The Brazil School was once a thriving place for learning on the hills above Williamson. Its nickname comes from the green and yellow school uniforms worn by students that match the Brazilian flag. This bustling school has educated hundreds of children growing up in Williamson, Haiti.
In the fall of 2023, the unthinkable happened when a gang from the mountains raided the community of Williamson. Thousands of families were forced to flee their homes. Because it was unsafe for classes to reopen in Williamson, the Brazil School was forced to relocate. The first year displaced, it shared a space with another school in the area. Attendance was cut in half as families were too afraid to return.
Last fall, as more families moved back to the area, the Brazil School found a new home on the outskirts of Williamson. Mr. Fanfan, the school director, was thrilled to see the school thriving once again.
Nearly 400 students filled the classrooms over the last year. Many of our amazing sponsors supported the Brazil School through the sponsorship program, helping provide tuition payments and school lunches for those children most in need.
Then tragedy struck once again. Last month, Mr. Fanfan and several teachers were cleaning up their abandoned school on the hills above Williamson, hoping to be able to re-open for the upcoming school year.
While they were working, a gang from the mountains kidnapped and killed Mr. Fanfan and the teachers. It was another devastating loss for the entire community as gang violence continues to rip apart families and communities across Haiti.
We remember Mr. Fanfan as a warm and caring leader and dedicated director. He was a good friend to several of our World Wide Village staff members as their own children attend the Brazil School.
As we mourn with those who have experienced loss, please pray for the families of these men and for the entire community that deeply feels this tragedy.
Throughout all this heartbreak and chaos, your generosity through sponsorship has been a steady help and support to so many schools. If you’ve ever considered sponsoring a student, now is the perfect time to help those in need: https://worldwidevillage.org/student-sponsorship/
