Women in Travel Retail (WiTR) has named Hand in Hand for Haiti as its chosen charity for 2018.
WiTR will support the charity by raising a minimum of €15,000 to buy musical instruments. This will enable the launch of Lycée Jean-Baptiste Pointe du Sable’s first extracurricular instrumental music programme in partnership with École de Musique Christian Nohel de Saint Marc.
Every child in the school will have the opportunity to discover music through these instruments, via music recognised internationally and their own musical heritage. Playing an instrument has many benefits for children, including building self-confidence as a soloist and encouraging teamwork as part of a band or orchestra. It also provides an opportunity to gain confidence through public performances, to other students and in their local community.
WITR said: “The benefits of music education are astounding. Studies have consistently revealed the tremendously positive effect that music education has on a child’s academic performance, sense of community, self-expression and self-esteem. But for nearly all children across Haiti, formal music education is unattainable.”
Hand in Hand for Haiti was the first charity to benefit from WiTR’s fundraising, following the devastating hurricane that hit Haiti in 2010. Funds enabled the new Lycée Jean-Baptiste Pointe du Sable to purchase equipment for the kindergarten.
“Last year’s devastating hurricanes in the Caribbean were a stark reminder that the students in this world-class school still need our support if they are to break out of the cycle of poverty that besets Haiti, where 80% of the population still live below the poverty line,” stated WiTR.
Hand in Hand for Haiti President and Co-Founder Olivier Bottrie commented: “We are extremely grateful for the continued support of WiTR. Haiti is a country of artists and has a long tradition of musical excellence. We are certain that introducing our children to this art will not only contribute to this tradition but also give them a sense of joy and confidence.”
Footnote: WiTR opened its new website at the end of last year. Annual membership costs £25, click here to sign up.