The Approach: Mapping Our Path to Opening Eight New Daycares in Haiti

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Embarking on an endeavor often reveals the mountain we must climb. At first glance, you may feel a mixture of fear, excitement, and awe at the magnitude of the task ahead. The challenge before you seems overwhelming, but the key to success is focusing on each step rather than the immensity of the climb.

Most people believe mountaineering is about conquering mountains, but true climbers know otherwise. As Sir Edmund Hillary said, “It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.” The journey is about preparation, endurance, and faith—qualities that also define our approach to accomplishing our endeavor of establishing new Daycares in Haiti.

At Hands & Feet Project, we know that every challenge may look insurmountable from afar, but when we take steps forward with the right tools, the right team, and the right belief, nothing is impossible. Our goal is to open eight new Daycare classrooms in Haiti, ensuring safe and nurturing spaces for vulnerable children. Here’s how we are planning our approach:

Our Approach to Opening Daycare Classrooms

  1. Prayer First – Every decision begins by seeking God’s guidance for Haiti, our mission, and the communities we serve.
  2. Evaluating the Need—We track community data to identify areas with a high need for daycare services. We collaborate with local pastors and leaders to ensure we’re meeting real gaps and not duplicating existing efforts.
  3. Collaborating with the Community—We partner with local churches or schools to secure spaces, then adapt rental spaces or build new facilities if necessary. To date, we’ve launched five daycares, with one more underway, each shaped by its unique community.

Implantation: Bringing the Vision to Life

  1. Securing Funding –  We raise funds for capital improvements and furnishings separately from ongoing operational costs, using a classroom sponsorship model for monthly support. Once funding is secured, we begin the build process and start preparing the space.
  2. Hiring Talented People  – While the space is being prepared, we begin hiring essential staff, including teachers, cooks, and security personnel. Each daycare provides 8-12 local jobs, contributing to economic stability. We prioritize hiring individuals who are passionate about teaching, faith, and serving the community.
  3. How We Serve – Our daycares provide a safe environment, nutritious meals, and Montessori-based activities that support children’s growth. Families also engage in prayer, worship, and learn about the love of Jesus, creating a strong foundation for both development and faith.

Continuing to Serve with Impact

  1. Who We Serve – Each daycare serves 20-28 children, depending on the space. Families are selected through a thorough interview process and home assessment. While every family’s situation is unique, we prioritize those actively seeking employment and lacking childcare support and commit to participating in the program through meetings, supply contributions, and adherence to daycare guidelines.
  2. How Long We Serve Them – Education begins around 36-48 months of age in Haiti. Our daycare classrooms are divided into two age groups: 0-18 months and 18-36 months. Once children transition into the local school system, we reassess each family’s needs. If they still require support, we transition them into our Stronger Together program, which provides ongoing assistance to ensure their stability and success.

How You Can Be Part of This Endeavor

This is where you come in! We can’t climb this mountain alone. Your support can help us take each step toward opening these daycare classrooms. Here’s how you can be a part of the approach:

  • Toward Capital Costs – Before we can open a daycare, we need funding for renovations, equipment, and supplies. Your donation can help create safe and nurturing spaces for children. Shop our Project Essentials page when it launches on March 10th.
  • Sponsor a Classroom – Once a daycare is established, ongoing monthly support is needed to provide meals, education, and care. Sponsor a classroom to ensure sustainability.
  • Pray With Us – Join us in praying for wisdom, resources, and the right people to lead these daycare centers. Sign up for our weekly texts to stay connected.
  • Share Our Mission – Help spread the word about Haiti’s urgent need for free, quality daycare. Our classrooms offer early childhood development, education, healthy meals, and a safe environment. They empower parents to pursue higher education or keep their jobs without choosing between supporting their family or giving up their child. Most importantly, we introduce children and parents to the Gospel, weaving prayer, worship, and the love of Jesus into their everyday lives. Email us at events@handsandfeetproject.org to host a gathering and share our mission.

The Climb Begins

Each daycare we establish provides 8-12 jobs, serving 20-28 children and their families. These classrooms give children a foundation for future success while allowing parents to pursue work and economic stability.The mountain ahead is great, but we believe in taking one step at a time. With your partnership, we can make this endeavor a reality. Are you ready to climb with us?