Sally Wevers is a long-time friend and advocate of Restavek Freedom. For years, she and her husband led a church that has played a significant role in the history of the organization; she has also spent a lot of time in Haiti – particularly with the girls living in our Transitional Home. We interviewed Sally to get her perspective on the work Restavek Freedom is doing, and what she wants other people to know about the work the organization is doing.
Restavek Freedom: How long have you been working with Restavek Freedom, and how did you get involved?
Sally Wevers: I first became aware of RFF in July of 2010. I was part of a team looking to partner with an organization that was working hard to challenge and change injustices in Haiti. The mantra of “Ending restavek in our lifetime” seemed pretty audacious and intriguing. The team I was part of decided to test the waters with RFF. We made a one year financial commitment to see what our relationship would look like. It has been amazing and has not stopped since.
RF: How did going to Haiti change or enhance the way you viewed children in restavek?
SW: After the first year, I visited Haiti. To see the children in restavek, to hear their stories, to see the scars on their bodies, their faces reflecting such sadness, to hear of the screams of pain and abuse in the night, to meet a child who had been repeatedly raped, watching public school educators walking the school grounds with rawhide strips… These things broke my heart. Apathy to the abuses in this country are inexcusable. To see how RFF is addressing these gives me hope. I love the country of Haiti and the potential that can be seen there.
RF: What sticks out to you most about your time in the Transitional Homes?
SW: My family sponsors kids in restavek, we financially contributed to the Transitional Home, a safe haven for girls rescued from extremely dangerous settings in host homes. We have provided scholarship money for restavek children to attend a summer camp and to go on field trips.
We have been part of a bigger challenge of building a Transitional Home In Port Salut, a safe haven for young girls. I have worked at the Transitional House and visited the girls in the homes both in Port-au-Prince and Port Salut. I have seen girls who are sad and shy turn into giggling, happy, helpful young ladies because they have been shown they are precious, valued, and beautiful.
RF: What should people know about Restavek Freedom?
SW: What is different about this organization? It is more than an organization that can care for 100 orphans, or build some wells, etc. It truly is a movement that dreams of and is changing the perspectives of the country of Haiti. It is more than a short term provision or a short term fix. It is re-educating an entire country. It is changing lives. And because of that, children’s lives are being offered more protection.
RF: What do people need to know or do to end child slavery in our lifetime?
SW: Individuals can make a difference. You can make a difference. Apathy is unacceptable. Passion, commitment, integrity, and transparency are changing an entire country. What a privilege to be a small part of it.
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At Restavek Freedom, we are dedicated to ending child slavery in Haiti. Donate now, sponsor a child, and join us today to play a part in ending child slavery in Haiti.
