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Seventy-three Haitian boys and girls, ranging in age from 2 to 16, moved into their new life at the Greta Home and Academy on December 15. The facility, built and supported by Samaritan’s Purse, was dedicated to the glory of God in a ceremony the same day. The home is named after Fox News host Greta Van Susteren for her advocacy on behalf of the people of Haiti. Van Susteren and her husband John Coale, along with Franklin Graham, President of Samaritan’s Purse, spent two days with the children in Léogâne.
The children excitedly prepared to leave their temporary housing for the spacious new Greta Home and Academy. They’d been counting down to moving day for weeks, said Penny Fairo, Executive Director.
The main building of the Greta Home and Academy features six dormitory-style rooms, a library and media center, a nurse’s station, offices, a cafeteria, and seven age-appropriate classrooms.
Franklin Graham toured the facility just before the dedication ceremony.
Greta Van Susteren tries out one of the 100 XO laptops, specifically designed for educating children in developing countries.
Franklin Graham and John Coale enjoy a laugh in one of the classrooms. The bus resembles the colorful tap-taps that many use for transportation in Haiti.
Franklin Graham told the children, “This is your new home. Remember God loves you.”
Children of the Greta Home and Academy sang two songs for the dedication. The first, in English, was “Jesus Loves Me.” The second was a song of thanks to God in Creole.
The Greta Home and Academy is currently home to 48 boys and 25 girls.
In a gesture of cross-cultural sensitivity, Greta Van Susteren addressed the children in French. She encouraged each of them to do important things for themselves, their families, and their country.
Greta Van Susteren has been involved in many Samaritan’s Purse projects, including the dedication of the Greta Home and Academy in Haiti.
A joyful sound filled the new media center and library as children played musical instruments like drums, tambourines, harmonicas, and guitars.
Each child received a new play uniform with Jeremiah 29:11 printed on the back: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Translator Marc Edwine Cherisme hugs one of the 73 children now living at Greta Home and Academy. Linguistics is an emphasis of the school; classes will be taught in Creole, French, and English (English class).
