Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere and it lies directly between the islands of Cuba (to the west) and Puerto Rico (to the east). It makes up the western third of an island called Hispaniola and the Dominican Republic borders Haiti to the east. The country lies approximately 600 miles southeast of Miami, Florida, between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Between 80-85% of Haitians are functionally illiterate, and 70% of Haitians are jobless relying on small gardens, charity from individuals or organizations, or nothing at all. Unfortunately, the official language of the government in Haiti and the school system is French, but only 20% of the population speaks French. The greater majority of Haitians speak an Africanized French Dialect called Creole. Approximately 27% of Haitian children die before they reach age five, and health problems stemming from lack of hygiene, malnutrition, and abuse are unfortunately quite common. This is were the Maison Fortuné Orphanage intends to help Hinche and its surrounding community.
    Maison Fortuné Orphanage is located in the Central Plateau of Haiti near the Dominican Republic. The road from Port-au-Prince ( the capital of Haiti) to Hinche is a tortuous trail; however, jumper planes are available for a 25 minute ride full of scenery. Currently, the orphanage is home to 26 young boys between 4-15 years of age.
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¹ Pronounced "May-son For-chöö-nay" Orphanage. The orphanage is collectively named after St. Fortunatus and the founder's father, Fortuné Jean Louis.

Maison Fortuné Orphanage Home Page
Overview of Haiti
Introduction
  The Orphanage Today
The Orphanage in Motion
The Orphanage Tomorrow
Long-Term Goals
Supporting the Orphanage
People Involved
Letter From Lefort Jean Louis