<![CDATA[BRANCH SCHOOLS

<![CDATA[BRANCH SCHOOLS - Blog]]>Mon, 24 Aug 2026 09:48:55 -0500Weebly<![CDATA[A New Address for a Growing Ministry]]>Wed, 19 Aug 2026 20:27:40 GMThttps://www.branchlutheranschoolshaiti.org/blog/a-new-address-for-a-growing-ministryWe’re excited to share that Branch Schools has a new mailing address:

Branch Lutheran Schools of Haiti, Inc.
5775 Wayzata Blvd.
Suite 700 – #3447
St. Louis Park, MN 55416

Please update your records with our new mailing address. All future mail should be sent to the above address.

Branch Lutheran Schools of Haiti is growing! As our ministry grows, we’re taking steps to strengthen the foundation that supports the work God has entrusted to us.

This change comes after changes and movement within our Board of Directors and thoughtful consideration about what Branch Schools needs as our organization continues to grow and mature. After several weeks of comparing options and reputable partners and businesses, the Branch Schools Executive Committee approved this new arrangement.

Our new address is located at OffiCenters, a Minnesota-based provider of professional workspaces, serviced offices, and coworking communities. OffiCenters has a strong commitment to supporting nonprofit organizations, and through its OneCommunity program, Branch Schools is receiving many free administrative services through a grant we were awarded.

This partnership gives Branch Schools a professional and permanent address while also providing administrative support that will help us operate more effectively as our ministry continues to expand. It is one more way we can be good stewards of the resources God provides, allowing more of our time and funding to remain focused on our schools, students, and ministry in Haiti.
We are grateful for this opportunity and for the many people and organizations God has placed alongside Branch Schools as we continue to grow.

Thank you to our donors, supporters, volunteers, and partners who make this ministry possible. Your generosity allows Branch Schools to continue providing education and sharing the Gospel with children and families in Haiti. We give thanks to God for blessing this ministry and for allowing us to continue growing in ways that strengthen the work we do together.

You can make a gift in support Branch Lutheran Schools of Haiti online by clicking donate above.

Thank you for your continued support of Branch Schools and the children and families in Haiti.]]><![CDATA[August 2026 - Newsletter]]>Tue, 18 Aug 2026 15:36:53 GMThttps://www.branchlutheranschoolshaiti.org/blog/august-2026-newsletterA New Address for a Growing Ministry

Branch Lutheran Schools of Haiti is growing! As our ministry grows, we’re taking steps to strengthen the foundation that supports the work God has entrusted to us.

We’re excited to share that Branch Schools has a new mailing address:

This change comes after changes and movement within our Board of Directors and thoughtful consideration about what Branch Schools needs as our organization continues to grow and mature. After several weeks of comparing options and reputable businesses and partners, the Branch Schools Executive Committee approved this new arrangement.

Our new address is located at OffiCenters, a Minnesota-based provider of professional workspaces, serviced offices, and coworking communities. OffiCenters has a strong commitment to supporting nonprofit organizations, and through its OneCommunity program, Branch Schools is receiving many administrative services completely free of charge through a grant we were awarded.

This partnership gives Branch Schools a professional and permanent address while also providing administrative support that will help us operate more effectively as our ministry continues to expand. It is one more way we can be good stewards of the resources God provides, allowing more of our time and funding to remain focused on our schools, students, and ministry in Haiti.
We are grateful for this opportunity and for the many people and organizations God has placed alongside Branch Schools as we continue to grow.

Thank you to our donors, supporters, volunteers, and partners who make this ministry possible. Your generosity allows Branch Schools to continue providing education and sharing the Gospel with children and families in Haiti.

We give thanks to God for blessing this ministry and for allowing us to continue growing in ways that strengthen the work we do together.

Please update your records with our new mailing address. All future mail should be sent to the address above.

From the Schools in Haiti - A Blessing in a Time of Need

As Branch Lutheran Schools begins another school year, we are especially grateful for the people and organizations who continue to stand alongside our students and teachers in Haiti.

On August 17, Branch Schools was awarded a $10,000 grant from WELS Christian Aid and Relief to help address several important and critical needs at our schools, including adding solar panels, fixing/adding water pumps, wall repairs, septic plumbing issues, and other necessary and unexpected expenses.

We are deeply grateful to Christian Aid and Relief and to everyone involved in reviewing and approving this grant. Their generosity will help us provide safer and more functional learning environments for our students and teachers.

