Sparkling Diamonds
Dear Sponsor,
Do you know how much we appreciate you? We probably don't say it enough. But we appreciate you so very much!
Thanks to your kindness, our at-risk students can shine like diamonds... even when the circumstances are incredibly tough, even when it seems as though they are swimming in an ocean of sorrow. The hopeful stories from KCH students encourage us every day to continue with our mission. Our students do not give up. They keep on fighting for a better future. Diamonds. That's what they are. Thanks to you!
Warmly,
Astrid
PS: As the gang wars in Port-au-Prince have grown extremely intense, most students have missed 1-3 weeks of school. Monday, everyone is supposed to return to school. (See Ismella's personal testimony below). Please, pray for peace and for the safety of our beloved young men and women and their fellow Haitians.
Marie Laine and Rendell started micro-businesses in January. They are excited that their business is successful. Due to the violence, it is challenging to find customers, but they're able to sell to close friends, family, and neighbors. Marie Laine sells perfume and women's clothes, and Rendell sells milk powder. Kudos to both of them!
The two Marie-Claude's are about to graduate from trade school. They attended a cooking course and are proud to show off their final dish. Four other KCH students also attended the same school and will graduate soon. Three of our young women studied cosmetology and one studied sewing. They will all be prepared to start micro-businesses, but with the diplomas they have earned, they might also be able to find a job at a company. Marie-Claude O. hopes to continue her academic career at university.
The situation in Haiti
Testimony by Ismella, KCH student coordinator
"These days we can barely leave our homes. We live with gunfire around us. The streets used to be crowded but now they're empty as gang members ask for money and fight and shoot guns. The situation is terrifying. Many people flee their houses because it is too dangerous. Our neighborhood market and the gas station closed because of the violence. We want to live here, but we need peace. We used all our savings to build a home here but now we are thinking about moving to a safer neighborhood."
Would you consider supporting our students?
Now, more than ever, Haiti is in urgent need of educated professionals. Your gift will allow young men and women from extreme poverty to learn a trade, start a micro-business, or attend university. By allowing them to continue to shine, we can help them turn an ocean of sorrow into one of opportunity and ultimately create safer, more thriving communities.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR KINDNESS!