About PAZAPA

The mission of PAZAPA is to support the treatment, education, and development of children with handicaps, and to integrate them into the community at large.

PAZAPA means "step by step" in Haitian Creole, and step by step it is making a difference in the lives of Haiti’s handicapped children. PAZAPA is also making a difference in the culture of Haiti, by modeling and fostering acceptance of handicapped children.

The Center’s strategy has been to hire and train Haitian personnel, and except for Jane MacRae, the Center’s executive director, the entire staff is Haitian.

PAZAPA provides the highest quality of care, treatment, and education for the poorest, most neglected children in the Western Hemisphere.

With support from North American and European volunteers in all fields, local and international organizations, churches, and individuals, PAZAPA has provided help to over a thousand children and their families since its inception in 1987. PAZAPA is able to keep its operating cost low largely because of the support of its volunteers. These committed individuals allow PAZAPA to offer services free of charge that would be out of the reach of virtually all Haitian families.