After the grant, Branch Schools still has approximately $9,250 in outstanding needs related to these repairs and improvements. At the same time, the start of a new school year has brought additional needs as our enrollment continues to grow. We are working to provide new benches and tables for students, chalkboards, school supplies, and desks for teachers, so that our classrooms are equipped for the year ahead.

These may seem like simple necessities, but having adequate furniture and supplies makes a meaningful difference in a child's ability to learn. As more children join our schools, the need for these basic resources grows with them.

We are thankful that we do not have to meet these needs alone. Through the generosity of our donors, prayers from our supporters, and partnerships like the one with Christian Aid and Relief, Branch Schools can continue to provide children in Haiti with opportunities to learn and grow.

If you would like to help us meet the remaining $9,250 need, your gift can help provide needed repairs, classroom furniture, and school supplies as we begin this new school year. Thank you for continuing to be part of the Branch Schools family. Your support is helping make it possible for our schools to open their doors each year—and for more children to walk through them.

The Gift of a Uniform

When it’s time to do back-to-school shopping in the United States, children are often eager to get a new backpack, perhaps some fun folders and notebooks, or maybe that one special outfit for the first day of school. Those same children usually aren’t quite as excited about purchasing a school uniform. But for students in Haiti, a school uniform symbolizes something very special and is a treasured part of the back-to-school experience.

Students throughout Haiti are required to wear uniforms to attend school. In fact, this requirement is what can prevent many families in Haiti from sending their children to school at all. Unable to afford the cost of these uniforms and other necessary school supplies, parents are often forced to keep their children home until there is money available to purchase them.

At Branch Schools, thanks to your generous gifts, there are funds in place to provide students in need with those items necessary to begin school, including the required uniform. Each Branch school has a uniform unique to their specific location. And for the students at Branch Schools, that uniform gives them access to education, a sense of community and unity with their classmates, and that one special outfit for them to keep clean, tidy, cared for, and ready for each new day of learning.

Haiti Election News

After five years without a president, ten years without an election, and numerous postponements of scheduled elections, the people of Haiti are hopeful that an election in December will finally be held. In July, Haiti’s Provisional Electoral Council announced December 13, 2026 as the new date for the election, with a runoff scheduled for February 21, 2027.

Since these dates have changed a number of times, citizens are concerned that voting will be postponed yet again. Some fear that the instability of the country will, indeed, create an environment where the elections can’t proceed. Citing ever-increasing violence and the subsequent dangers of getting to the polls in gang-run regions, lack of safety for campaigning candidates, and sparse information about those candidates and ballot measures for the voters in Haiti, many are left with little hope that a December election will happen as planned.

We pray with the people of Haiti that God will grant peace to their nation, allow them to safely hold elections, and provide them with a strong leader who can help usher Haiti into a new era of safety, security, and prosperity.

Upcoming Presentations and Events

The following is a list of presentations, fundraisers, and tabling events that are coming up for and with Branch Lutheran Schools of Haiti:
2026

October 9 & 11 - Risen Savior - Pooler, GA
October 10 - LWMS North Florida Fall Circuit Rally - Jacksonville, FL

2027

April 24 - LWMS, Rocky Mountain Circuit - Littleton, CO

If you would like more information about presentations, fundraising or to request a speaker/representative from Branch Lutheran Schools of Haiti to visit your church or group, please reach out to info@branchlutheranschoolshaiti.org! We would love to share about this work and how God is working in the hearts of the children in Haiti.

]]><![CDATA[July 2026 - Newsletter]]>Mon, 13 Jul 2026 20:02:52 GMThttps://www.branchlutheranschoolshaiti.org/blog/july-2026-newsletterMonthly Gifts and the Impact They Have

Imagine trying to run a school when you don't know if you'll have enough funding for next year. Will there be money to purchase the food needed? Pay teachers or give them a yearly raise? Add additional classrooms that are desperately needed each year?

For many nonprofits, including Branch Schools of Haiti, that's the reality. Monthly giving changes that story.

When supporters choose to give automatically each month, they provide something incredibly valuable: consistency. Recurring gifts allow us to plan ahead with confidence, respond more quickly to needs, and ensure that our students continue receiving the education, meals, and Christian care they depend on.

One monthly donor recently shared, "I love knowing that every month, even when my life gets busy, I'm still helping a child learn, grow, and hear about Jesus." That's the beauty of recurring giving--it quietly creates lasting impact month after month.

