"It is fundamental to show children that one loves them and really wants to help them. The rest goes automatically. It is also a work of justice towards these children whose physical, intellectual and moral development is jeopardized by a life without affection, without guidance, without constraint, without obligation. The street cannot educate in any way." Father Simon

Here you will find news regarding Timkatec, and the American Friends of Timkatec, ordered by date, with the most recent news items always at the top.

Latest Friends of Timkatec News

April 2007 Friends of Timkatec News


Father Simon and Sheyla Biambey of CRS outside
the finished Timkatec 2 training school, June 2006

Father Simon in Timkatec 1, June 2006

This April 2007 newsletter covers the period since last October and the first year of operation of Timkatec 2, the Trade Training School and the expansion of paces in Timkatec 1.

Please excuse the delay in getting back to you as I have been dealing with some personal difficulties. That pressure is now off somewhat and I am rededicating my self to Timkatec. However, these issues has not inhibited our fundraising efforts and I am happy to report that we raised over $46,000 for Timkatec last year. As always 100% of the funds donated go directly to Timkatec.

We just agreed with Father Simon on the budget for the year 2007-2008 for Timkatec 2, and have agreed to an increase of about 17% to raise our funding to $54,000. This will enable Timkatec 2 to "build out" the completed bare structure of the school, to add two more training courses and four more teachers. Hiring has commenced and registration will start in July. We also completed the courtyard and playgrounds which are used by the local community as well as the school.

As you can see from the pictures the facility is somewhat bare and many classes are held in the new open courtyard. But, it does work and your donations have helped build this gateway to a brighter future for these "lost" children.

The first year of trade training was very successful with over 100 teenagers starting their 2-year course to learn a trade that will give them the prospect of a brighter future .I must add that this is Haiti and there has been little investment in this country over the last tumultuous years. However, there are hopeful signs, and on my last trip to Port au Prince, I met with the Haitian Hotel Federation director. He advised us that they have a real need for electricians and plumbers in particular, and gave us hope that we can place these young people on their graduation. We have also discussed the possibility of job opportunities on cruise ships when they are trained and have been given hope there also. Any youngster with a trade diploma will always have a better opportunity than one without. And, of course, their own self-image and personal growth is greatly enhanced in the process.

Strong supporter Mike Spinelli with Patrick O'Shea at Timkatec 1 The children of Timkatec

The 2007-8 expansion will increase the number of places available to 200 with training in electrical, plumbing, tailoring, masonry and shoe repair. The last two are the new trades, and are all essential trades in a developing country.

Timkatec 1 as we now call it, to differentiate it from the trade school, has expanded to accommodate 50 children between the ages of 4 and 14. This is about a 25% increase and only space prohibits further dormitory expansion. However, they are taking more of the local poor children as day students and the total now exceeds 100, who all receive medical care, elementary education, guidance and nutritious meals.

Please check out the revised donation page which is now much simplified. Also, note that CRS has a Timkatec page on site and when you check through from the Timkatec site, you go straight to the Timkatec donation page. If you use a credit card, you will get an instant confirmation of your Timkatec donation by email.

Archived Timkatec News

Friends of Timkatec July 2015 Newsletter
Friends of Timkatec March 2014 Newsletter
Friends of Timkatec August 2013 Newsletter
Friends of Timkatec December 2012 Newsletter
Friends of Timkatec June 2012 Newsletter
Friends of Timkatec August 2011 Newsletter
Friends of Timkatec January 2011 Newsletter
Friends of Timkatec August 2010 Newsletter
Friends of Timkatec May 2010 Newsletter
Friends of Timkatec March 2010 Newsletter
Friends of Timkatec February 2010 Newsletter
Friends of Timkatec January 2010 Newsletter
Friends of Timkatec July 2009 Newsletter
Friends of Timkatec April 2009 Newsletter
Friends of Timkatec December 2008 Newsletter
Friends of Timkatec November 2008 Newsletter
Friends of Timkatec September 2008 Newsletter
Friends of Timkatec April 2008 Newsletter
Friends of Timkatec November 2007 Newsletter
Friends of Timkatec April 2007 Newsletter
Friends of Timkatec October 2006 Newsletter
Friends of Timkatec June 2006 Newsletter
Friends of Timkatec March 2006 Newsletter
Friends of Timkatec December 2005 Newsletter
Friends of Timkatec August 2005 Newsletter
Friends of Timkatec June 2005 Newsletter
Friends of Timkatec December 2004 Newsletter