Amos is home! A Lespwa Lavi Story
Amos is a pseudonym to protect the child’s identity
We met “Amos” when he was 8 years old. He grew up in one of the poorest neighborhoods in the Artibonite, just outside of Verrettes. His childhood home is two rooms made out of sticks and mud with a sheet metal roof. His father was paralyzed in a tragic accident, and his mother was unable to support their 4 children. Amos was sent to live with his godmother. He was a “Restavek”. This Haitian term meaning “to stay with”, refers to children who are sent away from their families.
In 2019, Amos walked into the Lespwa Lavi church and met Mr. Duvelsaint. He was dangerously underweight, but his godmother had worked hard to keep him in school.
Amos was enrolled in the child advocacy program where he received fortified meals 5 days a week. He quickly started gaining weight! His godmother was very supportive and encouraged Amos to go to school and even join the Magic Soccer team.
In spring 2023, Amos’ neighborhood was invaded by gangs. His godmother and his biological family fled for their lives. Amos’ advocate kept in touch with him and fortunately the gangs were forced out, so he was able to return. Cholera and drought continue to plague the community, so Amos brought his biological family to church, where they were given clean water, food….and hope.
Amos was one of the first children to enroll at Lespwa Lavi Academy where he has excelled in the 7th grade. He intends to become a doctor one day. This fall, because of the support of his advocate and the church, Amos moved permanently back home with his parents and siblings! His entire family, including his godmother, are now members of the Lespwa Lavi church, and his two younger siblings are enrolled in the school.
Amos shows us how hope multiplies! One child was given a chance, and now his entire family has been transformed.
Lespwa Lavi is not going anywhere. If Amos wants to be a doctor, we’ll support him through medical school and beyond. We’d love to hire him! But we need your help. We are not yet funded to expand Lespwa Lavi Academy into highschool. And, our waiting list for children just like Amos is still 400 names long…..