MVA Students Volunteer for Haiti's HavServe International Academy
Our Montverde Academy students made a difference packing up school backpacks and supplies for kids in Haiti who are about to start a new school year at the HavServe International Academy.
Mrs. Gina Espinel, Upper School Spanish Teacher and Assistant Swim Coach, organized an impactful community service project during the second week of school. Mrs. Espinel is on the board as the Education Director for a volunteer organization called HavServe Volunteer Service Network which is a 100 percent volunteer-driven organization that serves the LeBrun community in Haiti, and here in Orlando at the HavServe Community Center.
The service project on September 1 benefited the HaveServe International Academy which is a school in Haiti which the organization founded in 2010. Since opening, the school now serves children grades Kindergarten through fourth grade, with approximately 175 students. The school has very limited resources so they worked to provide them with school supplies and teacher materials for the 2021-22 school year.
Everything that was sent to Haiti is from public and private donors around the United States. MVA students worked to help organize and pack everything for shipment at the end of September. They also partnered with MVA’s Key Club to do a school supply drive the week of September 20-24. Whatever is collected will go to students and teachers at the HavServe International Academy.
“It’s a wonderful partnership with MVA and our students are serving others locally and internationally,” said Mrs. Espinel. “The little things we do for them make a HUGE difference to create a positive teaching and learning environment for their school.”
HavServe is a certified organization to give the official President’s Volunteer Service Award for students who complete 100 volunteer hours with the organization. This means upon completion, they receive a medallion and a personalized signed certificate of achievement, and a letter signed by the President of the United States.
“Gina modeling a lifestyle of giving to others by serving alongside the athletes,” said Mrs. Margaret Price, Assistant Dean of Students for Multiculturalism, Leadership, and Student Programs. “The students appeared fully engaged as well.”
Thanks to all our student volunteers:
Ana Correia
Emily Santos
Noah Raszczyk
Eszter Szabadi
Regina Torres
Cobi Wu
Mariana Bustamante
Jean Almeida
Eric Jurski
Cassie Jones
Barbara de Jesus
Bella Paez
Anabella Munoz
Ryleigh Sperry
Layla Aziz
August Gerken
You can learn more at: www.havserve.org
