Witchelle's Internship at the DR

Today is her last day in the Dominican Republic. A group of kids is lining up to hug her goodbye. KCH student Witchelle is returning to Haiti after a two month internship at the legal office of an orphanage in the DR.

Four years ago, we met Witchelle. She had lost both her parents at a very young age and lived with the family of a friend. They struggled to get by. There was barely any food. There was absolutely no money for education. Witchelle was smart, hardworking and, she had a dream: to become a lawyer and defend children’s rights. KCH offered Witchelle a way to follow her dream. With our financial support, she entered university where she studied law (and Spanish, on the side).

“It was a great experience to work at the orphanage! I learned a lot about the culture and the law process. Also, when I had some free time I helped the kids with disabilities, for example by giving them food or help them with therapy.”

Witchelle worked side by side with the lawyer at the orphanage. She helped with the registration process for kids without birth certificate. She also had the opportunity to work with another organization named ASCALA.

“This organization works in Labor Law and in registration of Haitian immigrants in the Dominican Republic. From this work, I am learning about the living circumstances of Haitian people in the ‘’Batey’’, the living areas of Haitians in the DR. I am very glad to work with this NGO. I feel closer to my compatriots by contributing to a work that benefits their quality of life. I am glad that I also studied Spanish – I did lots of translations from Creole into Spanish when Haitian people came to the office.”

Wow. 
In a few months, Witchelle will finish her final thesis. We are super proud of her and confident that she will be an excellent and compassionate lawyer for children’s rights!

Would you like to contribute to a successful education and professional career for orphaned young adults like Witchelle? Please consider becoming a monthly sponsor. Sign up at www.kidsconnectionhaiti.org.Thank you!