Sending the restavek back to live with their own family is not our focus, but it can be part of a longer term plan that you can create with your partner. Our goal is personal development, especially getting the children in school and attending our mini-center. Food, clothing and shelter are not addressed directly in this plan, but options for additional help in these areas are available. Cost: $18 per month. More about our programs.
“My mother has sent me to live with another lady because she does not have enough food and money to take care of us. Sometimes I remain around 3 days without solid food. I wish I could go to school one day, and go to university. I would also like to get away from the situation that I am in as a restavek [child slave].” Sonia Samedy
“My mother sent me to stay with someone in a tent as a restavek (child slave). It’s very hard for me. Now I sleep on the ground. I never have time to play with children like me. I do not have many clothes. I have no shoes to wear. I am helpful. Very kind. I like to tell stories, run.” Daphenee Loe
“I don’t have any friend. I don’t have time to play with other children because I am always busy. I don’t know how to read and write, because I have never gone to school in my life, but I can count. I would like to have clothes and shoes to wear. I love to smile but Misery makes me angry easily.” Sciana Monnevil
“To start the day I go to throw dirty water, scrub the floor, wash dishes. It’s always like that – a restavek is always there to serve. I never have time to rest. It’s the life. I am a small boy. Sensible, capricious, honest. I think most of animals are living better than I am living. I hope my sadness will change into joy. I want to become an engineer.” Patrick Michaud
“I see the other kids are going to school, but me I do not go. I never have time to play. I am always busy and tired. I am sleeping under a bed on a carpet. I am so kind, honest. I would like a friend in the whole world to know I am a restavek who would like to go school one day.” Midielande Baltazar
“Where I am living, I am working hard. I am washing clothes, dishes, scrubbing the floor, sweeping the floor, cooking, carrying water. I carry 10 buckets of water per day. I carry the children to go to school, Iron clothes, etc. I will be happy when I come back to my own family.” Woodeline Estavien
