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| Katie Hunter

Today the fifth and sixth year pupils of St Andrew’s and St Bride’s were extremely fortunate to receive a very informative and inspirational talk from two representatives from the charity Mary’s Meals, Joe Black and Jimmy Belabre, who work closely with our local community.

The presentation highlighted the vital role young people play in supporting the charity, whose aim is to provide children in the world’s poorest countries with a daily school meal. Providing a meal encourages children to go to school and gain an education that can, in the future, be their ladder out of poverty.

The truly memorable story, eloquently told by Jimmy Belabre, helped to convey the life-changing effects of the project. Jimmy grew up in a dangerous area of Haiti known as City Soleil. During his childhood, there were huge struggles endured by the inhabitants of the area who were trapped in a war zone, fearing for their lives. At just 7 years old, Jimmy was forced to obey the commands of a controlling and feared gang in the area. He was told to hold a gun for one of the members, an action which could have had serious repercussions for him with the police or even the UN, however, he could not disobey their wishes for fear of his own life. He told us “it was easier to become a criminal rather than to do something good.”

It was during Jimmy’s youth that a school was created on the other side of the City. He was fortunate enough to be granted access to this wonderful place of eduction where his uniform, utensils and, most importantly, a meal were provided for him each day. It wasn’t, however, easy getting to school when you feared being seen as an enemy attempting to gain information or unauthorised access. The daunting and dangerous trek each morning where Jimmy had to cross over a river with his uniform in a bag over his head for protection was still worth the sacrifice to receive a meal and the chance of a better life.

This school experience filled Jimmy with gratitude and hope for the future. For five years, he filled a very well respected position of school president and played a key role in the welcoming committee. As a result, he showed real determination by teaching himself how to speak English.

In Haiti, the biggest concerns are related to finding food, paying electricity bills and, most importantly, finding a place of employment. However, after many enjoyable years of learning and being given opportunities, Jimmy became the first member of his family to get a job – more specifically, a translator in a Los Angeles Parish. His first task was to interpret a religious ceremony, performed in English, into Spanish. However, following a rather humorous mix up between the words “pecar” – meaning to sin and “pesado” – meaning fish, the minister had no option but to fire Jimmy. This incident did not hold him back as he obtained the position of Principle in the school that helped him to grow and develop into the young, confident man he has become today. Jimmy has now also recorded his own music in Medjugorje.

The school in City Soleil now educates 1049 pupils, young men and women like us, providing each of them with a daily meal. In the long term, this results in improved attendance, increased progression between grades and overall improved health and wellbeing.

Jimmy also starred in “Generation Hope”,  a short video which effectively demonstrates the extent of poverty in Haiti whilst proving just how successful Mary’s Meals have been in providing children with a source of nutrition each day. the following link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMUAUlmIy5c

St Andrew’s and St Bride’s have set a goal – to feed 302 children for a whole school year at Damu Primary School in Malawi. We have already collected an amazing £317.15, a figure we hope to increase throughout the year whilst working with our local community, parents and parishes to support the school kitchen.

You may be astonished to discover it only costs £13.90 to feed a child for a whole school year. With the pupils’ and teachers’ support, we can make an incredible difference to the lives of those who are far less fortunate than ourselves who just want a small part of what we take for granted every day.

In the words of Jimmy Belabre;

“We were born to lead, support and love each other”

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