Haiti has long felt the pressures of gang activity, corrupt government, and job/school shutdowns. Back2Back has sought to be transparent in its communication about the unrest in-country and how its operations and programming are affected. By God’s grace, Back2Back has felt a great sense of protection for much of this time, but recently has felt increased pressure and concern, and has faced more directly challenging obstacles. Back2Back staff are committed to the work and holistic care provided every day and will remain so, but we ask that you join us in prayer over Haiti, the work being done in-country, and the many ways the unrest taxes everyone who calls her home. We will continue to give transparent updates about the work and the country as a whole. 

Even through disruptions and hurdles, Back2Back staff remain committed to providing consistent, holistic care to every child they serve. Many are taking unique approaches to connection and teaching, engaging students as much and as often as they can. One way staff have been joining lessons and unique engagement is through etiquette classes. Back2Back Haiti’s Site Director and his wife, who is a program captain, have served faithfully for many years, and she has led these lessons with ministry partner homes, local churches, and community partners in the past. Her background in hotel management and culinary studies brings valuable experience and knowledge to the table, enabling people from all areas to understand basic etiquette principles and their importance. 

With a focus on good manners and etiquette that prepares youth to interact in social settings appropriately, she helps her students learn how to drink from a glass and wipe their mouth with a napkin after, how to hold utensils and use them appropriately, and how to have awareness of others when in group settings – not dominating conversations or talking with full mouths. Recently, she held a class for 18 of the Strong Families Canaan students between six and 12 years old. The class went well, as children arrived enthusiastic to learn and remained that way throughout the class. When their time ended, many asked if they could have another session, and even older kids and parents are asking for the opportunity to learn, too. 

When asked why she felt it was important to hold these classes, she replied, “This is learning that benefits the children throughout their lives. We don’t know who will become the President, or be married to the President, or Senator, or who will be the director of an organization; these are skills they can and will use at every table they sit at.” 

This unrelenting hope has sustained the work being done in Haiti and will continue to do so, with prayer and resilience. Please join Back2Back in prayer over these lessons and for the youth receiving them to see that it’s not simply another skill to wield in their lives, but a tangible reminder that the safe adults in their stories see bright futures for every one of them.