizza!

While Christmas traditions vary from family to family, city to city, state to state and country to country, there’s one thing most of us can agree upon: delicious food. Usually these yummy Christmastime meals are comprised of items that are a special treat; something that we wouldn’t eat on a normal evening.

This year the kids at Pwoje Espwa had a very special Christmas Eve meal, something that they definitely don’t get to eat normally: PIZZA! 30 pizzas were prepared throughout the day on the 24^th for the children to enjoy that evening.

And who was behind this delicious treat? Sam and some of the older guys at Pwoje Espwa came up with this idea and made it all happen for their little sisters and brothers. It was certainly a lot of work for the pizza-making crew, but the love and dedication they have for the littler ones motivated them to get it all done! We are deeply thankful for our Espwa family at all times of the year, but especially during the Christmas season!

Have a blessed 2018.

International Children's Day!

Tomorrow - Monday, November 20^th - is International Children’s Day!

Pwoje Espwa celebrated this special day today during and after Mass. In a church adorned with homemade decorations made by two of Espwa’s young women, Father Gregoire preached about the rights that children have. Espwa children offered up ideas about their rights – the right to eat well, the right to education, the right to have a voice in the world. Father Gregoire reminded the children that with their rights come responsibilities.

After Mass, a celebration team came together to put on different activities for the kids. They played music, enjoyed mini competitions, and watched performances of talented Espwa children. The celebration ended with yummy treats!

Psychologist Emma discussing the special day with the children.

A new dance routine. You go girls!

  

Julio wrote a song for the special day. He sang beautifully.

The sack race was a big hit!

Psychologist Emma and DJ Delince celebrate with the winner of the sack race!

 As you remember and celebrate the children in your life, we ask that you pray for children around the world who are less fortunate. Happy International Children’s Day 2017!