So much goes into operating Cabaret Haiti Mission. As many know, our organization not only consists of a children’s home (with over 30 children), but we also operate two different schools out of Haiti. While there are only two U.S. employees, most of the organization is run from Haiti by local Haitians. We are proud to say we no longer have any U.S. employees running things in Haiti, though that was once the case. Over the years, we have been able to train up Haitians to manage operations from Haiti, which was always the long-term goal. They are the ones who do the daily work of caring for and teaching the children, making sure supplies and food are on hand, keeping them safe, and all that goes into managing these three pieces of the organization. Thanks to the generous support of our faithful donors, we can ensure that our employees in Haiti are cared for and have the resources they need to succeed. However, much of the success of our organization is in large part because of the work they pour in each and every day in the midst of some very difficult circumstances. We wanted to take this moment to highlight one of the many “unsung heroes” who gives her all as an important part of our ministry in Haiti.  

If you’ve followed CHM for a while, you may recognize her. She grew up in our home and is now employed as the Director of our Te Nwa School. She is doing a fantastic job, and we are so proud of her! Learn a little more about her below: 

My name is Edeline. I was born on January 5, 1999, in Cayes. My mother’s name is Madoule Payant, and she has 8 children – 7 girls and 1 boy. My father died when I was 3 years old. In February 2010, I came to the orphanage at 11 years old. I finished my classical school in 2020 at IBC. From 2021 to 2024, I studied at a professional school to learn how to teach at school. But before, I was a teacher in an adult school at the orphanage. Then I taught inIBC in the 4th grade for two years. In January 2024, I became the Director of Terre-noire School until now.

What is your favorite part about this job and why? 

Being a director is a wonderful experience for me because I learn more what a leader is. I know more things about the children and the parents. My favorite part about this job is that the parents and children treat me with respect and love. The teachers respect the principles. I also like that the children take education seriously, and I’mhappy because I have opportunity to transmit what I learned when I was at school.

What is your greatest challenge as School Director? 

My greatest challenge as School Director is always to contribute to the education of the children and to always have patience to train them with love and success so that we can have a better future in Haiti. I hope in 8-10 years to see my students become directors, doctors, nurses…..

How do you stay resilient during tough times? 

During the tough times I always pray for God to give me strength, and I stay positive because I believe God is in control of everything.

Who or what has most significantly influenced your success? 

 *God*, Papa Mike, Mme Mariejoe, the sponsors. They helped me in my life.

What personal goals do you have? 

My personal goal is to buy a piece of land so I can build a little house to stay with my family and have little business in this land, too. But no money so for now I’m just trying to make some money so I can rent a house in Arcahaie to stay with my family because now we are staying in someone else’s house and things are so difficult for us. I have the goal to buy the land, but I can’t start it now because I don’t have money for that. And I would like to continue to go to professional school (industrial chemistry). That is my biggest goal for now.

What do you like to do in your free time outside of work? 

In my free time I like to learn French and English. Sometimes I make a little cookies.

How can the supporters of CHM be praying for you and the school? 

I thank you all the supporters of CHM for all you do for me and for the school of Terre-noire (Tènwa). May God bless and protect you all. Please don’t be discouraged to help us in Haïti. God will give you all more benediction. And please pray for Haïti, for the school to have peace and love, to always function, for the children to always learn, for the teachers and parents. The work is not easy in Haïti, but I believe everything is possible by the grace of God. Pray that we can find security in Haïti. Thank you so so much everyone.

We hope you enjoyed getting to hear from Edeline and the important role she plays within our organization. Please continue to pray for her and all the others that serve this ministry in Haiti day in and day out!