The School of Masson-Sion in Haiti was founded in 2001 by two sisters, Marie-Iltanna and Marie-Angelique Salomon. As natives of the area, they personally knew of the struggle a child endured just to earn a basic education. Because there was no school in the area, those who had the opportunity to go to school were required to walk up to eight hours a day to and from school, up and down mountainous and rocky paths. To make it to class on time, they were often required to be up before dawn and would not return before twilight, in most instances without nourishment. Watching those children endure the hardship they once knew, the sisters decided to establish the school of Masson-Sion.
Since the inception of the school, the census grew from approximately seventy children to over 400. They experienced rough beginnings which included but not limited to attending classes under trees or make shift tents regardless of climate. Despite rugged conditions, the first sixth grade graduating class of Masson-Sion successfully completed the Haitian National exam with a 76% passing grade. The success of the first graduating class, brought attention to the struggling school from the Haitian Diaspora. With the help of strong supporters, such as David Duchatellier, various groups launched fund raising efforts that led to a better structural environment. In addition to having new classrooms built, the founders were able to hire more qualified staff to teach, thus leading to a 100% passing rate at the National Exam for several years.
After graduation from the sixth grade, many of the students were fortunate enough to get sponsors to support their continuing education in the city, often completing the equivalent of 12th grade. Others attended trade school or obtained work away from the area to help support their families. However, there remains a large percentage of students who lack the opportunity to continue beyond sixth grade, or to obtain employment of any kind. Furthermore, a trend of health problems was noticed by the benefactors of the area. With this growing problem in mind, a group of nurses and doctors traveled to Haiti to complete the first successful Masson Sion Health Fair in February of 2015.
An eager team of health care professionals, as well as ancillary staff, joined forces with David Duchatellier, the leader of the project, to launch this first medical mission. In addition to that team, several non-profit organizations such as the Shani E. Duplessy Foundation, HANA, HAUP and Haiti Relief Effort participated by donating funds, supplies as well as hands on help. The following year, the same efforts were conducted and the second mission took place with an even larger number of medical professionals and volunteers participating. This positive outcome translated into an even more in depth medical assessment and care. Dental and Gynecological care were provided for the very first time. Over the course of the two missions, the medical staff noticed a growing trend of teenage pregnancies. Additionally, ninety percent of the school children were affected by skin problems such as ring worms and sexually transmitted diseases. Soaring blood pressures and arthritis were the biggest problems noted amongst the older population.
Medical Fair or Mobile Clinic continues to take place every February with several physicians, nurses and volunteers in attendance.
While long term resolutions could not be provided to many of the patients with long term issues, there were instances of successful interventions as was the case of a beautiful bright eyed little girl called Monica Metellus. Monica was born with a congenital defect called Imperforate Anus. As a result of this condition, this little girl was condemned to live with a permanent colostomy. Some members of the first medical mission were touched by the plight of that child. They campaigned for financial and medical relief, and secured assistance from the Haitian Community of Minnesota. Nurses and doctors from Minnesota arranged the successful reversal of her condition and removal of the colostomy. Today, Monica lives a normal life.
Having successfully established a primary education program and an annual medical fair for the population of Masson Sion, Haiti Relief is faced with its biggest challenge yet! That of continuing and improving medical services. Post mission debriefings revealed the need for financial support to fund future missions and to provide adequate training and supplies to the local health care professionals in order for them to provide monthly follow-up care. Over the years, generous participation has allowed us to help countless adults and children in a variety of ways. We remain in great need of your assistance. We will accept cash donations, clothing, education materials and medical supplies. Just as important as any of the volunteering your time would bring much needed assistance.
Our medical mission is always scheduled for the beginning of every year. Each one of you reading this will be welcome to take part in this great cause. We also would like you to petition for supplies from your doctors, dentists and other health care professionals and to invite them to join our next mission. Your help and donations will ensure continuous successful years in the lives of that community.
We thank you in advance for your generosity. Haiti Relief Effort is especially thankful for the support of the wonderful community organizations and individuals that joined them in saving one child and one person at a time. HANA, HAUP, Shani E. Duplessy Memorial Fund have been without a doubt, most engaged in this process. Thanks to your help, we look forward to many successful years in the community of Masson-Sion.
Please send your tax-deductible donations to:
Haiti Relief Effort
221-09 Linden Blvd, Cambria Heights, NY 11411
