Djoulissa’s New Found Freedom
Adelphie Jélimer (nicknamed by her family “Djoulissa”) is a very well behaved and honest 11-year-old girl. Djoulissa resides with her parents and three sisters in the community of Blanc Rouge which is located in the communal section of Santiago in the commune of St.Rapahël. Not only does she care deeply about her family, but she enjoys learning in school and hopes to continue pursuing her studies.
Her parents are Mr. Wilgane Jélimer and Mrs. Angenat Prophete, and they procure a living as farmers. Their family water source was from a ravine, located about a half a mile from their town. Adelphie used to get up early in the morning or go out the night before to fetch water for her sisters, often rushing to get home before sunset.
One evening, after it had rained, Adelphie went to draw water. Due to the precipitation, the mountainous terrain was muddy and slippery. Every step was a feat for little Adelphie as she balanced herself and her jerry can up the hill. Despite her best efforts, she slipped and broke her left arm. The pain was grueling and prevented her from attending school for 22 days and inhibited her desire to play with her sisters or her dolls. Her sisters were deeply saddened to see their little “Djoulissa” suffer so much.
Not only was this event physically and emotionally distressing for her family, but it caused financial distress too. Since Adelphie was the family member who usually gathered water, her parents had to sacrifice time working on the farm to gather it which created more financial stress on top of the unanticipated medical bills necessary for her recovery.
One day a group from her community took the initiative to send a request for a well from Haiti Outreach for the community of Blanc Rouge. After the leadership committee formed, the committee invited all of the households to meet and discuss this project. Adelphie’s father and mother came down with a fever, so they could not attend the meeting. Determined to help her family, the little girl decided to participate in this meeting. She thoughtfully asked all the necessary questions about the proper management of the water and sanitation service in the community.
When she returned, she explained everything she learned at the meeting to her family. She also explained that in order to participate in this endeavor, they would need to pay a monthly fee of about 70 cents to use the well. Her parents felt that 70 cents per month was a worthwhile investment for the time saved gathering water and the decreased risk of illnesses from drinking unclean water, so they eagerly accepted this opportunity.
Overjoyed, Adelphie prayed daily throughout the process that a well would be drilled soon for her community! She was delighted to see answers to her prayers come to fruition on inauguration day!
Now her parents are able to spend more time cultivating their farm to support their children and ensure they can afford to attend school.
