Mitch Albom and Anderson Cooper Visit the Haiti Orphanage Run By the “Tuesdays with Morrie” Author

Mitch Albom, the acclaimed author known for his bestseller “Tuesdays with Morrie”, featured in a recent episode of ’60 Minutes’, showcasing his work at the Have Faith Haiti orphanage in Port-au-Prince. This special segment captured the profound impact of the orphanage, which serves as a home and education centre for vulnerable children in need.

Located on a sprawling seven-acre property, the Have Faith Haiti orphanage currently supports 56 children, ranging in age from infants to teenagers. It is staffed by over 50 dedicated employees, who not only oversee the children but also coordinate educational programmes in both French and English. The orphanage prioritises children who are either homeless or lack a parental figure, ensuring that those who are most in need receive the help they require.

Albom and television journalist Anderson Cooper arrived at the orphanage to a warm welcome from the children, who greeted them with enthusiastic hugs. According to Albom, this is a typical reaction from the children, who have formed a close bond with the staff and visitors alike. The strong sense of community and affection within the orphanage is palpable, providing a nurturing environment despite the challenging circumstances many of these children face.

The children at the orphanage are instilled with a routine that incorporates chores, church attendance, and an eight-hour school day. Albom emphasises the importance of education in shaping their futures. “All children deserve to feel like they have a future and that future is possible,” he stated, reflecting on the stark contrast between the lives of the children in the orphanage and those living outside its walls. Many children in Haiti face severe malnutrition and lack basic necessities, a reality Albom is determined to address.

Importantly, the admission policy at the orphanage is tailored to prioritise those in the direst situations. Albom notes that the children are not subjected to aptitude tests, as many arrive too young to have developed their speech or learning skills. Instead, the focus is placed on creating an environment that fosters growth and aspiration. “If you surround them with other children who are trying to achieve something, they will rise to the occasion,” he explained.

In his efforts to ensure aid reaches the most deserving, Albom has established specific criteria for admitting children into the orphanage. “We try to set the conditions because otherwise, it’s hundreds and hundreds of children,” he remarked. The parameters include considerations such as homelessness, the absence of one parent, or cases of illness. This targeted approach helps streamline their efforts and maximise the impact of the resources available.

Albom’s emotional connection to his work is evident. He described hearing the stories of the children as both heartbreaking and motivating. “Those stories, those interviews, they broke me in half,” he admitted. Yet, instead of feeling despondent, he feels a deep commitment to continue his work in Haiti. “They cemented me to Haiti and cemented me to this operation, which I will do for the rest of my life,” he affirmed.

The Have Faith Haiti orphanage stands as a beacon of hope for its residents, providing not just shelter and education, but also a sense of belonging and community. Through his partnership with Cooper and the spotlight provided by ’60 Minutes’, Albom aims to raise awareness about the plight of children in Haiti and inspire others to consider how they can contribute to making a difference.

As the episode airs and reaches audiences globally, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by children in desperate circumstances, and the power of compassion and commitment in fostering change. Albom’s efforts highlight the importance of targeted intervention in humanitarian work, ensuring that the most vulnerable individuals receive the support they so desperately need.