The transition program began when several teens we worked with were kicked out of their orphanage due to lack of space. These kids had not finished school, or been taught even the basics of self care, yet they found themselves on the street with no where to go and no one to turn to. Luckily one of the kids had saved our phone number and called King's Kids
Sadly, this is not an uncommon situation. Orphanages find themselves overwhelmed with new admissions or a decrease in funding and respond by kicking out the oldest children. Many orphanages do not plan for the future of the children in their care. The philosophy seems to be that if they feed and clothe them and provide basic education, this is all that is needed.
The object of the Transition program is to take these marginalized children and give them the opportunity to become productive members of Haitian society. The teens live in a family like environment and learn all aspects of caring for themselves, hygiene, nutrition and meal planning, budgeting, home repair. They all must attend school, whether that is formal education such as high school or University, or trades school.
Further phases of this program include the development of a trade and technical school.
