Mission Statement
Our mission is to support the schools of “Fondation Paradis des Indiens” and other projects in the region of Grand’Anse, Haiti. The organization’s goal is to create an empowered, self-sufficient community by raising funds to support education, work, and modernization of the existing resources of the region.
History
“Fondation Paradis des Indiens” in Abricots, Haiti is a humanitarian organization founded
by Michaelle de Verteuil (Mica) and her husband in 1975 to combat illiteracy through, the
implementation of educational programs that not only facilitate learning but also impart real life skills to both children and adults. The Fondation Paradis des Indiens was created to serve the poorest children of Abricots, a small fishing village in the south of Haiti. During the first years only children between the ages of 10 and 12, who never attended school, were accepted. These children never attended school because their parents could not afford the cost of uniforms and shoes required by the local schools. Paradis des Indiens’ schools now welcome children from the age of three.
Presently, the schools of the Fondation educate about 3500 students. Paradis des Indiens is a group of schools that includes the village school and 11 satellite mountain schools. In addition to academics, the students receive training in manual skills, reforestation and agricultural classes. In order to provide remunerative work for the people of the region, Paradis des Indiens has established a number of workshops to include arts and crafts, embroidery, woodworking, beekeeping and fruit drying. The mission of the organization is primarily to educate, however its goal is also to empower the people of Abricots to achieve both financial independence and self- sufficiency through entrepreneurial development.
Since the creation of Paradis des Indiens, many graduates have achieved great success. We count pharmacists, doctors, lawyers, nurses, teachers, business entrepreneurs, computer specialists, manufacturers, artisans, embroiderers, bee keepers, farmers, carpenters, painters, owner of print shop, and many more who have contributed to the betterment of the community.