Church of the Incarnation

There is a beautiful little school in Terre Casse, not far from the clinic that Incarnation supports; a school called “Tipa Tipa” which in Kreyol means “Step by Step.”

The school was built and operates with funds from the George Soros Foundation. Unfortunately, several ago, because of financial pressures on the Foundation’s fund, the Foundation was forced to eliminate some of the operating funds, and one of the prime areas for elimination was the school lunch program being offered there.

Incarnation heard about these cuts, and late in 2003, pledged $10,000 to keep the lunch program going, and has been doing it for $10,000 per year since. One of the joys of visiting the school is seeing just what a difference the lunch makes in the lives of these boys and girls. For as little as $1.25 per week per child (that is not a typo), Incarnation has been feeding these children a meal of rice, and either a meat or vegetable such as okra. Seeing just how healthy and lively the children are, as a result of such a small sum of money, is enough to cause one to shout with joy. Every since 1993, Incarnation has generously sent $10,000 to keep the lunch program going.

The school is a two-story U-shaped building and quite lovely, even by Charlottesville standards. It is considered the best school in the area, yet it draws 250 students from average families in the area. Most are very poor, and in many cases, the lunch provided is the only substantial meal that the children receive. The students range from age three to twelve; there are twelve teachers and nine classrooms. Classes begin at 7:30 A.M. and end at 1:30 P.M.

The Director of Tipa Tipa is Mrs. Veronique, a very capable and loving lady, who has recruited and organized a staff to prepare the meal, and keep the kitchen and grounds spotless. The highlight of the day for the students appears to be lunch, as it is in the USA! Before lunch sessions at 9:30 and 10:30 A.M., the students file out of the classroom and wash their hands. While this is going on, the cooks and aides bring the meals in bowls to the classroom, and it being the only place where they can sit at a table (desk), the children eat in the classroom.

The meals are prepared beginning at 6:30 A.M. by four cooks and aides. Lately, the meals are being prepared outside using charcoal, because the high cost of propane has forced the school not to use the gas burners in the kitchen. Cleanup occurs just outside the kitchen, and the bowls and cooking vessels are stored in the kitchen for the next day. Each student brings his or her own spoon, to avoid “missing” utensils.

The program has been so successful, that Incarnation is in the process of identifying another suitable school for a lunch program, and has enlisted the support of the Little Sisters of the Incarnation to administer the funding. We also hope that the Incarnation community continues their support to Haiti, in particular their support to feed an additional 250 young boys and girls.