Whether it's $10, $25, or $100 each month, recurring gifts add up in remarkable ways. They help provide stable support for nearly 1,800 students and allow us to focus more of our time on how we can continue to bring the hope of Christ Jesus to more children and families in Haiti and less time on fundraising.

If you've been looking for a simple way to make a lasting difference, consider becoming a monthly partner. When you make a monthly gift to Branch Lutheran Schools of Haiti you become a part of our Branch Roots Society, a special recognition program for our sustaining donors.

"If the Root is holy, so are the Branches." (Romans 11:5)

Together, we can provide hope, education, and the love of Christ—every single month.

Start A Monthly Gift Now >>

Starlink Coming to Pilate

Our U.S. team is working to install a Starlink satellite at our middle school in Pilate, Haiti, before the start of the new school year.

Reliable internet access would be a significant step forward for our schools, creating new opportunities for communication, education, and collaboration for both students and staff. Pilate will serve as a pilot site as we learn how Starlink can best support our ministry. If the project is successful, we hope to expand this technology to all six of our schools in Haiti.

Please join us in praying for a smooth installation, a strong and reliable connection, the safety of the equipment, and the many opportunities this technology may provide for our students, teachers, and school leaders.
About Starlink
Starlink is a satellite internet service that provides reliable high-speed broadband through the world's most advanced satellite constellation. Available in more than 160 countries and territories, Starlink helps connect communities where traditional internet service has been too expensive, unreliable, or simply unavailable. For schools in Haiti, this technology has the potential to improve communication, expand educational resources, and strengthen connections with our partners around the world.

A Glance at Internet Access in Haiti

Maps, job postings, grocery store ads, remote classes, weather reports–these are all things that many people in the United States go online to access daily. We often don't even consider how regularly we use these resources or how important they are to us. We even tend to panic when we are without internet access during outages, when our phone batteries die, or when we are in more remote areas with limited service.

In Haiti, only about 40% of people have regular access to the internet, compared to approximately 96% of people in the United States. This means that when children in Haiti can’t attend school due to safety concerns, getting educational materials to them is far more challenging. When there are weather events in Haiti, citizens have to rely on radio or word of mouth to prepare. When Haitian adults are seeking employment, their ability to fill remote roles may be hindered or rendered entirely impossible due to their lack of reliable access to the internet.

Thankfully, many companies and organizations have been working to bring better internet access to Haiti. As these efforts increase, and particularly as they reach more rural parts of Haiti, many more Haitians will have access to information, education, and communication. We are excited about such opportunities soon becoming available to the students at Branch Lutheran Schools.

Summer Sweets: Haitian Blanc Manger

On a hot summer's day, nothing is quite as refreshing as a sweet, cool treat. One such sweet treat is Haitian Blanc Manger, a recipe that goes back to Haiti’s colonial roots. Blancmange, the dish from which blanc manger originated, has been made in many forms throughout Europe since the Middle Ages and was brought to Haiti during the French colonial period.

Blanc Manger has been adapted through the years to incorporate Haiti’s tropical ingredients. Made with coconut milk and topped with native fruits, it is the perfect dessert to celebrate the history and agriculture of Haiti and the perfect way to cool off from the summer heat. Follow the recipe below to create your own Haitian Blanc Manger:

¾ cup hot water
3 envelopes gelatin
2 cans evaporated milk
1 can coconut milk
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
Zest of one lime
1 mango for topping
Toasted coconut for topping

Dissolve the gelatin in the hot water and set aside. Heat all of the milks in a large saucepan over medium heat until hot. Stir in the vanilla extract and the lime zest. Remove from the heat and add the gelatin, stirring until combined. Pour into individual molds, ramekins, or a large gelatin mold. Chill overnight.

Once the dessert is set, you can remove it from the ramekins or mold by briefly placing in a warm water bath and then inverting onto a dish or serving plate. Serve topped with fresh mango and toasted coconut.

Upcoming Presentations and Events

The following is a list of presentations, fundraisers and tabling events that are coming up for and with Branch Lutheran Schools of Haiti:
2026

October 10 - LWMS North Florida Fall Circuit Rally, Jacksonville, FL

2027

April 24 - LWMS, Rocky Mountain Circuit - Littleton, CO

]]><![CDATA[June 2026 - Newsletter]]>Mon, 22 Jun 2026 14:38:01 GMThttps://www.branchlutheranschoolshaiti.org/blog/june-2026-newsletterSharing from the Schools

Have you ever wondered what summer break looks like for the students who attend Branch Lutheran Schools of Haiti?

