Irish aid worker Gena Heraty visits former Mayo school in first trip back home since release by Haiti kidnappers
Westport’s Sacred Heart School recently welcomed back one of its most distinguished past pupils, Gena Heraty, who returned to share her life experiences and insights on the power of a positive mindset with Transition Year students.
The visit followed a project by the students in their Wellbeing class, who had organised a raffle to support ‘Our Little Brothers and Sisters’, an organisation that runs an orphanage in Haiti for children with disabilities.
Ms Heraty has dedicated over 30 years of her life to caring for children and adults with special needs in Haiti, and serves as the Director of Special Needs Programmes at Our Little Brothers and Sisters.
Despite enduring such a harrowing ordeal, Ms Heraty has remained positive, spreading a message of faith, forgiveness, and gratitude.
During her visit to her former school, she spoke to the students with warmth, humour, and wisdom, sharing the lessons she has learned throughout her life and work.
Students Clódagh Fitzgerald, Cassie Kelly, Alana Riordan, and Serena Walsh, who organised the raffle, said they were delighted when they heard that Ms Heraty would be visiting.
“She was really kind, genuine, and shared her life experiences and wisdom with us. It opened our eyes to the fact that all it takes is one person to really make a difference,” they said.
The students explained that they were motivated to support the charity not only because of Ms Heraty’s strong links to Westport but also because of Haiti’s ongoing humanitarian crisis.
The increase of gang violence in the country over the years has created a humanitarian crisis, which has seen the collapse of essential services, and over one million people displaced, half of whom are children.
Orphanages have become a lifeline for many of these children, highlighting the crucial work of Ms Heraty and her colleagues in the country.
Describing Ms Heraty as a “powerhouse,” the students reflected on the lessons she shared with them.
“Gena spoke to us about the power of our mindset. She told us that when we put our minds to it, when we believe in ourselves and persevere, anything is possible,” they said.
The four girls were particularly inspired by her commitment to compassion and kindness, even in the face of such a terrifying ordeal.
“What really stood out to us the most was to love those who mean a lot in our lives, to be kind, and to support each other. These simple measures can really impact our lives so much,
“Gena is really inspiring and so good-humoured, despite all the recent hardships she has endured.”
Through the Wellbeing class project and Ms Heraty’s visit, the students learned that small acts of initiative and generosity can make a meaningful difference.
“Our experience on this project has shown us that we can make a difference and that we can make this a better world for everyone,” they added.
This article has been funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.