29/12/2013 10:16:02

Friday, one month after the inauguration of the Accommodation Centre of Delmas (CAD) http://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-9859-haiti-social-inauguration-of-the-first-transit-center-for-street-children.html , Charles Jean-Jacques, the Minister of Social Affairs and Labour, on the occasion of the holiday season and new year, proceeded to the distribution of educational toys to some 200 residents of this center for street children supported by the Government.

Jean Jacques who placed Christmas 2013 under the sign of solidarity and sharing, said he was determined to change the reality of the lives of these children aged between 6 and 16 years for most end the phenomenon of “Restavek” that the Institute of social Welfare and Research (IBESR) applies to fight according to the vision of the Government’s social policy and childhood.

Beyond the symbolism of the celebration, the Minister Jacques has reported on the action plan of the Ministry in favor of street children in the capital and provincial cities. An approach which consists to support them by educating them and giving them a trade for their socialization. The positive outcomes of interventions in the metropolitan area, will allow to extend these actions in Cap-Haitien, Jacmel and Les Cayes in the coming months, for tens of thousands of street children, the Minister announced, who said he had a better understanding of the reality of people living in disadvantaged areas through the program ” Katyem se fyetem” in community restaurants.

According to Dr. Pascal Jean Charles, psychologist attached to the Accommodation Centre, the situation of these children has greatly improved behaviorally. The support of social workers, teachers and of support staff has been instrumental in the reintegration process. “There is hope, because children are the future of the country.”

For Joseph Paul (12) and James Alvery (14), the atmosphere of friendship, of conviviality prevailing in CAD​​, allows them to see the future with optimism, “Yesterday we were street children, today the President Martelly takes care of us and puts us on the road to success through education. We thank him with all our heart.”