About Restavek
In Haiti, a quarter of a million children —compelled by extreme poverty, social isolation, and lack of access to food and shelter— live in a state of domestic servitude.
Known as Restavek, they spend their days performing menial labor without pay, education, nutrition, or hope. In the absence of family, full citizenship, and fundamental human rights, they endure physical, emotional, and sexual abuse.
These children become Restavek in order to survive, to gain access to food and shelter their impoverished families are unable to provide. In return for their labor, they are promised access to these primary necessities and an education.
That promise is rarely kept. Instead, they eat scraps, sleep under tables, care for the host’s children, and rarely complete basic education. In the absence of a far-reaching intervention, the cycle continues.
About Restavek
In Haiti, a quarter of a million children —compelled by extreme poverty, social isolation, and lack of access to food and shelter— live in a state of domestic servitude.
About Haiti Now
Organizations working on behalf of Restavek children have typically focused on raising awareness, engaging host families, encouraging education, and a variety of short-term solutions. But it hasn’t been enough.
Haiti-Now is a 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit that has worked to improve the lives of seven-hundred impoverished children in Haiti since 2010. Our goal is to empower former Restavek girls to achieve a lifetime of emotional and economic self-reliance.
About Haiti Now
Haiti-Now is a 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit that has worked to improve the lives of seven-hundred impoverished children in Haiti since 2010. Our goal is to empower former Restavek girls to achieve a lifetime of emotional and economic self-reliance.
The Residential School
Based on years of experience working with Restavek children—and a focus on the latest research and developments—we have initiated and refined a comprehensive solution that incorporates housing, education, mental health, and entrepreneurial development.
We are building the "The Residential School", a purpose-built facility where the girls can develop free from fear and exploitation. At the "Haiti-Now Home", each girl is enrolled in an accelerated education program with access to professionally trained teachers, books, school supplies, and computers. We provide full healthcare and emotional counseling. Healing their emotional trauma is every bit as vital as caring for their physical well-being.
In addition to vocational training and job placement services, the girls will also participate in a two-year entrepreneurial incubator with access to micro-credit.
The Residential School
Based on years of experience working with Restavek children—and a focus on the latest research and developments—we have initiated and refined a comprehensive solution that incorporates housing, education, mental health, and entrepreneurial development.
How The Residential School Program Works
Overcoming extreme poverty requires deep and wide intervention. These girls are collateral damage of slavery,
Start a Fundraising Campaign For The Residential School
How Donors Have Helped the Mission
Many Households with Child Domestic Workers do Not Have any Steady Source of Household income
Restavek Boys Live in the Poorest Households
One-Fourth of Restavek Live in Homes without Any Sanitation Facilities
Apprenticeship is perceived as the most desirable option for Restavek Children under 18
Desirable Option for Young Restavek Children
Deteriorated Economic Conditions lead to Reduced Spending on Health Care in Haiti
Haiti Now interviews Gabriel Osson, author of Hubert, le restavèk
3/4 of Restavek Moved Away to their Work Households, and Some Have Moved 4 times
A large number of Restavek Children do Not Have Any Certificate of Age
Our Partners
