SSEHV in Haiti
In January, 2010, a devastating earthquake left Haiti reeling with incomprehensible destruction and extensive loss of life. The Sathya Sai International Organisation (SSIO) rallied immediately to help the victims by establishing medical camps and preparing food for the victims. At the height of the service, 2,000 meals were served daily and two medical camps were held daily in a Catholic Church and in an orphanage. With many volunteers participating, it was necessary to employ translators, as most of the local population only spoke Creole. Many of the translators were college students who worked long hours helping our medical personnel. The translators typically returned to the SSSIO host home at night to have dinner, and thus were given an explanation of Sathya Sai Human Values, with the hope of improving the loving service we were intent on giving. These non-denominational human values are truth, love, peace, righteousness, and non-violence. The inspired youth would stay until late at night listening intently to the wonderful teachings of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. As they began to gain an understanding of these invaluable teachings of human values, they wished to share their knowledge with their Haitian families, especially their younger brothers and sisters.
Only 20% of the children in Haiti are able to attend elementary school as there are few accessible schools. There is only one public elementary school in Port-au-Prince, the capital city which was devastated by the earthquake. Therefore, the SSSIO added a training programme in Sathya Sai Education in Human Values (SSEHV) to their relief activities. A few of the original translators have continued to support the programme at two private schools, ABC of Life School, and Ecole Mixte de la Nouvelle Jerusalem (EMNJ). Both schools are free, and they are serving 196 students at present. The 'ABC of life' school programme in Delmas currently has 3 teachers and 31 students. The EMNJ has 165 students and is a kindergarten and elementary school in Torcelle, a very poor neighbourhood of Port au Prince.
Many of the original group of students who received Sathya Sai Education in Human Values, have been able to continue their education. Thanks to the continued efforts of one of the original volunteers and support from the SSSIO, this wonderful programme continues to provide loving teaching in human values and guidance for children.