VBS at CERMICOL in 2024

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.

Seven years of knowing & loving CERMICOL

Seven years ago today, after much prayer and perseverance in getting the proper authorization, Haiti Awake was able to visit CERMICOL for the first time. The young men were kept in their cells, and we went door-to-door to speak to them. The doors were covered by a metal grate, so it was difficult to see the boys’ faces. We had to put our eyes up to a hole and peer through as best we could.

In time we were allowed to see the boys. They would be brought out into the courtyard where they stood in rows, and we would address them there. But they were not allowed to address us.

As trust built, we were allowed to speak to them briefly as they sat in a large classroom. We would stand at the front. They would remain in their seats. There was very little interaction.

And now, seven years later, we enter as if we have arrived at home. We are welcomed and allowed to interact with the young men, having time to talk, to laugh, to get to know each other week-by-week.

Glwa pou Bondye.

Music Lessons Behind Prison Walls

I’m frequently asked, “How are things in Haiti?” to which I offer this question: “Are you asking about Haiti, or do you want to know about Haiti Awake because these are vastly different answers.”

Haiti is on the edge of the abyss, and I do not speak in hyperbole. Haiti Awake, however, is thriving, by God's grace.

We continue to move forward, and we are so happy to share a new program - music lessons at CERMICOL. Because of the generous donations of friends who have a heart for prison ministry, we were able to purchase a complete set of drums, and they were safely shipped to Haiti.

Now the fun begins.

Every Sunday for the next six months from 2-4 p.m. four boys will receive music lessons, specifically drum lessons. This first group will finish in December, and new boys will have the same opportunity.

Glwa pou Bondye.