Temple Project Haiti
The purpose of Temple Project Haiti is to provide service to the community of Saint Francis Xavier Orphanage in Artibonite, Haiti, through our personal skills and financial contributions. Also to share in the faith and hope held by the impoverished people of the Saint Francis Xavier Orphanage. We strive to strengthen the link between the community of Saint Francis Xavier Orphanage in Artibonite, Haiti and the students of Temple University.
During spring break members of Temple Project Haiti volunteer to travel to Saint Francis Xavier Orphanage in L’Artibonite Haiti to meet the children at the orphanage and also help with some in the orphanage. This last spring break we were able to collect donations such school supplies, medical supplies and toiletries to bring to the orphanage. During the trip we strayed at the orphanage. Our project for this year was rebuilding the orphanage fences to increase security and paint the boys shelter. We are currently raising money to help the orphanage buy a new water filtration for the kids.
Artist for Haiti
Artists for Haiti was born in the hearts of Temple students who work to improve the living conditions of the St. Francis Xavier Orphanage in Haiti. This event is the most effective fundraising initiative created by Temple Project Haiti, a student organization that operates under the belief that a few hands together can make a large impact.
With Old City’s First Friday as a backdrop, Artists for Haiti will combine philanthropy with artistic talent in a fun and generous environment. It’s an opportunity to involve a larger community in Temple Project Haiti’s efforts to better the lives of children from an underdeveloped nation.
All year round, TPH figures out what the orphanage needs and executes a plan that accommodates this need. Over the past five years, their work has resulted in the installation of solar panels, a running water system, a kitchen, and a latrine. They have also created a skill-based project that teaches the children how to raise their own chickens. All of these projects have been accomplished with help from people like you who donate to the organization. Every year during Spring Break, a select group from the organization travels to Haiti and implements their latest mission while building life-long connections with the children.
Member feedback from the trip
“Going to Haiti was the best thing I could have ever done with my Spring Break. I was not only able to help the beautiful kids of SFX Orphanage, but I also got to truly connect to my culture This trip was my first time being in Haiti, and as a first-generation Haitian American I felt so connected to my roots. I was finally able to put my Creole skills to proper use, and I was finally able to put an actual picture of what it means to be Haitian. Living in the orphanage, I felt so at home and welcomed. Everyone from the nannies to the children made sure all of Project Haiti felt at home. I had the best time interacting and made connections with the kids. These connections I hold close to my heart which made it so much harder to leave. This trip really took me out of my comfort zone and challenged me. This experience was nothing I expected but everything I needed.” Annissa Juste (Temple Project Haiti TSG Rep)
How you can help
Members of Temple Project Haiti will be in the Tyler Lobby collecting donations of artwork during the week of Thursday, March 22 and Thursday, March 29 from 2-4 pm daily. Your donated artwork will be shown at a gallery show in Old City during April First Friday and auctioned off to raise funds for next year’s trip. This is always a great event and raises quite a bit of money for the kids in Haiti!