We asked one of our school directors and Pastor Rona to answer the question: "What do the children do for fun during summer break, and what services are available?"

Here are their responses:

Director Boursiquot (Port-au-Prince Area School)
"For fun, we have a summer camp each year. We welcome students for lessons in math and French three days each week. We also organize fun activities on Thursdays and Fridays."

Pastor Rona
"During the break, activities are organized to encourage and motivate the children through various types of games. They are also taught Bible stories, songs, and poems. For the older students, art workshops—such as music or painting—are offered, depending on the region."

Attendance for summer programs remains high, as the children thoroughly enjoy being at school and the environment continues to provide a safe and welcoming space for them. Please continue to support these children with your prayers.

Sharing From the U.S. Team

Convention and Presentations
We were thrilled to present at the Minnesota District Convention earlier this month and are looking forward to our next stop—the Annual LWMS Convention. If you are attending, please be sure to stop by and say hello!

We are still scheduling presentations and tabling/informational events for both 2026 and 2027. If your church, church group, school, or college is interested in learning more about Branch Lutheran Schools of Haiti and would like someone to visit, please contact us here.

Update on the Spring Fundraiser
We are delighted to share that, together, we raised just over $30,000 through our Spring Fundraiser to support the food budget. We thank God for your tremendous generosity and support of this important cause.

In Haiti, more than one million children face critical levels of food insecurity. Driven by armed violence, internal displacement, and climate-related disasters, nearly one-quarter of the country's children suffer from chronic malnutrition, which can permanently impair cognitive and physical development.

Your continued support and dedication are making a meaningful difference in the lives of these children and young believers. Thank you for standing alongside them and helping provide hope for the future.

Haiti in the World Cup

“What do kids in Haiti like to do for fun?” American school children have asked this question when learning about Branch Lutheran Schools of Haiti. The answer is that they like to sing and play clapping and jumping games when they have free time at school. But outside of school, children in Haiti especially love to play soccer.

Soccer has been the favorite sport in Haiti for many years, with the Haitian Football Federation, the Federasyon Foutbòl Ayisyen, having been founded in 1904. Children in Haiti play soccer with their friends with the hope of someday being part of the national team, playing for an organization outside of Haiti, or perhaps even participating in the FIFA World Cup.

This year, for a team of young men either born in Haiti or of Haitian descent, Les Grenadiers, that dream is becoming reality. For the first time since 1974, Haiti has qualified to play in the World Cup. Getting to this point has been a challenge, but one that has been met with hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Unable to play in Haiti due to ongoing violence, gang activity, and political instability, they have had to play their “home games” at a stadium in Curaçao, with very few fans in attendance to cheer them on to victory.

But Haiti managed to win the necessary matches, qualified to play, trained in Florida, and will be competing in World Cup matches, starting on June 13 against Scotland. They have additional matches on June 19 and 24 against Brazil and Morocco as Haiti fans worldwide plan to tune in to cheer on the Caribbean underdog in their first World Cup appearance in over fifty years. And Haitian children will wait to learn if their soccer heroes are victorious, dreaming that someday they too might compete to bring the trophy home to Haiti.

]]><![CDATA[May 2026 - Newsletter]]>Thu, 14 May 2026 16:12:35 GMThttps://www.branchlutheranschoolshaiti.org/blog/may-2026-newsletterNews from Branch Schools

Pastor Rona recently shared that conditions in Haiti remain extremely difficult, with gangs continuing to control large portions of Port-au-Prince. Many families who are able, are leaving and relocating to other cities, such as Cap-Haïtien, in search of safety and stability. Unfortunately, this migration has created additional hardship, as housing costs and rental prices have risen dramatically. Pastor Rona noted that survival has become the focus for many, with little mercy or compassion left to spare in the midst of ongoing crisis.

At this time, there does not appear to be strong political leadership on the horizon that offers hope for immediate change or stability in the country.

Despite these overwhelming challenges, there is still encouraging news: our schools continue to grow, and enrollment is increasing. Families still deeply value education and continue to make sacrifices so their children can learn and have hope for a brighter future.

Another growing burden for families is the rising cost of fuel, which has been impacted by the war in Iran. Gas prices have become so high that some parents can no longer afford transportation costs to send their children to school consistently.

Even in the uncertainty, we continue to witness the resilience of the Haitian people and the faithfulness of God through the work happening in our schools and communities. Thank you for continuing to pray, give, and stand alongside the students, families, and staff of Branch Lutheran Schools of Haiti during this difficult season.

