In the REBUILD globally Apprenticeship Program, few students have shown more determination, creativity, and raw talent than 17-year-old Stanley. A natural artist and craftsman, Stanley has excelled in the artisan and vocational trainings provided by our program. Often called “The Director” by his peers for his leadership abilities, Stanley always impresses us with his innovative use of recycled materials to make beautiful jewelry and art. In his own words, Stanley has “a vision.” He dreams of excelling as an artisan and providing a comfortable life for himself and those he loves.
Due to recent personal events, Stanley is now balancing being the head of his household with the demands of the 7th grade. With his father on his deathbed in a distant hospital and his mother nowhere to be found, the care of Stanley’s three young siblings, who range in age from 3 to 12, has fallen to him. When the REBUILD globally artisans learned of Stanley’s struggles they gathered together to help the young family with food and encouragement. Because RG pays its staff a living wage, it is possible for them to support each other in time of need without relying on outsider handouts.
REBUILD globally looks forward to the day when Stanley reaches the age of 18 and is hired on as a full time staff member. We know that his creative and artistic abilities will not only lead to even more beautiful, recycled RG products, but also to the advancement of his family and community. RG’s education and community development work allows vulnerable young people like Stanley to continue their education while providing for those that depend on their income. With his whole life ahead of him, we all know that Stanley will realize his “vision” due to his strength of character, artistic talents, and love for his family. REBUILD globally will also continue to provide the venue for go-getters like Stanley to succeed to their full potential.
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The REBUILD globallly (RG) workshop and training center provides much more than jobs to women in Port-au-Prince. The impact of our social enterprise runs much deeper. By focusing on sustainability through living-wage employment, RG is also able to to look at our future workforce and support the youth in our community by offering academic scholarships through our Apprenticeship Program.
Djenica came to RG with a set of circumstances that set her apart from other Apprentices. At only 14 years old, Djenica works as a live-in cook and servant for an elderly woman in Port-au-Prince. Born one of 12 children in the Haiti’s rural countryside, Djenica’s poverty-stricken parents essentially sold her to help support themselves and their other children. She has not seen her parents or her siblings since 2010. Unfortunately, children and young adults with situations like Djenica’s are all too common in Port-au-Prince.
Since becoming a RG Apprentice this fall Djenica has blossomed. Once shy and soft spoken, Djenica is now flourishing with the leadership and confidence building modules RG’s program provides. Only attending school sporadically her entire life, Djenica is currently in the first grade—and impressing our tutors with her quick problem solving and critical thinking skills! Because of the REBUILD Apprenticeship Program, not only is Djenica receiving a life-changing academic scholarship, future job training, and leadership classes, she is also receiving support and encouragement from Haitian and international role modules who care deeply about Djenica and believe in her ability to thrive and succeed.
With an education and the life skills that REBUILD is providing to Djenica, she has the opportunity to build a whole new life and when Djenica turns 18 years old, she is guarenteed a job at the RG workshop. She is an amazing and strong young woman who is persevering in the face of unbearable challenges. Djenica’s story is still in the making, but we know to expect big things from her.
We also know when we employ the mothers of children like Djenica, these stories can be different and lives can be different. We are so grateful for your support that gives children and families a chance to rewrite their stories. Thank you for helping us end poverty one job at a time and making an impact through education, one child at a time.
Sincerely,
The RG family
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James
When we first met James, we assumed he was an orphan. 16 year-old James lived and worked the streets, begging for money and washing car windows—in hopes to have enough pocket change to help feed himself and pay for his school fees. Our assumption was completely wrong. Although James seemed to be on his own - he was not an orphan. Raised by an unemployed single mother in the crime-ridden slums of Cité Soleil, James and his siblings have had a very rough life so far. His dangerous work on the streets nearly cost James his life last year when he was hit by a taptap, the local transportation. Thankfully James received the necessary surgery, saving his leg and his life, due in large part to generous REBUILD donors whose contributions helped offset the costs of his medical care.
Because donors like you support RG staff to live and learn in Haiti. We are able to target the root problem for children like James. Now, James’ life is completely different. This year, he is a REBUILD Apprentice and enjoys a full academic scholarship along with artisan technical training and life skills classes on Saturday. At his weekly tutoring session James works on his 6th grade math and language subjects. He is excited to be in school and knows what an amazing opportunity it is, “You can’t go anywhere in the world without school. You need it,” gushes James.
With your generous support, REBUILD globally is also able to address the root cause of James’ struggles: his mother’s unemployment. After obtaining a micro-loan for safer housing, James’ mother is now a full time artisan at the REBUILD shop. A portion of her salary goes toward paying off her loan; the rest goes home with her and her family.
This family is an amazing example of the holistic approach REBUILD takes on community development when supported by people like YOU. We know that poverty, hunger, homeless children, and education are all huge problems in Port-au-Prince; we also know that all of these issues can be addressed by providing the opportunity for gainful employment and family reunification. By giving James an alternative to living on the streets and investing in his education, as well as providing the living-wage occupation of his mother, together, we have created a lasting and meaningful pathway out of poverty for their entire family.
We can't thank you enough for changing lives for children and families in Haiti.
In Solidarity,
The RG Family
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