On July 1, 2013, Timkatec schools 2 and 3 graduated 135 students. Future funding for 2013/2014 faces enormous challenges as Timkatec celebrates its 20 year Anniversary

Patrick O'Shea and Mike Spinelli, Founders of the Friends of Timkatec proudly attended the 2013 graduation of Timkatec 2 and Timkatec 3. As Friends of Timkatec you should take great pride in knowing that, since 2005 you have only changed the lives of over 2000 young people in Haiti, who previously had no hope of ever receiving an education. The 75 boys and 60 girls that graduated July 2013 are a huge achievement for Father Simon and his staff during another very difficult year.

Father Simon addresses 2013 graduates

Timkatec schools, orphanage and shelter overcame the following:

USAID had provided surplus food aid to schools and orphanages in Haiti for the last decade. This aid ceased in September 30, 2012, a loss of about $30,000 annually
The devastating effects of Hurricane Sandy on Haiti's food supply causing hundreds of deaths as the center of the island was flooded. And the subsequent large increases in food costs for Timkatec
The typhoid epidemic that killed thousands that is still causing many deaths on the island
Timkatec-France, through the French Presidents' Foundation had been a strong supporter of Timkatec for several years. That aid, about $30,000 annually, was not renewed as a new President took over
The Friends of Timkatec active donor list has declined with the stagnant US economy. Please, tell your friends about Timkatec and its success against these overwhelming odds.

Father Simon reported to Mike and I that Timkatec 2 and Timkatec 3 lost the ability to serve another 110 students and shelter homeless children in 2013 because he could not provide midday meals and students must seek food elsewhere and drop out. Life in Port au Prince is so precarious than an education can ride on a midday meal

Timkatec 2 and 3 graduates July 2013 and picture 3-Taking Timkatec schools ethics oath

Remember that, in 2008, before Timkatec 3 was built, we graduated the first class of just 15 from Timkatec 2. To date, Timkatec 2 has now graduated almost 350 apprentices with a state recognized diploma as electricians, plumbers, masons and tailors. Trades that are essential to the recovery post- earthquake of Haiti.

About 120 Primary school students at Timkatec 1 have graduated during that same time frame and over 500 girls at Timkatec 3 have commenced their training since its 2009 inception including 105 who have graduated in 2013 and 2012.

Mike Spinelli at Timkatec 1 orphanage

We know that you each receive many requests for support from other worthy causes that help people, pets, schools and the planet. Knowing what you have helped Father Simon to achieve at Timkatec, we ask you most humbly to put this at the top of your 2013 and 2014 donation list. About $300 yearly covers the cost of each trade trainee and BENCHMARK ACHIEVEMENTS IN FISCAL 2012 (Oct.-Sept.)

Their 2 year training costs a total of only $600. TIMKATEC IS TRULY A HAITIAN SUCCESS STORY.

The cataclysmic earthquake of January 12, 2010 is now past. It is estimated by the UN that it killed 230,000, injured 250,000 and destroyed a million homes. Timkatec lost a teacher and over 100 students. But its effects are still visible everywhere, as the country struggles to rebuild. Painfully and slowly, as most of the limited infrastructure was destroyed. Yet, those of us who recall the slow recovery of New York after September 11, who lived in England during and after the WW 2 blitz as I did and like Mike Spinelli and I, served in Germany is the 1960's know that recovery even in those sophisticated countries took not just 3-4 years but decades.

What Haiti has achieved after the worst catastrophe in the last century in the Western Hemisphere is impressive.

BENCHMARK ACHIEVEMENTS IN FISCAL 2013 (Oct.-Sept.)

The Timkatec team directed by Father Simon HAS achieved the following with your donations in 2012/2013\

Increased the 2013 total student count to 490

Increased Timkatec 2I Girls School capacity to 220 day students. However (October 1, 2012-July. 2013)-only 150 were registered.

The Timkatec 2I shelter now has room for 70 nightly. However, we can only take Timkatec 30 at this time for lack of funds

The third story addition at Timkatec 2 increased capacity to 240. However, the fund shortage has kept the 2012 Timkatec 2 registration at 200-short of its 240 capacity

Timkatec I, the primary orphanage and boarding school remains at its capacity of 110 students with 45 boarders and 55 day students.

In effect, Timkatec Schools had/have capacity of 650 for both 2012 and 2013 at a time of desperate need for training in Haiti, but have only funds for 490 students.

Timkatec, for the first time in 6 years, must turn away desperate children and teenagers, because of a drastic reduction in funds- although it has the space, teachers and supplies to meet the needs but not to feed the students.

Timkatec relies on the tax deductible gifts from friends like you.

A gift of $300 will educate a student for one year, while $600 will fund a 2 year apprenticeship, and change a life forever.
Please be generous.
Thank you for your support.

Patrick J. O'Shea, Founder
Mike Spinelli, Co-Founder
Friends of Timkatec in America

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