The mission of Sister Cities Essex-Haiti (“SCEH”) is to build a mutual long-term sustainable relationship between the people of Essex, Connecticut, USA and the people of Deschapelles, Haiti, their extended communities, and Hospital Albert Schweitzer located in Deschapelles.  Sister Cities Essex Haiti works to build cooperation between the people of these communities, enabling them to learn, work and solve problems together through an exchange of educational, cultural, professional, municipal, business, and technical initiatives and projects.

In support of the mission of Sister Cities Essex Haiti, we:

(1) actively support Hospital Albert Schweitzer by raising funds for HAS and by informing Connecticut-area residents of its good works;

(2) work collaboratively with Organization pour Development Economique et Social (ODES), a volunteer group in Deschapelles, Haiti, to identify and pursue projects that are needed or desired in their community; and

(3) engage in initiatives in southeastern Connecticut that increase awareness of Haiti and its unique culture.

As of December 2011, four projects are underway: (1) the creation of a community library in Deschapelles, (2) a musical collaboration among musicians and music lovers in southeastern Connecticut and Deschapelles,  (3) an early education teacher training program, and (4) a  sports program.

Sister Cities Essex Haiti was created by residents of the Town of Essex in the Spring of 2010.  It reaches far beyond the borders of Essex, however, with participation by volunteers and board members throughout Connecticut. Residency in the Town of Essex is not a requirement for involvement with SCEH. We welcome any and all volunteers who would like to join us in supporting Hospital Albert Schweitzer and our projects in Haiti.  For more information about the creation of Sister Cities Essex Haiti, click here.

Sister Cities Essex Haiti has established a designated fund at Middlesex County Community Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. All donations to SCEH are made through MCCF and are tax-deductible according to federal guidelines.  SCEH is a member of Sister Cities International, Inc., an organization formed in 1956 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower as a means by which to encourage cultural understanding, economic relationships, and humanitarian projects.

Current Happenings  

Library Update

The design phase of the library has begun! In March 2012, Hope Proctor, a New Haven architect and Essex resident, traveled to Haiti to assess the site for the library and discuss the design with our Haitian partner, ODES.    It was a very productive visit.  Plans are well underway to prepare the site and design the building. As this building will be of major importance to the community we are working to ensure that it reflects well on the community and Haitian culture.

The design phase quickly follows the signing of a long-term renewable lease agreement with a Haitian-American for a parcel of land located near the main road running through the center of Deschapelles. Previously used for growing crops, the land is highly suitable for constructing a library building.

As we move forward with the construction of the library, we already have selected three individuals to run the library, two of whom have already received librarian-skills training at FOKAL in Port au Prince.

In the meantime, efforts to raise funds for the library continue. Thanks to all who supported our March 2, 2012 Have a Heart for Haiti fundraiser at The Left Bank Gallery on Main Street in Essex. In addition, the Chester, Deep River and Essex Rotary Clubs have committed to purchase 1,000 books for the library–an effort well underway. Thank-you! And students at Essex Elementary School held a Read-a-Thon in the spring of 2011 raising $8,275. Thank-you! And thanks to all those who have participated in all the other efforts to support Sister Cities Essex Haiti.  Click here to learn more about these fundraising initiatives.

And to learn more about these exciting library developments, please click here.

Region 4 School District Initiative

The schools of Chester, Deep River, Essex and Region 4 are raising money for the Sister Cities Essex Haiti Early Education Teacher Training project!  Deep River Elementary School students decorated over 100 Pringles cans and filled them with school supplies for Deschapelles pre-school students.  They are also holding a  “Tip a Teacher” benefit at Oliver’s Tavern in Essex on Wednesday, June 13, from 5:00-9:00. Please come and join the fun!  Essex Elementary School conducted a “Helping Hands for Haiti” initiative whereby students raised money by doing services for family, friends and neighbors. Chester Elementary School held a Service Learning Project entitled, “From Our Village to Theirs – Helping to Rebuild the Schools in Deschapelles, Haiti” that raised money  for school supplies in Deschapelles.  John Winthrop Middle School and Valley Regional High School held a bake sale on May 12 and raised $552 to support the Early Education Teacher Training Project.  In addition, John Winthrop Middle School held a Talent Show in the Spring of 2012 and raised $400 to buy books for Deschapelles children.  To learn more about these exciting initiatives, please click here.

Have a Heart for Haiti Fundraiser 

The Have a Heart for Haiti fundraiser on Friday, March 2, 2012, was a great success!! The best part of the evening was the outpouring of support from the community for Haiti, Hospital Albert Schweitzer, and Sister Cities Essex Haiti  projects in Deschapelles.   Thank you to all who came, donated, volunteered and supported SCEH.  To learn more about the fundraiser, please click here.