In Haiti, it’s easy for a young person to lose their way, especially when they fall out of school. The danger isn’t just falling behind academically. With the country’s current crisis, gangs are quick to recruit idle youth. Education is more than just opportunity here—it’s a critical line of defense.
That’s why this story gives us so much hope.
Earlier this year, a teen in our program made a mistake. In a moment of frustration, he spoke disrespectfully to his school principal in front of his classmates. The school couldn’t overlook the incident, and he was expelled. Because the school year was already underway, no other school would accept him mid-semester. It could have been the beginning of a very different story.
Instead, something unexpected happened.
Rather than drifting or giving up, this young man stayed connected to our team. And in his time away from school, he began tutoring younger children in his neighborhood. The same voice that once caused disruption is now being used to uplift. He’s found purpose outside the classroom while waiting to return to it.
This fall, he’ll be able to re-enroll in school. He’ll get a second chance, not just to finish his education, but to carry forward the responsibility and leadership he’s already begun showing in his community.
We believe in transformation. And sometimes, the path to growth takes a detour. We’re proud of this young man for choosing a better way, even when it would’ve been easier not to.
