Founded in 1957 by the Daughters of Wisdom, the "Institut Monfort" School for the Deaf and Deaf-Blind Children is comprised of three schools. The largest is located in Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti. The second is in St. Marc; a northern coastal city. The third is in the northwest city of Lavaud.

Institut Montfort in the only institution in Haiti specializing in providing education to children who are deaf and deaf-blind. The institute cares for over six hundred children ranging in age from 3 to 20, coming from all parts of Haiti.

The primary purpose of Institut Monfort is to provide basic education and vocational training to deaf and deaf-blind children. Through that process the school fosters their integration in the community where they will be residing. It helps them to become responsible citizens and contributing members of society.

In addition to providing basic education, Institut Monfort has a fine program of arts, crafts and sports. This new program has introduced the disciplines of dancing, sculpture, painting and drawing. Vocational classes are also held in carpentry, tinware, tailoring, home economics, bookbinding, basket making and cosmetology.

FOURTH-TRIMESTER REPORT
OCTOBER – DECEMBER 2007

Life at our Centers

This trimester went by very fast. In spite of the insecurity which is still in force, some children who were absent for two, three and even four years keep coming back, although we still have a lot missing, especially those who live very far from Port au Prince. Maybe the parents hesitate to send them to the capital, or perhaps their financial situation cannot meet the school fees and the transportation cost.
Cost of living is getting higher and higher every day and we wonder how some people manage to live!!!

State Exams

We were thrilled to learn that all our students passed their CEP state exams. The Ministry of National Education commemorated the “Handicapped Persons Day”, and handed a certificate of appreciation to the students who successfully passed the state exams from 2005 to 2007, and to those who helped them achieve this goal. Sister Mona was one of the educators who received a badge of honor and merit.

Health

The first week of November was a nightmare for certain families who lost all their belongings after hurricane Noel crossed Haiti. Many of our students were victims.
Then came the conjunctivitis epidemic which always shows after all hurricanes and floods. It disturbed the school rhythm as many kids and teachers had to stay home in order not to contaminate the others.

Christmas Holidays

On December 16th, we closed our 50-year Jubilee with our traditional annual dinner which had not taken place for three years because of the insecurity. All our Haitian benefactors were so happy to meet friends. While taking their dessert, our children entertained them with some dances.
On December 18, 19 and 20, we celebrated Christmas by distributing gifts at our different centers. We take this opportunity to thank the President of “Friends of Montfort” for her generosity and her good taste in choosing those gifts which were a source of joy for our kids.
On December 23rd, about forty students accompanied by Sister Rose Andre, Sister Mona Ritane and a few teachers visited the National Palace where they were welcome by the President and the Minister for Handicapped Persons. After receiving their gifts from the President, they were offered lunch.

Again this year, some students did not go home for the holidays since the transportation cost was very costly and there were only a few days vacation.

Village Marie Louise/ Nutrition Center

Many children and their parents keep enjoying the benefits of the nutrition program. Thanks again to “Terre des Enfants” for their precious support.

Thanks to our friends from France, the dispensary is still offering services to the poor of the neighborhood. Dr Claudette Carre is doing a great job with the patients; the dental clinic and the medical laboratory are very appreciated by the people of the village.

Pavilion Our Lady of Joy

Our deaf blinds are doing well. Some of them are very hard to deal with, especially Virginia who keeps eating her hair, and scratching her face in spite of her very short nails. We have decided to have her wear gloves day and night. Some others have epileptic seizures. A psychiatrist is helping us with them.
Most of them are 19, 20 or over. We must think of some other daily activities for them.

Santo Farm

Electricity shortage forced us to use our generator to water the gardens, especially the bananas and beans, as the month of December is always very dry. We must say though that this year we had an abundant crop of congo beans. The kids enjoyed them and we also sold a lot.

The situation in the Country

As mentioned at the beginning of this report, the insecurity hasn’t disappeared yet. Kidnappings and violence are still occuring. However, we seem to be getting used to it as we go out on the streets with less stress, in spite of the fact that our zone is called “Risk Zone”.

Dear Friends, we wish to thank you again for your generosity and your prayers. Rest assured of ours and those of the children. God bless you.

Peace and love.
Sister Mona HAIG
Mrs Marie Christine CRIB