Sharing from the U.S. Team

As we move closer to the end of May, we are also nearing the close of our Spring Food Fundraiser for Branch Lutheran Schools of Haiti. We are deeply grateful for everyone who has already chosen to support this important effort and help provide nourishment and care for children in Haiti during such a difficult time.

For many children, the meals they receive through our schools are not simply a convenience, they are a vital source of strength, stability, and hope. As costs continue to rise throughout Haiti, including food and transportation expenses, the need for consistent support has become even greater.

If you have not yet had the opportunity to participate, we kindly ask that you prayerfully consider making a gift before the fundraiser concludes. Every donation, no matter the size, helps ensure that children can continue receiving the support they need to learn, grow, and thrive.

Food in Haiti

Does your family have a favorite recipe? Maybe it was your grandmother’s or your great-grandmother’s. Maybe it is one that has been handed down for many generations and is full of your family’s culture and history. The food eaten in Haiti today is similarly rich with the flavor and history of its people.

The common cuisine in Haiti is a blend of all of the cultures that built the nation. African traditions, French cooking methods, and the traditional ingredients of the island of Hispaniola and its native Taino people create the foods commonly eaten today. Combining local staples like rice, beans, and yams and hearty meats like goat and pork with bold spices and sour citrus fruit makes Haitian food a unique culinary experience.

Purchasing food in Haiti also adds to its cultural importance, with markets being a place where people come together. Food is also central to many celebrations, social gatherings, and religious and cultural holidays. Many traditional dishes are made for these events and are meant to be shared with friends, family, and neighbors.

So many in Haiti today face food insecurity. But the need for and importance of food goes beyond simple sustenance. For the people of Haiti, food is also about heritage, tradition, and community.

Haitian Heritage Month

In the month of May, calendars are full of celebrations like Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, and maybe a graduation or two. But the entirety of May is also designated as Haitian Heritage Month. Centered around Haitian Flag Day on May 18, the day in 1803 when the flag of the Haitian revolutionaries was first created, it is a month-long celebration of Haiti’s history and independence, their vibrant and colorful music, artwork, and cuisine, and the strength of the Haitian people.

While not ignoring the current hardships in Haiti, Haitian Heritage Month is a time to shift the focus to the resilience of the Haitian people and the richness of their customs and traditions. Parades dedicated to the celebration of Haitian culture can be found across the United States. Haitian food festivals and observances of Haitian Flag Day can also be found in major cities all around the country.

You can personally celebrate Haitian Heritage Month in a variety of ways. You can take time to read and learn more about Haiti’s history and culture. You can support organizations like Branch Lutheran Schools that open up opportunities for Haitian youth to learn and thrive. Or you can even try a Haitian recipe, like this one for pikliz, a spicy condiment served with many Haitian dishes. Using ingredients that grow abundantly in Haiti, along with pickling techniques brought by the French, pikliz is a wonderful example of Haiti’s rich history and bold culture.

4 cups of shredded cabbage
1 grated carrot
1 shallot, thinly sliced
1 bunch of scallions, thinly sliced
½ onion, thinly sliced
2-4 Scotch bonnet or habanero peppers, thinly sliced (for a milder version, you can substitute jalapeno or bell peppers) **Make sure to wear gloves when handling the peppers!**
1 tsp salt
¼ cup lime juice
4 cups white vinegar (or enough to cover your vegetables)

Add all of your vegetables to a glass bowl and sprinkle with salt. Add lime juice and toss mixture to evenly distribute the vegetables. Add vinegar, making sure to cover your vegetables. Cover bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to a large glass jar. Allow to marinate in the fridge for at least 24 hours, longer for more intense flavors. Serve with your favorite grilled meats, or try with fried plantains.

