Education Haiti Project #11898

Invest in Haiti's Future Leaders

by REBUILD Globally

Project Report | Sep 3, 2013
Through the eyes of Betiana

By Emily Davenport | Apprenticeship Manager

In the garden

Betiana is one of the most vivacious, fearless, and thoughtful young people you could ever have the pleasure to meet. She is the first to share her thoughts during RG life skills presentations, voicing her ideas on topics like women’s rights, the spread of HIV/AIDS, and proper nutrition. She is a top student who constantly impresses her teachers and tutors with her quick problem-solving ability, comprehension skills, and inquisitive thinking. Betiana is a confident and social 15-year-old who is not afraid to get dirty in the REBUILD garden, play basketball with the boys, or engage in other extra-curricular activities like kung-fun! Betiana goes above and beyond for her studies and commitments to the RG Apprenticeship Program—always with a smile on her face.

Like most female Haitian teenagers, Betiana faces a unique set of challenges that her male counterparts do not. Betiana lives in an insecure home made of tin in a bad neighborhood; she often hears gunshots outside her door at night. Because she is a young women she is much more likely to be attacked or robbed in this crime-ridden. Despite these risks, Betiana makes the 60-minute trek to school each day, often in the scorching sun or pounding rain, because she cares about her education and is committed to building a better life.

As Betiana’s parents are unemployed, the scholarship provided by the REBUILD Apprenticeship Program makes it possible for her to pursue her dreams through education. Betiana’s sister, Maudernise, is also a stellar RG Apprentice. Providing educational and occupational opportunities for these two sisters allows for a more holistic and family-focused approach to community development. Young women like Betiana blossom with the support and encouragement offered through initiative like the RG Apprenticeship Program, becoming strong leaders and advocates for their community. Betiana, and others like her, demonstrate how vital it is to invest in the amazing potential of young girls throughout the developing world.

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May 9, 2013
Stanley's Story

By Emily Davenport | Apprenticeship Manager

Stanley in RG hygiene class

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 7^th 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.

Links:

REBUILD homepage

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Jan 19, 2013
Providing an Education for Haitian Street Children

By Julie Colombino | CEO

Dear friend,

As you may already know, REBUILD globally faces a plethora of obstacles daily in Haiti. We address issues ranging from barefoot orphans needing recycled tire sandals to help offset the possibility of contracting worms, to emergency medical care for street children, to providing dignified living wage employment to Haitian mothers -the pillar of our sustainability.

We believe in living-wage employment and we believe in education for all children and youth. No matter what financial challenges we encounter, through support of friends like you, we are able to meet this mission. Providing Haitian children with scholarships, allows them to receive an education, targeting the root cause of poverty and preparing them for success in the future. Additionally, these scholarships provide assistance to families as they get on their feet. These children will grow up with valuable skills that they can aim towards providing for their families and creating a cyclic stabilization of Haiti’s economy.

Currently, we have 7 children in our Street Child program. These are children who are vulnerable to the dangers of the streets, but through your support, they are where they belong – a classroom! By proving support for this program you have created an education haven for these children. It is because of you that these families now have a great deal of hope, a stable household, and a steady food supply. Attached is a photo of Jean and Billy brothers in our program that you are helping to educate.

We hope you will continue to support families in Haiti by purchasing a pair of handmade, recycled tire sandals coming from our workshop! Support us by visiting our online store and purchasing your pair of REBUILDERs today! As always, you can stay up to date on our efforts by following us on facebook and youtube!

Thank you for your generous contributions and commitment to educate vulnerable children,

The REBUILD globally Team

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