Helping Haitian Children with Disabilities since 1987

“Tout moun se moun, tout moun pa meme.”

Haitian proverb: Everyone is someone, but not everyone is the same.

PAZAPA’s mission is to support the treatment, education, and development of children with disabilities, and to integrate them into the community at large. PAZAPA means "step by step" in Haitian Creole, and step by step PAZAPA has been making a difference in the lives of Haiti’s disabled children since 1987.

PAZAPA is based in Jacmel and serves the entire Southeast Department of Haiti. All staff members are Haitian with the exception of the executive director, who was raised in Haiti. PAZAPA depends on a large network of volunteers to provide services to children without charge. PAZAPA is supported by the Siloé Project, a U.S. registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization; Canadian Step by Step, a Canadian nonprofit and other organizations and individuals.

2010 Earthquake

PAZAPA’s facility was destroyed by the devastating earthquake on January 12. Miraculously all the children and staff are safe. However, many have lost homes, family, and friends. We are tremendously grateful for the outpouring of support for earthquake relief. Funds have been used to help send an emergency medical/surgical team to the Jacmel area, deliver immediate financial assistance, and provide emergency food and water to the PAZAPA families. In the coming weeks and months funds will be used to help repair and rebuild homes that were damaged and destroyed by the earthquake. We know that the process of recovery and rebuilding will be a long one, and we hope you will continue to stand with PAZAPA during the months and years ahead.

Recovery

Pazapa purchased a plot of land on the road to the Jacmel Airport as the new site for the center. Save the Children and Plan Haiti generously assisted Pazapa in setting up temporary facilities so school could reopen in May. We are currently raising funds to build a permanent building.