Upcoming Presentations and Events

The following is a list of presentations, fundraisers and tabling events that are coming up for and with Branch Lutheran Schools of Haiti:
2026

May 17 - Grace Lutheran Church in Scroggins, TX
June 9 & 10 - MN District Convention, Martin Luther College, New Ulm, MN
June 21 - Ascension Lutheran Church in Macomb Township, MI
June 21-25 - ELS Synod Convention, Bethany Lutheran College, Mankato, MN
June 25 - 28 - Annual LWMS Convention, Madison, WI
October 10 - LWMS North Florida Fall Circuit Rally, Jacksonville, FL

2027

April 24 - LWMS, Rocky Mountain Circuit - Littleton, CO

]]><![CDATA[Branch Lutheran Schools of Haiti Seeks a New Treasurer to Join Board of Directors]]>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 16:06:55 GMThttps://www.branchlutheranschoolshaiti.org/blog/branch-lutheran-schools-of-haiti-seeks-a-new-treasurer-to-join-board-of-directorsTo view full description, please click the file download below. For any questions, please email kathleen@branchlutheranschoolshaiti.org to get connected.

branch_schools_treasurer-qualification___responsibilities__1_.pdf
File Size:	180 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

]]><![CDATA[April 2026 - Newsletter]]>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 15:54:13 GMThttps://www.branchlutheranschoolshaiti.org/blog/april-2026-newsletterNews from Branch Schools:
Rejoicing in the Hope of Easter

He is risen! Alleluia!

This Easter season, the children at Branch Lutheran Schools of Haiti are celebrating the greatest gift we have ever been given—Jesus’ sacrifice for us and the freedom from sin that comes through Him. In classrooms, students marked the occasion by creating Easter crafts, sharing the story of Christ’s resurrection, and reflecting on the hope we have in Him.

It is a beautiful reminder that even in the midst of hardship and challenge, the message of Easter shines. Our teachers, students, and families are deeply grateful for your continued support, which makes it possible to not only provide education, but to share the love of Christ each and every day.

We also ask that you join us in prayer for one of our students who recently suffered a broken arm while playing at school. We pray for healing, comfort, and strength during their recovery.
Thank you for being a part of this community of faith and love.

Spring Fundraiser:
Nourishing Bodies, Renewing Hope

As we enter our Spring Fundraiser, we invite you to reflect with us on a pressing and heartbreaking reality. Right now, more than 5.7 million people in Haiti—over half the population—are facing food insecurity. Even more devastating, 1.9 million are experiencing emergency levels of hunger, where daily survival is uncertain.

Through the grace of God and your faithful support, Branch Lutheran Schools of Haiti is able to provide:

Three daily meals for children living in our three orphanages
A daily light meal for students, which is often the only food they will receive that day

Food is not just nourishment, it is the foundation for learning, growth, and a future filled with possibility. Without it, even the brightest dreams begin to fade. That is why this spring, we are focusing on food. Because no child should have to learn on an empty stomach.

We know these realities are difficult to read about, and even harder to fully understand. But as followers of Christ, we are called to respond with compassion and action—to care for our neighbors in their time of need.

“It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.” —Proverbs 14:21

Easter Kites

Many of our recent celebrations of Jesus’ resurrection included dying eggs in bright and happy hues and decorating with and wearing vibrant spring colors. The children at Branch Lutheran Schools of Haiti similarly made cheerful, seasonal crafts this Easter season. These practices symbolize the joy, hope, and rebirth found in Christ’s saving work at Easter.

In Haiti, most families don’t dye eggs, but they do make kites. Kite building, decorating, and flying is a tradition in Haiti that is most commonly practiced during Holy Week and Easter weekend. Vendors often sell brightly-colored kites during this time of year, but more frequently, children and families build and fly these kites together.

During Holy Week when children have a break from school, they assemble the materials needed to create their Easter kites. Often unable to afford store-bought materials, children use found items, such as sticks and plastic bags. They then decorate their kites with streamers, cheerful colors, pictures, and messages.

Finally, it is time to fly the kites, an activity often done as a family or with groups of friends. This fun, colorful, and playful event is much like the traditional dying of eggs or wearing of bright colors. It is a symbol of the joy and hope found in our Savior Jesus.

Food Insecurity in Haiti

In a country of 11 million people, it is alarming to learn that more than half of that population is facing food insecurity. Many of those experiencing hunger are severely malnourished children. With continued political unrest and ever-increasing gang violence, it is becoming the worst hunger crisis that Haiti has ever faced.

A number of factors have led to this emergency. Natural disasters of all kinds–hurricanes, flooding, and droughts–have done damage to farmland and killed livestock, and the ongoing economic struggles in the country make it very difficult to bounce back from such events.

Haiti’s governmental and financial instability have prevented the enactment of programs that would encourage agricultural growth. Plans to help farmers create better systems for irrigation and soil management as well as initiatives to promote reforestation across the country are often sidelined in order to give resources and attention to more pressing needs throughout Haiti.

