Dean named at Haiti School of Nursing
Startup Funds and Student Scholarships Needed

The first dean of the school of nursing in Léogâne has been appointed.
Hilda Alcindor, RN, a Haitian nurse who has been living and working in
Florida for more than 25 years, was appointed as Dean (Doyenne) at the
first Board of Directors meeting of the new school of nursing on
October 1 in Port-au-Prince. She will start by November 1. About
three years ago, First Presbyterian Church--Ann Arbor was asked by Dr.
Jack Guy Lafontant, Medical Director of Hôpital Ste. Croix, for help in
starting a school of nursing in Léogâne, Haiti. Dr. Ruth Barnard,
retired professor from the University of Michigan School of Nursing,
was asked to lead this effort.

Dr. Barnard and nursing colleagues Dr. Jessie Colin and Dr. Donna
Martsolf have worked together and with Haitian nurses to develop a
Haitian baccalaureate nursing program. Recently, this volunteer team
met in Florida with Haitian nursing consultant, Mme. Conceptia
Pamphile. The program is now part of the Episcopal University of Haiti
and is named the Faculty of Nursing Science (Faculté des Sciences
Infirmières de l'Université Episcopale d'Haïti). The recently
completed buildings will be dedicated soon. The recent violence in
Haiti has delayed the dedication. It is still hoped that students
will start classes in January, 2005.

Presbyterian Church (USA) has a special covenant in mission with the
Episcopal Diocese of Haiti to work together on selected projects. One
of these projects is the school of nursing in Léogâne, Haiti. In
conjunction with Dr. Lafontant, the Medical Benevolence Foundation
obtained funds from USAID-ASHA for the school of nursing buildings but
help was needed to develop the nursing program.

There is an urgent need for student scholarships. Annual student
scholarships to cover tuition, uniforms, and fees will be needed to
support most of the students. It is estimated that a minimum
scholarship of $1,000 will be needed per student per year. Money also
is needed for faculty and staff salaries as well as other operating
costs, including educational materials, utilities, and transportation.
Donations may be made through the Medical Benevolence Foundation:
Make check payable to MBF-Haiti Nursing Program to:
Medical Benevolence Foundation
P.O. Box 770636
Houston, TX 77215-0636

Or, donate online at: www.mbfoundation.org (specify Haiti nursing
program)

A fund-raising video is now available through the Medical Benevolence
Foundation. Contact Ann Joyner at MBF (800) 547-7627.

Thanks for all your past support and prayers. I hope your support and
prayers continue. The development of the school is a product of many
people and will continue to evolve.

For more information, contact Ruth Barnard at rbarnard@... or at
(734) 995-0281.