Health Checkups for All

HotFutbol has always adapted to conditions on the ground in Haiti. We have the advantage of being small, grassroots, and nimble enough to pivot with change and challenge. Food crises, hurricanes, and the 2010 earthquake have taught us that flexibility, safety, and stable decision making are essential for survival - for individuals, families, and organizations in Haiti. That learning has been critical.

Before reopening in December HotFutbol contacted Dr. Belfort, a General Practitioner in Haiti, with a strong public health background. He guided us through developing a safe and structured "return to play" protocol for everyone involved in the program. He then conducted wellness exams with every child in the program. It's notable that this was the first time many of the children had ever seen a doctor. The challenges of Covid have created an opportunity for wellness for all children in the program.

Children are back in the program, but the streets in Haiti are increasingly dangerous. While we train soccer skills we aren't playing games in the broader community due to the threat of kidnappings, now a common practice for street gangs. Parents allow sons and daughters to attend the program as they see HotFutbol and our staff as a safe resource in the community, and see the Park as a place they can predict to be safe.