When one considers the gang issues in Haiti, attention is often turned toward Port-au-Prince, where gangs control much of day-to-day life through violence and intimidation. But there is also a large gang presence in Haiti’s agricultural regions and along the roads that are the main routes for distribution of food.

Gangs prevent the movement of food along these roads and often drive up the prices of items by imposing “fees” for the shipments to pass through safely. In recent years, gangs have intimidated farmers in these regions, pressuring them with threats of violence to stop growing crops and raising animals. Recently, gangs have attacked citizens living in these regions, forcing them from their homes and livelihoods to seek safety in other parts of the country.

As the problems that lead to widespread hunger persist, we pray for the people of Haiti that there will soon be political stability, that the people can soon live in peace and feel safe from the threat of violence, that they will be spared from natural disaster, and that families may one day experience the comfort of full bellies, free from the worry of where one’s next meal may be found.

Upcoming Presentations and Events

The following is a list of presentations, fundraisers and tabling events that are coming up for and with Branch Lutheran Schools of Haiti:

April 12 - Divine Peace Lutheran Church in Rockwall, TX
April 18 - LWMS Spring Rally at St Mark's Lutheran Church in Eau Claire, WI
April 18 - LWMS Spring Rally at Grace Lutheran Church in Ringle, WI
May 17 - Grace Lutheran Church in Scroggins, TX
June 25 - 28 - Annual LWMS Convention, Madison, WI
October 10 - LWMS North Florida Fall Circuit Rally, Jacksonville, FL

]]><![CDATA[March 2026 - Newsletter]]>Wed, 11 Mar 2026 17:13:26 GMThttps://www.branchlutheranschoolshaiti.org/blog/march-2026-newsletterNews from Branch Schools

In February, the Branch Schools Executive Committee learned of several updates needed at one of our schools in Port-au-Prince to meet safety requirements set by Haiti’s Ministry of National Education. These updates were necessary to ensure the building remains in full compliance with national standards.

We are grateful to share that the improvements have now been completed.
The necessary fixes were made to strengthen the safety of the facility and ensure the building meets all required codes.

Providing safe learning environments for students and teachers is a top priority for Branch Lutheran Schools of Haiti. We thank God for His continued provision and for the supporters who help make it possible for our schools to remain places where children can learn, grow, and thrive.

Sharing from the U.S. Team

Spring is nearly here, and with it comes an important opportunity to support one of the most essential needs in our schools—food.

This spring, Branch Lutheran Schools of Haiti will be fundraising to support our school food programs. Food is a significant part of our operating budget and a vital part of our mission. For many of the children who attend our schools, the meals they receive during the school day are among the most reliable sources of nourishment they have.

Across Haiti, ongoing economic challenges and food insecurity continue to affect families and communities. By providing meals at school, we are doing more than feeding students—we are helping them stay healthy, focused, and ready to learn.

When you give toward our food fund, you are fueling education, protecting children’s health, strengthening families, restoring dignity, and participating in God’s faithful provision.
As we enter this spring season, we invite you to prayerfully consider supporting this effort. Together, we can ensure that students have the nourishment they need to grow, learn, and thrive.

Haiti Election Update

At the end of February, political leaders from across Haiti signed the National Pact for Stability and the Organization of Elections. For many, this is seen as a commitment to revamping Haiti’s government and paving the way for the elections that are still planned for later this year, tentatively scheduled for August and December. For others, it is felt that the agreement doesn’t do enough to create a roadmap toward that goal.

With no set dates for elections and no concrete plan to curb the violence that would make those elections nearly impossible, some argue that the agreement provides no promise of a true departure from the transitional governments that have been in place since 2021. Those who signed the pact state they did so to show dedication to a new government and a safer, more stable Haiti. We continue to pray with the people of Haiti during this uncertain time.

Good Friday in Haiti

Though Holy Week is observed by Christians worldwide, it is a particularly special time for the people of Haiti. Good Friday is a legal holiday in Haiti, and many spend the day with family in solemn observance of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross at Calvary. Many Haitians attend church services on Good Friday, spending that time in prayer, song, and reflection on Christ’s saving work. There are often processions on the streets with reenactments of Jesus’ journey to the cross and crucifixion.

A meatless, mid-day meal is prepared in homes across Haiti, regardless of religious background. This meal often consists of fish, rice, white beans, beets, and eggs. It is a meal rooted in tradition and simplicity, and intended to be shared together in quiet contemplation.

