Irish Missionary Among Nine Kidnapped from Haitian Orphanage

An Irish woman, Gena Heraty, director of the Sainte-Hélène orphanage in Kenskoff, Haiti, is among nine individuals reportedly kidnapped from the facility. The abduction occurred on the morning of March 5, 2025, in the commune located approximately 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) southeast of the capital, Port-au-Prince. According to France 24 and AFP, those taken include a three-year-old child and seven staff members.

The humanitarian organization Nos Petits Frères et Sœurs, which operates the orphanage, confirmed that Ms. Heraty contacted the organization early on Sunday to verify her safety and identity as one of the kidnapped individuals. No ransom demands have been made public at this time.

Ms. Heraty, originally from Westport, Co Mayo, has dedicated her life to humanitarian work in Haiti since her arrival in 1993. After graduating from the University of Limerick with a degree in business studies in 1991, she joined the lay missionary group Viatores Christi based in Dublin. Ms. Heraty began her work with the Simon Community before becoming involved with Nos Petits Frères et Sœurs, where she has served as the director of an orphanage primarily for children with disabilities.

Heraty’s commitment to the children of Haiti is deeply personal. In a reflective piece published in The Irish Times in 2007, she described the emotional impact that witnessing the challenges faced by families in Haiti had on her. She recounted the story of a mother with two severely disabled children, both blind and suffering from hydrocephalus, and expressed her determination to help those in need.

The ongoing situation highlights the increasing concerns over security in Haiti, where kidnappings for ransom have become alarmingly frequent. Local authorities have not released specific details regarding the circumstances surrounding the abduction, but the international community is closely monitoring developments.

The plight of Gena Heraty and the kidnapped individuals underscores the risks faced by humanitarian workers in regions marked by instability. As efforts to secure their release continue, many are calling for heightened measures to ensure the safety of those dedicated to serving vulnerable populations in Haiti.