This year, our summer activities, including both the Summer Camp and the Soccer Championship, are taking place in an exceptional context. Due to the instability and gang activities in recent months, the government was forced to make the difficult decision to house women and men from the main penitentiary in the same space—the boys’ prison. This has resulted in an overcrowded and more polluted environment, making it a constant challenge for the institution's staff to maintain cleanliness.

Last year, we had more space and more participants in the summer camp. This year, we have only 20 participants in the camp and fewer soccer games because of the need for extra security. (The number of boys at CERMICOL has not decreased.) We gather in the library space, which we manage to arrange and rearrange for different activities during each session.

Despite these challenges, the boys' enthusiasm for participating in the activities remains high. They are very happy to engage in activities that take their minds off the big walls and metal bars. They enjoy the challenges and games we offer. Unfortunately, others would like to participate, but space constraints prevent us from accommodating them.

Even though access is limited and more restrictions are in place due to the country’s situation and recent events at other prisons, the needs remain real and have increased. We are deeply grateful to each of our sponsors who have joined hands with us to help in so many ways. You may not be able to go, but we would not be able to do anything without the resources you provide. As always, it’s teamwork—sponsors and Haiti Awake—making the dream work.