WALK FOR RESTAVEKS

The title “restavek” has been used to describe an abused child who lives with and serves a family that is not his or her biological family. The children are either sold by their own family to another that is financially able to provide, or they are orphans with no family to care for them. The children are extremely vulnerable, living as modern-day slaves. The original term and meaning of this title “restavek” was once used as a verb. Meaning “to stay with,” it originally described the action of living alongside another, but it now communicates something very different. The majority of restaveks in Haiti are physically, sexually, and emotionally abused. They are regularly starved, beaten, and taken advantage of. Grievously, this reality is a common occurrence and has become a cultural norm for the people of Haiti.

The country of Haiti is home to approximately 300,000 restaveks. This means that around 1 in 15 Haitian children is currently enslaved. Due to the current political and economic situation in Haiti, Connect 2 Ministries expects this number to grow substantially.

One aspect of Connect 2 Ministries’ efforts has been to provide a safe and loving home for rescued restaveks. These children are also provided with a formal and government-recognized education. The homes C2M provides are unique because, unlike many other children’s homes, we have no “age out” policy. Before a restavek leaves one of the Children’s Homes, we make sure they have all the tools they need to live as successful adults in their communities.

Help us reach our goal of $25,000! By sponsoring a walk, you’re supporting a crucial outreach effort to our community while making a difference in the lives of Haitian restavek children.

Raise awareness, and walk together! Walking as a team is a great family, employee engagement, or team-building activity. Children (ages 15 and under) are free! There is no need to register your child unless you’d like them to have their own t-shirt, swag bag, and a complimentary meal.

Adult Registration (ages 16+) of $25 includes an event t-shirt, swag bag, and one complimentary meal.
Child Registration (ages 15 and under) of $15 is optional and includes an event t-shirt, children’s swag bag, and one complimentary meal.

Thank you for partnering with us to raise awareness about and reach more restavek children in Haiti! All funds raised will be used to support restaveks who have already been rescued and those we anticipate rescuing soon. Together, we can provide hope.