News 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 EventsThe following is a list of presentations, fundraisers and tabling events that are coming up for and with Branch Lutheran Schools of Haiti:
2026
0 Comments
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorBranch Lutheran Schools of Haiti, Inc. Archives
April 2026
Categories |
RSS Feed