Restavek
What Is a Restavek?
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. “Restavek” was once used as a verb; meaning “to stay with,” it originally described the situation 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.
Our Mission.
While child labor continues to be a topic of conversation in Haitian society, the corruption of the government and the imbalance of power has resulted in there being little to no actual advocacy or aid for those who find themselves face-to-face with this reality.
One aspect of our ministry efforts has been to provide safe and loving homes for rescued restaveks. Our Children’s Homes offer these kids a formal and government-recognized education, and the homes are especially unique because, unlike most others, 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.
The children continue to grow immensely: physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. They are being met with the love of the Lord and the love of His church. Where they were once enslaved in a hopeless situation, they now walk in the freedom of our perfect protector and hear the truth of His salvation on a daily basis.
How Can I Help Restavek Children?
Did you know that the country of Haiti is home to approximately 300,000 restaveks? This means that approximately 1 in 15 Haitian children is currently enslaved. We believe this number is growing significantly. Since the assassination of the Haitian President in July 2021, the government has been mostly dismantled, leaving gangs to run the country. This has had a dual effect on restaveks: they are not being rescued by the Bureau for the Protection of Minors, since the government is not functioning; and instead, they are being taken by gangs and trained as new gang members.
At Connect 2 Ministries, our desire is to protect and care for these children by giving them a home where they are safe, nurtured, and loved—just as Christ loves us. There are many ways you can get involved.
Get Involved
A One-Time Gift
Any one-time gift towards the Children’s Homes will be used to support our kids’ education and living situation. By giving to this ministry, you are helping our staff be the hands and feet of Jesus in Haiti.
Sponsor a Child
Sponsorship is the ultimate gift to a child in need. When you sponsor a child with just $40 each month, your gift enables Connect 2 Ministries to provide them a safe home, a loving house-mom, medical care, government-recognized education, and, most importantly, the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. Your monthly gift changes a rescued child’s life!
Sponsor a Mom or Teacher
Our Haitian staff are the most consistent and immediate influence in our children’s lives. Sponsoring a house mom or teacher (for just $90 each month) means ensuring their needs are met so they can continue to meet the needs, both physical and intangible, of the restavek kids they care for.
Join Us in Prayer
“This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” —1 John 5:14
As Christians, we know prayer is powerful. Even more so, we know He hears our prayers and that He loves and provides for us better than anyone else could. The best thing any of us can do for Haitian restavek children is to bring their cause before God, casting our cares on Him because He cares for us.