For us, the Carmelitas Vedruna, to speak of Jimaní is to speak of Haiti; the mission is unique. It is a presence that stands alongside the brotherly people of Haiti. One presence strengthens, raises awareness, and enriches the other.
Haiti: A Camp to Grow in the Spirit of Saint Joaquina
From June 29 to July 24, the Vedruna School in Fonds-Parisien joyfully held its 2026 Summer Camp, inspired by the motto of the Bicentennial Year: “Generous love, an inspiring mission.”
To encourage everyone to participate, the camp was organized by age group: two weeks for the youngest children and two weeks for the older ones.
Throughout the camp, two major themes were explored in depth. In the first stage, “Generous Love, ” participants discovered the value of friendship, sharing, service, and respect. In the second stage, “Inspiring Mission, ” they came to understand that each person can be a light for others, spreading joy, hope, and solidarity in their communities.
Each day combined activities focused on education, crafts, sports, and dance, promoting learning, creativity, teamwork, and healthy social interaction.
Throughout the camp, we were guided by the teachings of Saint Joaquina de Vedruna, especially her invitation to “Do everything out of love and nothing by force, ” inspiring the children to live with generosity, joy, and a spirit of service. They were also encouraged to discover that every small gesture of love can become a mission that transforms the lives of those around us.
Sister Marta Peña, ccv
Jimaní-El Limón. Care Camp: An Experience to Learn How to Care for Life and Our Common Home
“If we all take care of each other, we all enjoy ourselves” was the motto that inspired the Care Camp, an educational and recreational program for children ages 7 to 12, designed to promote caring for oneself, others, and Mother Earth.
The camp took place over two weeks in Jimaní and one week in El Limón, communities belonging to the San José Parish, which is served by the Claretian Missionaries, with whom we share our pastoral work.
Over the course of these weeks, participants enjoyed a varied program of games, group activities, workshops, singing, moments of reflection, and community activities that fostered the learning of values such as solidarity, respect, responsibility, and a commitment to caring for creation. Each day was marked by the children’s joy, camaraderie, and enthusiasm.
A key element of this experience was the participation of a large group of volunteer leaders, most of whom were students at the Liceo de Jimaní, many of them of Haitian descent. Their dedication, creativity, and spirit of service made it possible to carry out each activity, serving as a valuable testament to their commitment to their community.
As a grand finale, the children, counselors, and activity leaders held an awareness march through the streets of Jimaní, singing songs, sharing messages, and carrying signs to encourage the community to care for the environment and make a responsible commitment to our common home. The community’s response was very positive and helped bring to light the message the children had been working on throughout the camp.
This initiative reaffirms our commitment to an education that shapes individuals who are conscientious, compassionate, and dedicated to building a more fraternal and sustainable world. Instilling in children a love for creation and care for others is to sow hope for the future.
Sister Maria Lusitania da Souza, ccv
