Graduating from high school in Haiti is a tremendous accomplishment—something only one in three students achieve, with even fewer reaching this milestone in rural communities like Williamson and Luly. That’s why the graduation of 22 remarkable students this year is such a cause for celebration!
Each diploma represents perseverance through incredible challenges, and each graduate’s success was made possible by the faithful support of their sponsors. Their stories are full of courage and determination, and hope for the future. We think you’ll be inspired to hear their stories and how sponsorship changes lives.
Mislene Orelien
When Mislene became a teenage mom, she feared her dreams of finishing school had slipped away forever. The weight of caring for a child at such a young age, combined with the daily struggles of life in Haiti, made the idea of graduating feel impossible. Yet her story did not end there.
Through the faithful support of a caring sponsor, Mislene was given a second chance. That encouragement and provision carried her through the challenges, year after year, until the day finally arrived when she proudly held her diploma in hand – a symbol of perseverance, hope, and God’s grace.
Mislene’s diploma is more than a piece of paper—it is proof that her story is still unfolding, and her future is filled with possibility, thanks to sponsorship.
Kervens Casseus
When Kervens’ father passed away suddenly from a stroke, his dream of finishing school seemed to slip through his fingers. With his mother struggling to provide even the basics for Kervens and his four sisters, there was no way she could cover school tuition. But thanks to sponsorship, Kervens’ story didn’t end there. Today, he proudly holds his diploma in hand!
Watching his journey has been such a joy. We’ve seen him grow from a teenage boy—nicknamed Ramirez—who loved soccer matches and cookies for a treat, into a thoughtful young man who quietly shoulders responsibility, hauling water for his family and pouring himself into his studies.
Now, as he steps into a new chapter, Kervens hopes that when life in Haiti stabilizes, he’ll be able to attend vocational school and train as an electrician. Until then, he plans to begin working to help support his family—putting into practice everything he’s learned in the classroom.
His story is a beautiful reminder of how hope can rise even in the hardest places.
Esaie Jean-Louis
Life has never been easy for Esaie Jean-Louis, as he has overcome countless barriers to become a high school graduate. Esaie grew up with his parents and younger sisters in a remote mountain village in Haiti. Years ago, Esaie moved to Luly, Haiti from his mountain village so he and his younger sisters could attend school. His parents continued to farm and raise livestock in the mountains to provide for tuition and basic needs for Esaie and his sisters.
Then two years ago, tragedy struck. His family, still living in the remote mountain village, was plunged deep into poverty when their livestock—their very livelihood—were stolen by members of a mountain gang. With survival becoming a daily struggle, Esaie feared his dream of completing school was over. But because of the generosity of a sponsor, his story took a hopeful turn. Today, he is a proud graduate!
Magdalie Jean
Magdalie has always been a bright and determined young woman, eager to learn and work hard for her future. But when the unthinkable happened – her mother passed away and her father left – her dreams of finishing school seemed to slip away. With nowhere else to turn, Magdalie and her sister went to live with their uncle. Though loving and supportive, he could barely provide for his own children, let alone pay for Magdalie and her sister’s tuition. For a time, it felt like the door to her education had closed.
But then, hope stepped in. Through the faithful giving of her sponsor, Magdalie’s story took a new direction. Today, she proudly wears her cap and gown, a living testimony to perseverance and the power of generosity.