Thank you to Rikke Wassenberg
As we pause to reflect on the journey of our organization, it’s impossible not to recognize the incredible impact you’ve had as one of our most cherished volunteers. Your unwavering commitment and selfless service have been nothing short of exceptional, infusing our endeavors with purpose and meaning, and touching the lives of countless girls in Haiti.
With immense gratitude and deep appreciation, we extend our heartfelt thanks to you as you retire from Friends of Ecole Agape. Your contributions have made a lasting difference, leaving an indelible mark on our organization’s legacy. Your dedication has been a guiding light, inspiring us all to strive for excellence and compassion in everything we do.
While we bid farewell to this chapter, we also celebrate the legacy you leave behind—a legacy of kindness, generosity, and unwavering dedication to making the world a better place. Your impact will continue to resonate within our organization and beyond, reminding us of the power of one individual to effect meaningful change.
Thank You to Our Volunteers!
Friends of Ecole Agape wish to thank our loyal volunteers for their service to FEA. Each and every one has given their time, treasure, and talents to ensure the success of our events, our appeals, our shipments to Ecole Agape, and all the things our organization needs for successful operation. We couldn’t have done so much without the help of you, our volunteers.
Our free, alternative school, Ecole Agape, remains a ray of hope for the students and community of Lilavois, Haiti thanks to the contributions of so many.
Bob Jennette, Bruce Vissoe, Dennis Foran, Ted Busky, Tony Rash, Peter Fish, Neil Moynihan, Bill Lukas, Sue and Vinnie Audette, Leila Bowen, Betty Ann Marsland, Joan Flower, Mary Ann Hayward, Mary Jo Tryba, Carol Manning, Joan Doiron, Ann Nuttel, Mary Lynn Darling.
St Philip the Apostle Parish Center and Ann Phillips, Secretary
The UConn Pharmacy Department and the pharmacy students
Massage Therapists: Melanie Morrissette, Taylor Seymour, Sandy Mason, and David Palmer
Musicians; Mike McDonald and Radio Waves; Curtis Brand, Jon Hand, Mike South, Mark Campbell, Bruce John, Dennis Collin; Jim Merick; Karen Lussier; Hugh Blumenfeld; Patti Tuite and band members Jan Jungden, Peggy Ann Contos Harvey, Mark Annuli, Judi Tompkins; Seldom Heard band members Howard Drescher, Lee Terry, Tom Terry; Kevin White, Frank Busse, A J Belanger; Quiet Corner Fiddlers Bernie Schrieber, Jane Schrieber, Joan Sinder, Alan Filo, Saul Ahola, Wendy Barrett, Dennis Knowlton, Jennifer Owen, Jesse Owen, Missy Joyal, Don Schofield.
Ecole Agape, in Lilavois, Haiti is more than just a school; it’s a place where dreams of young girls are nurtured, and futures are shaped. Friends of Ecole Agape’s commitment to providing a free, quality education to the poorest girls of Haiti remains unwavering, but we need your help and support to continue making a significant impact on their lives.
7th Annual BBQ and Concert
An unusually warm and sunny day for September 17, 2023 contributed to the success of our 7th Annual Barbecue & Concert. Chef Denise Reardon-Popp from CLICK prepared the main entrées: pulled pork, chicken legs and thighs, hot dogs, hamburgers, veggie burgers, and vegetable skewers, while FEA members provided side dishes, drinks, and desserts. For the second year, UConn Pharmacy students were servers in the food tent. Karen Bushey-Lussier opened for Curtis Brand, Hugh Blumenfeld, Radio Waves while the Patty Tuite Band closed, their first performance at an FEA event.
Ecole Agape leaders Chantal and Marie Michele attended our June 26, 2023 Wine Tasting. On the eve of the event, they addressed the country’s upheaval and its effect upon the school. The major reasons for the decline in attendance, in enrollment, and in the student’s ability to progress through the grades, were the political instability and growing violence. Families fearing the street protests and gangs were less likely to send their children to school. The school has improved security with heightened walls, locked areas, and new gates, but going to and from school poses the greatest threat, because the gangs are targeting schools that stay open.
Sewing Machines
In March, 2023, Friends of Ecole Agape sent 20 new and used sewing machines, ready for use. A sewing room was added to the new school building. In July, FEA voted to disburse $1,945 to furnish it with 10 sewing tables, chairs, 3 worktables, and a mirror. Sewing classes are an integral part of the school’s plan to become self-sustaining. In the future, the school will have a Saturday sewing skills class for students at no cost. Classes for adults in the community will extend over a two-year period with instruction twice a week for an affordable fee. The plan is for adults and/or students to make rental apparel for special occasions, with the income supporting the school.
In February, 2023, eight tablets with 1,000 “open source” books downloaded in French, Spanish, Creole, and English were sent to Haiti. Friends of Ecole Agapé purchased and contributed to the salary of a Haitian man who translates French into Creole. The digital library app that can be installed on iPads and Samsung tablets and discussed its potential with the tablets to members at the March meeting. Paul Wicks, an emeritus member and consultant, demonstrated the use of the Reading Room’s App to FEA members. When the Library App is downloaded on tablet computers, an almost limitless number of “open source” books can be stored as a digital library. The books are in PDF format, organized by content level, with a variety of themes, and topics for ages 6-12 years, both fiction and non-fiction. As more “open source” books become available, they will be added to the tablets. French and English books will be translated into Creole. A student can select and read a book in any of the 3 languages or use the tablet as a mobile computer. The student can access the digital library without the need for the internet.