Come and Rest

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” 

Matthew 11:28-30 | NIV 

The Complex Nature of Haiti

Haiti is experiencing a prolonged and complex humanitarian crisis. Escalating violence, political instability, economic hardship, food insecurity, and natural disasters are all contributing factors.  As with any humanitarian crisis, the most vulnerable are affected most deeply.  

Kensley Saintil, Country Director in Haiti, reflects that, “In the midst of this darkness, God calls us to be light.” 

Our team developed two programs to respond to the seemingly unrelenting crisis and darkness with light and hope. During the school year, World Hope International’s Bridge of Hope program supported children’s mental and emotional well-being with psychosocial care, helping them find solace and build resilience. This summer, our Come & Rest program continued to provide safe spaces where children could learn, grow, and thrive. 

School Partnerships Bring Hope

Across six partner schools, 340 children gathered three times a week. During these times they had the opportunity to learn, play, share meals, and enjoy a safe and supportive environment. The program included practical and creative activities such as crafts, tile work, floral design, screen printing, reading workshops, Bible classes, and games.  The team was intentional to develop a program that helps prepare children and young people to better navigate the realities of their environment. 

🧺 At Terre Sel, children learned crafts and how to make everyday objects. 

🎨 In Percin and Canann, they discovered screen printing and created their own designs on fabric. 

🧵 In Cité Soleil, they learned the basics of sewing and began making skirts. 

🧶 In Babaco, they learned to make bracelets and ribbons. 

🧱 In Lilavois, they learned the basics of tiling. 

Creating Safe Spaces for Learning

Beyond simply learning a trade, these activities helped kids build self-confidence, stimulate creativity, and provide space for self-expression and personal growth. Learning by doing, creating with their own hands, and discovering their abilities is part of restoring hope and opening up new possibilities for the future. 

For many children, our schools are among the safest spaces in their communities. The joy on their faces as they learn, play, and spend time together reminds us of the importance of creating spaces where children can experience safety, hope, and the simple joy of being children. 

Come & Rest is more than a summer camp. It is part of our community-based approach to supporting children and strengthening the resilience of vulnerable communities. 

Together, we can create safer, brighter futures for Haiti’s children. 

Join us in bringing hope, protection, and opportunity to every child.