The Hallie Ladelle Scruggs Haiti Scholarship Fund

Dear Friends,

This summer, five young girls from the Andrew Grene School — the inaugural recipients of the Hallie Ladelle Scruggs Scholarship Fund — each sat down to write a letter of thanks. Their words, simple and sincere, reveal not only gratitude but also courage and a growing sense of purpose.

Each of these five girls had just completed seventh grade when they wrote. Now, with the new school year underway, they have entered eighth grade — another step forward on the path your support has made possible. Through the Hallie Ladelle Scruggs Scholarship Fund, these girls will be able to complete their education at the Andrew Grene School and, one day, if they choose, continue their studies at the University of Fondwa (UNIF).

Their stories illuminate what this project is all about.

Their Voices

Danica, almost 13, described the joy of learning to use a computer for the first time and the comfort of a hot meal each day at school. She wrote, “Your support gives me strength. It helps me work hard and stay focused. I want to make you proud.”

Diana, who lives with her family in the Haitian Repatriated Village, thanked supporters for their “sacrifice” and “invaluable help,” promising to study harder so that “you will be proud of me.”

For Lavenal, who lives with her mother while caring for her father who suffers from diabetes, this opportunity has been life-changing. She dreams of becoming a psychologist. “Thanks to you,” she wrote, “I have the opportunity to continue my studies in good conditions and believe in my dream.”

Twelve-year-old Rosemine, from the village of Rapture, shared that she hopes to become a doctor one day. “You are a very important person in my life,” she wrote. “My family and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

And finally, Julien — who lost her father and lives with her mother and older siblings — expressed deep affection for those who have made her schooling possible: “I promise you today and forever to take my responsibilities, to work, to study, to succeed with my studies and become a great accountant. This is all thanks to you.”

At the Andrew Grene School, these girls are thriving in an environment designed to spark both intellect and imagination. The school’s entrepreneurship program invites students to design and launch small enterprises, learning budgeting, teamwork, and creative problem-solving. Through the leadership program, older students mentor younger ones and lead community service initiatives in Cité Soleil. The library cultivates a love of reading; the IT lab provides access to computers and digital literacy skills rare in Haiti; and the school canteen ensures that every child receives a hot daily meal — sometimes their only meal of the day.

This holistic education is preparing these five young women to succeed as future UNIF students if they so choose, where they can pursue degrees in fields such as agronomy, business management, and veterinary medicine — disciplines that directly equip graduates to return to their communities and help build a stronger, more self-reliant Haiti.

That vision of hope is extraordinary given the current reality. Across Haiti, widespread violence and insecurity have shuttered schools and displaced families. The United Nations recently reported that nearly one in four Haitian children is not in school — a staggering reminder of the odds these girls are overcoming each day simply by being in a classroom.

For me personally, reading their letters was profoundly moving. Though Hallie Ladelle Scruggs’s life was heartbreakingly brief, her name now lives on in a way that continues to nurture joy, opportunity, and learning. Through these girls — their laughter, their letters, their perseverance — Hallie’s spirit is helping to build Haiti’s future.

To keep this extraordinary story unfolding, we will need your continued partnership. Please consider renewing your support or making an additional gift to help keep these five girls — and those who will follow in their footsteps — in school. Every contribution, large or small, helps ensure that Hallie’s legacy continues to open doors for Haiti’s next generation of young women.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Anne Hastings

Vice President, Board of Directors | University of Fondwa USA

A Pathway for Young Women to Lead

Thanks to your generosity and solidarity, the Hallie Ladelle Scruggs Haiti Scholarship Fund continues to create a path for girls from marginalized communities in Haiti to pursue their education—and their dreams.

This project is grounded in a bold and hopeful vision: to provide five scholarships for girls to attend the Andrew Grene High School (AGHS) in Cité Soleil, a school known for academic excellence, resilience in the face of crisis, and a deep commitment to equity. The goal is not just to ensure these students graduate high school—it is to equip them with the knowledge, confidence, and leadership skills to one day study at the University of Fondwa and help rebuild their country.

Despite the growing violence and uncertainty in Haiti—especially in Port-au-Prince—AGHS remains open, defying the odds. Of the 269 students enrolled at the start of the year, 240 are still attending regularly, including 138 girls. Some students have had to relocate to safer neighborhoods, and teachers too have sought refuge with friends and family. But learning continues. Hope endures. And that’s thanks to you.

Reading, Resilience, and Rising Leaders

At the Andrew Grene High School, reading is not just encouraged—it’s celebrated. In June, the school held the grand finale of its multi-month reading competition, bringing together the entire school community for a joyous event filled with laughter, tears, passion, and pride. Every student—from primary through secondary—participated, showcasing their love for books and growing confidence as readers.

The event was more than a competition. It was a declaration: even in a time of deep crisis, education and imagination cannot be extinguished. “At AGHS, reading will always remain at the heart of our commitment to excellence,” shared the school librarian. And your support is what makes this commitment possible.

Sports and Solidarity in a Time of Crisis

To support students’ well-being during this incredibly difficult time, AGHS has prioritized sports and community-building events. On June 11, the school hosted a high-stakes girls’ soccer championship. The final match between the 7th grade team and NS1 (10th grade) brought an electric atmosphere to the school’s grounds. With a scoreless tie at the end of regulation time, Bernadine Régine broke through with the game-winning goal, earning her team the 2025 title. The joy and unity on the field were unforgettable.

These moments matter. As Principal Ricot Pierre explains, they help students cope with trauma and build resilience. AGHS has even begun coordinating events with other schools—including a cultural exchange with singing, dancing, and a bake sale run by alumni in the school’s bakery space.

Launching Schoolwide Entrepreneurship Program

In an innovative leap forward this year, AGHS has launched a schoolwide entrepreneurship curriculum. Led by AGHS graduate and successful entrepreneur Darius Dorescar, the program is designed to cultivate leadership, problem-solving, and a sense of purpose among students.

“The first week was filled with enthusiasm,” said Darius. “Many students already have business ideas or are exploring entrepreneurship in their own lives.” The program was made possible through partnership with CLE Haiti, and aims to give students the tools to become not just job seekers, but job creators. In a country rich in human potential, this investment in entrepreneurship is planting seeds for long-term change.

Graduation Approaches – Set for July 2nd

The end of the 2024-25 academic year approaches, and with it, another cohort of amazing Andrew Grene High School students prepare for their graduation. Thank you for your solidarity and generosity with them.

A Testament to Courage—and to You

What is happening at AGHS is nothing short of remarkable. Amid the crisis, young people are discovering their voices through literature, claiming space on the soccer field, and mapping out futures as entrepreneurs and leaders. And every step of this journey is made possible by you.

The Hallie Ladelle Scruggs Haiti Scholarship Fund is a tribute to Hallie rooted in compassion, creativity, and a commitment to justice. The girls that your scholarship gift are helping to educate carry that spirit forward—against incredible odds.

There is still much more to do. But thanks to your generosity, we are walking the road to hope. And as Principal Pierre reminds us, “Together, we will have a great testimony of success.”

With deep gratitude,

The University of Fondwa USA Team

Links:

• Check out our latest annual report on our website.