Academy of Hope Interview with Dery Davidson

  Q. Tell us about the Academy of Hope.

We are the Academy of Hope (ACH for short). We are a group of people who saw a real need to provide support for the children of Haiti. Our organization was created after the earthquake in Jan. 2010. The team saw how vulnerable families were, the parents' struggle, and the lack of local and international support.

Our mission is to help kids overcome poverty through nutrition and education, all backed and supported through teaching and a strong system in Jesus Christ.

We want to release the kids from poverty and improve conditions by strengthening their health.

In total, we have no less than 65 kids under our care. Currently, only of these 10 kids attend school. Our hope for the future is to have all the kids attending. Schools in Haiti cost money. It costs around $50 per month per child for each school season.

  Q. How does ACH manage with over 65 kids around the clock daily?

We are a team of 25 people, supporting no less than 65 children at one time, around the clock on a daily basis 7 days a week. Our team focuses on nutrition (this is about 5 people), we have 3 for outreach and communications, 3 people teach English courses and we rotate our efforts to ensure we provide consistent and ongoing support.

As for health services this is administered through mobile clinics that pass through the area. Our team is also involved in actively coordinating these medical health services should an immediate need arise.

  Q. Tell us about the current situation or challenges you, your organization or family members are facing.

The biggest challenge is housing. Many of the children need housing quarters. We are only able to house a few. Several must return home during nighttime hours as we can’t currently house all the children safely at one time. The refugee camps that we do have are not adequate and we are in need of more quarters as the population we support is growning.

Basic supplies is another challenge we endure. The parents are unable to buy basic items at home and many of the kids go without basic essentials. The kids that attend school are often doing so without shoes, and out of uniform compliance as mandated by the schools outside the acadmey.

  Q. Tell us what attempts have been made to alleviate the challenge (if any).

We make friends and connections as much as possible. Its how we found Help Haiti NGO. Through these connections we are able to raise some funds to do what we can. One of our friends and supporters is a lady named Jeannie Corocoran from America. It is nice people like her that have donated what they can to help our kids.

  Q. Tell us how the challenge has impacted your life or the lives of others in your care or community.

Sometimes this challenge does bring me to sadness and loss of sleep. These conditions trouble me. As for the children, they recognize the difference in living from the rest of the world. They question if they are children of the same God. This makes me truly sad.

  Q. What would you say to others experiencing this challenge?

To others I want to say, mostly to missions and others facing the same problem, do not give up. Keep up the great work. And pray often.

  Q. Why are you sharing your experience with us?

I tell my story for this organization (ACH) to help find new supporters. I know there are lots of people in the world that love helping children. Without their support we can help our kids. God Bless.