It is surreal to remember that our school, Centre D'Etudes Lumiere, in Mariani, Haiti, welcomed nearly 800 students a year ago. Despite Haiti's challenging circumstances, we were hopeful for a new school year. Uniforms were being sewn, teachers were preparing classrooms, and just like here in the States, children eagerly anticipated a new school year.

It is surreal to remember that our school, Centre D'Etudes Lumiere, in Mariani, Haiti, welcomed nearly 800 students a year ago. Despite Haiti's challenging circumstances, we were hopeful for a new school year. Uniforms were being sewn, teachers were preparing classrooms, and just like here in the States, children eagerly anticipated a new school year.

Last November, we could never have imagined that gangs would invade, forcing our families to abandon the lives they knew. As summer arrives, so does Kenya, bringing hope for a new Haiti. Yet, with heavy hearts, we see that little has changed. It's difficult to grasp our friends' daily struggles and despair, for most of us have never faced such unimaginable hardship.

Pastor Valcourt and many families first fled from Mariani to Gressier last November after Mariani was invaded by gangs. Several months later, these families were forced out again by gangs and relocated to Léogâne.

Pastor Valcourt has devised an incredible plan to ensure children in Léogâne and Mariani continue to go to school.

Pastor Valcourt should be called the Superman of Children. Giving up isn't in Pastor Valcourt's vocabulary! 

Pastor Valcourt found a building in Léogâne, free of charge, where 60 students can now attend school in the afternoons. Teachers who fled Mariani and now live in Léogâne will be teaching at this new school. He’s already met with the parents and assured them their children have a place to learn. He knows these families' hardships for daily survival, so he has told them they can pay what they can to send their children to school. 

Some families have had no choice but to return to Mariani, a city still under gang control. While the gangs are not currently posing an immediate threat to residents, the area remains far from safe.

Most schools in Marinai remain closed, but the teachers who have returned to this area recognize a critical need to reopen Centre D'Etudes Lumiere for the local children. The teachers believe children need to go to school, even with gang presence. At this time, it is anticipated that 150 students will return to Centre D’Etudes Lumiere. Pastor Valcourt has agreed to support this initiative, though he understands he cannot return to the area. As a pillar of strength in the community, his presence would make him a target for gangs. Instead, he will offer guidance and resources to the administrators and teachers from a distance, ensuring they have the support they need to move forward.

Beyond education, one of these children's greatest needs is food. Many families have nothing, and the daily struggle for survival is overwhelming and relentless. To offer some relief, we will provide a breakfast program at the schools in Gressier and Mariani, ensuring the children start their day with a meal.

Wilna (scholarship liaison) has successfully located all but four of our 52 students from Mariani, and we’ve ensured they can continue their education.

We are grateful for your continued support in serving the children of Haiti. Your support is invaluable and we could not do our work this without you. Please keep them in your prayers. Our team on the ground never loses hope, and because of their unwavering spirit, neither do we.

The Haiti Scholars' Team

In the pictures below, Pastor Valcourt and the Director of the School in Mariani meet with parents. Ensuring children go to school is their mission and priority.

Last November, we could never have imagined that gangs would invade, forcing our families to abandon the lives they knew. As summer arrives, so does Kenya, bringing hope for a new Haiti. Yet, with heavy hearts, we see that little has changed. It's difficult to grasp our friends' daily struggles and despair, for most of us have never faced such unimaginable hardship.

Pastor Valcourt and many families first fled from Mariani to Gressier last November after Mariani was invaded by gangs. Several months later, these families were forced out again by gangs and relocated to Léogâne.

Pastor Valcourt has devised an incredible plan to ensure children in Léogâne and Mariani continue to go to school.

Pastor Valcourt should be called the Superman of Children. Giving up isn't in Pastor Valcourt's vocabulary! 

Pastor Valcourt found a building in Léogâne, free of charge, where 60 students can now attend school in the afternoons. Teachers who fled Mariani and now live in Léogâne will be teaching at this new school. He’s already met with the parents and assured them their children have a place to learn. He knows these families' hardships for daily survival, so he has told them they can pay what they can to send their children to school. 

Some families have had no choice but to return to Mariani, a city still under gang control. While the gangs are not currently posing an immediate threat to residents, the area remains far from safe.

Most schools in Marinai remain closed, but the teachers who have returned to this area recognize a critical need to reopen Centre D'Etudes Lumiere for the local children. The teachers believe children need to go to school, even with gang presence. At this time, it is anticipated that 150 students will return to Centre D’Etudes Lumiere. Pastor Valcourt has agreed to support this initiative, though he understands he cannot return to the area. As a pillar of strength in the community, his presence would make him a target for gangs. Instead, he will offer guidance and resources to the administrators and teachers from a distance, ensuring they have the support they need to move forward.

Beyond education, one of these children's greatest needs is food. Many families have nothing, and the daily struggle for survival is overwhelming and relentless. To offer some relief, we will provide a breakfast program at the schools in Gressier and Mariani, ensuring the children start their day with a meal.

Wilna (scholarship liaison) has successfully located all but four of our 52 students from Mariani, and we’ve ensured they can continue their education.

We are grateful for your continued support in serving the children of Haiti. Your support is invaluable and we could not do our work this without you. Please keep them in your prayers. Our team on the ground never loses hope, and because of their unwavering spirit, neither do we.

The Haiti Scholars' Team