Upcoming Presentations and Events

The following is a list of presentations, fundraisers and tabling events that are coming up for and with Branch Lutheran Schools of Haiti:

March 23 - Calvary Lutheran School in Dallas, TX
April 12 - Divine Peace Lutheran Church in Rockwall, TX
April 18 - LWMS Spring Rally at St Mark's Lutheran Church in Eau Claire, WI
April 18 - LWMS Spring Rally at Grace Lutheran Church in Ringle, WI
May 17 - Grace Lutheran Church in Scroggins, TX
June 25 - 28 - Annual LWMS Convention, Madison, WI

]]><![CDATA[February 2026 - Newsletter]]>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 18:15:00 GMThttps://www.branchlutheranschoolshaiti.org/blog/february-2026-newsletterNews from Branch Schools

The U.S. team hasn’t received a lot of news from the schools, and in this case, that’s a good thing. Often, no news means good news. We continue to hear that families are deeply impressed with the quality of education their children are receiving.

We did receive a video from our school in Les Palmes showing progress on an ongoing building project. It’s encouraging to see steady growth and forward momentum there.

Sharing from the U.S. Team

In November 2025, we learned that many families connected to the Les Palmes school were significantly impacted by Hurricane Melissa. While we are grateful that no lives were lost and no children or family members were seriously injured, many families lost their livelihoods—including livestock, crops, and small market businesses. At the time, no outside assistance was available.

Branch Lutheran Schools of Haiti applied for emergency support through Christian Aid & Relief and was awarded a $12,200 grant. These funds were distributed to affected families to help replace what was lost, and the gratitude has been overwhelming.
Please continue to pray for these families as they rebuild, recover, and work toward stability once again.

Haiti's Transitional Presidential Council

The government of Haiti is entering a new chapter as their Transitional Presidential Council disbanded on February 7, 2026, handing interim power over to the current Prime Minister, Alix Didier Fils-Aimé. This temporary governing body was put in place in 2024 after the tumultuous years following the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. Unfortunately, during this council’s time, no plans were made to help determine Haiti’s political future.

Elections are to be held later this year, the first in the country since 2016. But with no dates firmly in place and no direction for how to move forward, Haiti’s leadership remains in limbo. It is a time of uncertainty, but it is also a time of hope as Haiti now has the opportunity to make positive governmental changes. We pray with the people of Haiti that God would grant them leaders who can help bring peace, stability, and safety to the nation.

Carnival in Haiti

As Christians around the world prepare to enter the somber season of Lent, many people and cultures spend the days leading up to Ash Wednesday in the revelry of Carnival. Haiti celebrates Carnival (Kanaval) with parades, costumes, and food, combining traditions from their French and African roots as well as elements of Vodou culture. It is heavily focused on traditional Haitian music and is an opportunity for Haitian musicians to gain wider exposure as people all across the country come together in song, dance, and celebration.

Upcoming Presentations and Events

The following is a list of presentations, fundraisers and tabling events that are coming up for and with Branch Lutheran Schools of Haiti:

February 12-13 - GROW Conference, Houston Texas (Table Event)
April 18 - LWMS Spring Rally at St Mark's Lutheran Church in Eau Claire, WI
April 18 - LWMS Spring Rally at Grace Lutheran Church in Ringle, WI
June 25 - 28 - Annual LWMS Convention, Madison, WI

]]><![CDATA[The Annual Report is Available!]]>Tue, 20 Jan 2026 19:29:52 GMThttps://www.branchlutheranschoolshaiti.org/blog/the-annual-report-is-available

View Here

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From the Schools in Haiti - A Blessing in a Time of Need

The Gift of a Uniform

Haiti Election News

Upcoming Presentations and Events

Starlink Coming to Pilate

A Glance at Internet Access in Haiti

Summer Sweets: Haitian Blanc Manger

Upcoming Presentations and Events

​Sharing From the U.S. Team

​Haiti in the World Cup

Sharing from the U.S. Team

Food in Haiti

Haitian Heritage Month

Upcoming Presentations and Events

Spring Fundraiser:Nourishing Bodies, Renewing Hope

Easter Kites

Food Insecurity in Haiti

Upcoming Presentations and Events

Sharing from the U.S. Team

Haiti Election Update

Good Friday in Haiti

Upcoming Presentations and Events

Sharing from the U.S. Team

Haiti's Transitional Presidential Council

Carnival in Haiti

Upcoming Presentations and Events

Sharing From the U.S. Team

Haiti in the World Cup

Spring Fundraiser:
Nourishing Bodies, Renewing Hope