Dr. Emmanuel Maréus, M.D. is a graduate of UCNH. Thanks to Haiti Hope Fund he was able to complete his medical studies at La Universidad Autonoma de Santo Domingo and is now the full time doctor at the medical clinic in neighboring Haut Limbé. He is so pleased to be back in Haiti and sees his training as an investment for the community. Our dollars made it possible for Emmanuel to graduate as a medical doctor and return to Haiti. Emmanuel wrote this e-mail to Ryan Heneise, then Director of Haiti Hope Fund: "I am grateful for the help I received from you. Without your help, my graduation wouldn't have been possible. When I received the news that I needed that money for the graduation ceremony I was so desperate. I had no idea where this money was going to come from and I wanted to graduate so badly. I was like a kid who wanted something so badly but could not receive it. I felt great satisfaction and peace of mind after I talked to you on the phone. I knew you were someone that cares. Now I am in Haiti, dedicating my time to run the clinic. I deeply believe that God still has a plan for my life. My mission is to put the knowledge and experience I have to use for the community here, disregarding being rewarded financially or not."
Thank God for this wonderful opportunity for one of His children to make a difference in the world. Think of how many people will be treated and healed indirectly through our efforts. Now that's what makes life worth living! Dr. Maréus has big dreams and plans for the clinic. The pharmacy as it is now will be transformed into the records room. The newly completed room adjacent to the pharmacy and triage room will one day be the new pharmacy. It will take about $3000 to complete the pharmacy, which needs a propane refrigerator, tile floors, shelves and furniture and a generator to make the building usable.
In December last year the clinic saw many patients, including 135 pediatric cases and 153 adults. The most common complaints for this time were malaria and urinary tract infections. Dr. Maréus says, "We need a lab to do proper blood testing and other important diagnostic tests. All these facilities are important investments for the community. This is not my project; it is the community's project."
UCNH Growth
This semester there will be 300 students enrolled on UCNH campus. Many of the students come from the Gonaives area where there the terrible flood destroyed the town. These students are in desperate need of support. In many cases the families' businesses and homes were wiped out, therefore there is no money, period. It is a terrible thing to see worthy students struggling over financial issues due to a disaster of such proportions. In spite of everything, UCNH continues to grow, both in student registration and general public interest.
One of the most central needs at UCNH is for a trained and committed administrator to share the vision and governance of the University. We are praying that the Lord would send someone who is qualified at a high level educationally, and who also sees the University as a preparation ground for our future Christian leaders, and is aware of the spiritual realities in Haiti.
The University is also recruiting visiting professors to conduct short-term courses. Recently the University hosted a couple for two weeks of intensive week-long courses; one course in choral directing and another in computer programming. Many students enrolled and paid for this intensive class that counted for a full class credit. These intensive short-term courses greatly broaden the scope of subjects available to the students, and have a wonderful encouraging impact on the faculty and students.
For more information on these opportunities, email info@haitihopefund.org.