The Walk for Restaveks event will help raise awareness about restavek children in Haiti by engaging community members through a fun event for the whole family. Participants are invited to come together and pray for restavek children in Haiti.

The title “restavek” has been used to describe an abused child who lives with and serves a family that is not their biological family. These children may be sold by their own family to another family that is financially able to provide for them, or they may be orphans with no family to care for them. The children are extremely vulnerable, living as modern-day slaves. The original term and meaning of the title “restavek” was once used as a verb. Meaning “to stay with,” it originally described the action of living alongside another, but has now turned into a dreadful noun that does not properly describe the conditions in which these children live. The majority of restaveks in Haiti are physically, sexually, and emotionally abused. They are regularly starved, beaten, and taken advantage of sexually. Grievously, this reality is a common occurrence and has become a cultural norm to the people of Haiti. It is estimated that Haiti is home to approximately 300,000 restaveks, meaning approximately 1 in 15 Haitian children are currently enslaved. Due to the current political and economic climate in Haiti, Connect 2 Ministries expects this number to grow substantially.

Connect 2 Ministries works to provide a safe and loving home for restaveks. Rescued children are also provided with a formal, government-recognized education. The homes provided by Connect 2 Ministries are unique because, unlike many other orphanages, there is no “age out” policy. Before a restavek leaves one of the homes, they are given the proper tools necessary to pursue a successful adulthood.

All funds raised will directly support the rescue of more children and the Children’s Homes.

To get involved, visit connect2ministries.org/walk.