Cite Soleil: More than just the Ghetto
From Shakaitutu desk ...

In January of 2008, while we were feeding the poor in Cite-Soleil, Haiti, we felt like our duty was to organize something special for our friends in this area. So we went around and surveyed the many parents and to our disbelief, they preferred toys for their kids rather than food and clothes during the holidays. Many of these parents sacrifice in unimaginable ways just so their kids can have at least one bright day out of the year! For many of you who have never been to Haiti or Cite-Soleil, it is very tough out there. Some would even argue that you shouldn't travel there unless you were ready to retire from this life. The staff here at Shakaitutu doesn't buy into the hype and because of the special bond we had with these families, we're going back to this so-called unsafe territory to treat these families humanely, to do something that others wouldn't dare because of the implications. We will be distributing toys to these kids and not in a pitiful dismal manner. Instead, we want them to have a memorable holiday just as any child is entitled to celebrate at Christmas. So, mark your calendar and get ready to celebrate with us! The first annual Shakaitutu Toy Drive for the families in Cite-Soleil, the children at Pwoje Espwa (Orphanage of 700 kids in Les Cayes), and many other kids in Port-au-Prince.

The goal was to provide two toys per child in Cite Soleil, but the demand has been so high since we announced this that we're only going to be able to give one per child and ensure that over 5,000 kids have a bright smile on their face this winter!

I urge you to think about these kids in Haiti as the holiday season gets closer. We had to start our planning earlier this year because Shakaitutu is involved in so many things in Haiti and it's all for the progress of our beloved homeland. All of these kids will be our special guests at our First Annual International Rap Kreyol Benefit Concert on Dec 20 at Parc St Therese. I know many of you will not be able to attend this very special event but we do implore you, a contribution of $1-$10 would make a big impact.

This toy drive will help improve community relations between the Diaspora and the local community. We believe the purpose, as a professional organization, is to win the hearts of the folks we're trying to help in Haiti, so they don't just see us as outsiders, but as people, brothers and sisters who are there to help rebuild, and this is one way that we can do it. When you scrape the misconceptions away, we're all just humans and we need to take care of each other. This is one way Shakaitutu intends to do that. Will you help us?

Donate to this cause!

Sa fe telman lontan
Yo dyaspora, yo rezidan, poutan
Pa kwe yo bliye kote yo soti
Ni poukisa yap travay di
Master Dji

"C'est la saison des pluies le ciel se déchire en novembre, tout les jours se suivent et sont emportés par les eaux, mais faut se dire que l'horizon nous tend ses bras que le soleil se lève toujours pour les pauvres."
Kery James  ¶ 1:51:00 p.m.