"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 2008 Friends of Timkatec News

A grim reminder of daily life in Haiti—a UN armoured car with troops in full battle gear.

This edition of our newsletter covers the period January through April 2008, a most traumatic time for Haiti. While many in the USA worry about food and fuel prices, in Haiti and much of the undeveloped world, it is a literally a matter of life and death. Haitians, earning on average less than $2 per day, have suffered increases in food costs of 80% over 3 years. As most spend almost 100% of their income on food, this has caused widespread starvation and malnutrition for millions.

The world has been shocked at the stories of people eating "mud cookies", while thousands of tons of food rot in warehouses caused by the failure of the Customs or the inability for people to pay huge tariffs on food is shipped in. It is a disgrace for the world to watch as this nation slips into the conditions of a failed state, held together only by the generosity of people such as yourselves. and the UN police and military forces.

Yet, in the midst of this frightful waste, Father Simon not only continues with his work to feed, house clothe and educate the poor children of Haiti, but is rapidly expanding his efforts. We are proud to be part of this wonderful enterprise that shines a light in the darkness and misery of this benighted land.

Our first trainees will graduate from their 2 year trade courses at Timkatec 2 in June. Judy and I hope to be there with Mike Spinelli and Jane, to hand out the first diplomas. This year we more than doubled the number of kids at Timkatec 2, added 3 trades to the training schedule, hired 4 more Instructors and completed the build out of the facility. There are now 200 kids at Timkatec 2, and 100 at Timkatec 1, including 50 in residence. The core effort at Timkatec 1, the rescue of abandoned street children, continues and currently, over 100 children are enrolled in the primary education program, with half of them residents.

A Haitian child recieves medical care at Timkatec.

In addition, Father Simon's supporters in Canada, the Jasmine Foundation, have contributed sufficient money for Timkatec 3 to be purchased and a new facility is being built. This will have a dual purpose. In the daytime offering training courses for girls 12-16, and primary education for girls of 8-12. 70 places, for girls similar to the courses offered boys at Timkatec 1 and 2. At night, it becomes a safe shelter for kids whose street life has not yet enabled them to accept the discipline and instruction that Timkatec 1 and 2 require. Timkatec 3 will offer a clean bed and hot meal for 60 street kids nightly.

We are also collaborating with GEOMOUN in Belgium and through a joint effort with the Belgian Government, they may be able to quadruple match some of our contributions. This will stretch the dollars for Timkatec. We will keep you advised.

Despite many difficulties, Timkatec remains a haven of stability, with over 300 children and young people receiving major support. This make our trials worthwhile, and we are recommitted to ensure that Father Simon receives the financial support that he needs to continue his critical work for the young, homeless and hopeless in Haiti. When Timkatec 3 opens in the Fall there will be 430 boys and girls receiving services at the three locations, up from about 70 when we started just 4 years ago. Father has brought in an assistant, a Haitian Sister, who is a great help in the daily operation of the Timkatec program. This leaves him more time for his street rescues, future planning and fund raising efforts. He visits Sanford in May to help us raise funds.

We were pleased to be able to send the funds needed for the academic year 2007/8 and now are focused on Academic year 2008/9 starting September 2008. We implore you to keep this in your donation plans so Timkatec continues its success- a beacon of hope for young people who must often feel that the world had forgotten them, "the poorest of the poor in the nation that itself is the poorest in the Western Hemisphere" We have not forgotten and we know you, who have taken such an interest, will continue to offer your valuable support. $250 annually funds a 2-year apprenticeship for a worthy teenager selected by Father and his staff. That training changes lives by giving the ability to provide for himself and a family for the rest of his life. The younger children of Timkatec 1 can be housed fed and educated for about $350 per year. What better gift than to change a child's life.

Children at Timkatec 1 during a visit by Patrick O'Shea.

Father and his staff continue to refine and expand their efforts. Their dedication and expertise are an inspiration to my family and I know to you as well.

Many of you know of my wife Judy's terrible accident last year. She was visited by Father Simon in Sanford during his visit last September. Two hours after his visit, Judy regained consciousness from a two week coma and is now well on the way to recovery. So the O'Shea family have a very special reason to keep supporting Father Simon. Such is the power of prayer.

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