Vitamin Angels is pleased to have Sharon Dressen from Rainbow Light along on our latest distribution trip to Haiti.  Below she writes about her experience:

Notes from the Field, Haiti
October 21, 2009

day 3
by Sharon Dressen, Rainbow Light

Today’s adventure began with a 3 ½ hour drive from Les Cayes on rough roads and involved crossing a river and a 45 minute hike up a steep path carrying our supplies on our backs and by mule, to reach the remote community of Platon. Because it is very challenging and time consuming to reach, Platon is often forgotten by other service groups, but thanks to Hope for Haiti’s and Vitamin Angels’ dedication to reaching those most underserved and in need, we were able to provide critical doses of vitamin A and de-worming medications to this community.

During our time in Platon, I had the pleasure of speaking with several of the students at the small school there. I was honored to learn of the challenges these children face and to hear about their dreams and goals for the future. For example, I met an exceptional young man of 17 who is in the fourth grade and working his way through school: Anel Lusto. Anel’s mother died, leaving him and his five brothers in the care of his father, a farmer who is not always able to pay the nominal tuition for Anel’s education. This is why Anel must often take breaks from his schooling to earn the money by selling charcoal to pay his own way. It is difficult for him, but Anel is determined to complete his education and become a teacher, helping others in his community to learn to read and write. His dedication to creating a better life for himself and the people of his village exemplifies the determination, strength and sense of service of the students I met today, who wish to become teachers, nurses and doctors so they can help others here in Haiti.

Sharon discusses her experience in the field in the below video: