As the school year draws to a close, I'm so impressed with the resilience and determination of our students. Despite facing unimaginable challenges, they have emerged stronger, more dedicated, and committed to transforming not only their own lives but also the future of their country.

Overcoming adversity with strength and hope

Imagine living amidst a civil war, with hunger lurking around every corner. Despair and poverty could easily become your reality. Yet, our incredible students have fought through these adversities. Thanks to your wonderful support, they received essential services such as food and safe housing, enabling them to continue their education.

Your support: a lifeline

Your generosity this school year has been lifesaving. Many of the students' accomplishments would not have been possible without the faithful support of friends like you.

Here are some highlights from the 2023-2024 school year:

In September 2023, we welcomed 112 students into our program, including 46 newcomers to Kids Connection Haiti. This year, we also partnered with several organizations and orphanages to support young adults transitioning into adulthood.

Despite the violence that led to the cancellation of many workshops, 14 workshops were held for 137 young adults, including a micro-business training in January.
In October, we celebrated our first graduate of the year, Modieu, who earned his electro-mechanic diploma and is now starting his own business. He was one of 46 KCH students to graduate this year. Due to school closures, many graduations have been postponed to August 2024.

Thanks to a grant from Water Charities, we launched a water/sanitation project in November, led by student coordinator Esnel. Ten students studied plumbing and sanitation to rebuild bathrooms at public schools in the slums.

Despite the deteriorating situation, our students came together for an end-of-year celebration, a rare and joyous occasion.
To support students whose schools closed due to violence, we hired teachers for online education, preparing high schoolers for their exams. This transition to online learning was a significant step for our students.
InJanuary 2024, we celebrated our first physician graduate, Dr. Stephania, who is now working with Partners in Health.

As gangs took control of key infrastructure, causing food scarcity, we provided emergency food support, ensuring our students didn't go hungry.

By the end of May, most schools reopened, and by June, all students were back in the classroom.

In June, we partnered with Charity Vision to provide comprehensive eye exams for all students, thanks to their professional and kind staff.

The positive impact of your contributions is immeasurable. We are deeply grateful for your support and kindness.

On behalf of all our students and staff, I wish you a wonderful summer!

Warmly,

Astrid

Astrid de Vries

Founder Kids Connection Haiti

Your support made this possible: highlights from 2023-2024