We Can Build An Orphanage

Today we are going to meet Melinda Marceline, Melinda was born on April 28, 2002 in Jacmel, Haiti. She was raised by her mother and her grandmother (her father’s mother) in Zoranje, half way up the mountains to Cape Rouge just north of Jacmel.

Like many HIV+children, Melinda’s mother was HIV+ and when Melinda was very young she passed away as a result of the virus. Melinda’s circumstances were made even more challenging as a result of her father’s unwillingness to be tested himself, insisting it was only Melinda’s mother who had a problem. He seemed to be more interested in his wondering eye than giving Melinda the care she deserved.

Similar to Youseline, Melinda’s grandmother attempted to be her primary care giver but it proved to be too much. Eventually Melinda was temporarily placed in the care of the Sisters of Charity in Jacmel. After spending some time with the Sisters, Melinda was sent back to her grandmother in Zoranje and we were contacted to help provide reinforcement.

Melinda was 5 ½ years old and HIV+ on December 10^, 2007 when Lia and Leslie (our directors of the orphanage at the time) brought Melinda home to our orphanage. She had never had any schooling and had a skin condition called molluscum, all over her body. We immediately put Melinda on ARV meds and her skin cleared up.

Melinda now attends school with her 2 new best friends Estania and Youseline, and is counting, reading, and writing. In April 2009 Melinda took part in our first photography workshop with the other girls. She struggled in the beginning with the camera but at the end of the workshop she shot some wonderful pictures and was eager to learn more.

This was all possible with generous donations, if you would like to learn more and get involved please click here: WeCanBuildanOrphanage.com.