If you’ve been with us for a while, you are probably familiar with our Student Sponsorship Program.
For over 20 years, this Program has made it possible for the impoverished, at-risk children in our community to go to school and receive a quality education, as well as medical care, nutritious lunches, and a safe place to spend the day— something not every child in Haiti gets to do. We are very proud of the lives that have been changed thanks to this Program!
This has addressed a gap in the lives of children in preschool through sixth grade, but we saw another gap that we could not ignore: what happened to these kids after sixth-grade graduation? For some, high school would be a given, but for most, this marked the end of their education and the beginning of navigating life and survival in urban Haiti; most were destined to become street vendors or find other low-income pursuits.
We knew we needed to do more, so we took another BIG step further by launching a Student Scholarship Program. This merit-based Program has provided the financial means for the top-achieving sixth-grade students at Three Angels Christian Academy to continue their academic careers at a partnering local high school. Over the past 15 years, dozens of children have continued on to graduate as young adults with the education and training to pursue professional careers that offer an escape from extreme poverty, changing the trajectory of lives destined for less.
But keeping in touch with high school graduates is challenging, and that’s especially true in Haiti. While a handful of these young people remained connected in one way or another, most moved on, leaving us wondering how they were faring.
Then we had an idea…
We got the word out and invited every graduate of our Secondary Scholarship Program to return to our campus where it all began. On March 28, they arrived seeking opportunity, connection, and hope… and to imagine what would come next.
They arrived unsure of what the day would hold. Curiosity ebbed with the news that the event would be something so ordinary as a Career Networking Day, even though for most of them, it would be a novel experience. But intrigue piqued with the appearance of our current high schoolers; they mingled, observed, and noted some other unfamiliar faces; this was something big they did not want to miss.
Rose Sherly Medard - Assistant Mission Director
And then it began.
Following a prayer of blessing for the occasion and a welcome by our Assistant Mission Director, Rose Sherly Medard, our guests— those aforementioned unfamiliar faces: a doctor, an accountant, a businesswoman, and a stylist— took the podium, one by one. As each described their education, career path, and professional experiences, a common thread emerged: each speaker had experienced both highs and lows throughout their journey—setbacks as well as successes. These transparent testimonials from leaders in the community made a strong impression on these young people. One especially impactful word of wisdom was this: do not choose a career simply because you love it, and do not dismiss a career just because you don't. This was a new idea for many. Encouraging these young people to think in a broader, more balanced way about their career (and life!) choices was a revelation that clearly took root.
Dieunithe Theodor - Alumni and current Art Instructor at Three Angels
Perhaps even more impactful were testimonials from those a bit closer to home: our very own alumni. Having spent their childhoods and entire academic careers at Three Angels, their stories imparted meaning and connection with these young people. These testimonials came from graduates who are now accountants, teachers, and artisans. The deep thanks and gratitude they expressed for Three Angels was touching, as they attributed the support they had received from their Student Sponsors and their teachers as the guiding force in the direction of their life’s journey. They encouraged the audience— some of whom are continuing their studies at university and others who are already employed or engaged in the search for employment— to persevere and to never give up on the education and opportunity they have been so fortunate to receive.
Several of these alumni were invited to perform, sharing talents honed by many years of practice and hard work, proving how far an individual’s drive and dedication can take them. Well done, kids!
Daniel Danielo - Current high school student and talented singer who entertained (and wowed!) our audience
Estherline Pierre-Saint - Current high school student, dancer, and poet who captivated the audience with her performance
Maybe the most impactful moment of the day for these young people was a short skit, written and produced by a group of our alumni. Highlighting the importance of supporting one another served as a reminder that second chances are available to everyone.
We want to share with you a transcript of this meaningful performance so that you may feel the impact our faithful Student Sponsors and partners have made on the minds, hearts, and lives of the children and young adults in our Program and how profoundly they recognize and deeply appreciate that support… enjoy!
Ladies and Gentlemen: Everyone has dreams, passions, and plans for the future. But sometimes, life throws challenges and obstacles our way. Should we give up on our dreams because of that? And are there really "small" or unimportant jobs? Through this play entitled "The Golden Gear", we will discover the story of a group of friends, their dreams, their struggles, and above all the power of helping one another. Sit back, open your eyes and your heart... and enjoy the show…
Scene 1: In the school courtyard
(The six friends are sitting on a bench talking about their future.)
Diane: When I grow up, I want to be an entrepreneur and start many businesses.
Sophie: I want to be a seamstress.
Léa: I'm going to be a doctor.
Alix: I'm going to be a mechanic.
Annie: And I'm going to be a teacher.
Diane: What about you, Luc? What job do you want to do?
Luc: I'd like to be a doctor... but my parents don't have enough money for university.
Diane: Don't lose hope. Keep believing in your dream.
Scene 2: A few years later
(Former classmates run into each other after work.)
Sophie: Look... that's Luc over there.
Léa: He works as a shoe shiner.
Alix (laughing a little): Seriously? Luc... a shoe shiner?
Annie (seriously): Alix, that's not kind. Despite everything, he works honestly.
Diane: You're right, Annie. Let's go talk to him.
Scene 3: The Encounter
(Luc sees his friends coming. He lowers his head slightly, uncomfortable.)
Luc (hesitating): Hello...
Diane: Hello, Luc!
Luc (embarrassed): I... I didn't expect to see you all again like this...
Sophie: Why do you say that?
Luc (looking down): You've all succeeded... and me... look at me...
Annie: Luc, there is no shame in working honestly.
Alix (a little regretful): Yes... I'm sorry I laughed.
Léa: You told us you wanted to be a doctor.
Luc: Yes... but I was never able to pay for university.
Diane: What if we helped you find a scholarship?
Sophie: Yes, we can help you!
Luc (moved): Really? Thank you... thank you, my friends!
Annie: Together, we can change lives.
Diane: No job is a small job.
All: And helping one another is the golden gear that moves society forward! The text was written by 9th-grade students Nathanaël and Alexandro, and performed by students from 7th, 8th, and 9th grade. The speakers were particularly moved by this powerful message: it is not mandatory to start with university; it is entirely possible to begin with a trade or manual skill before pursuing higher education. This is where the symbolic title "The Golden Gear" comes from.
DID YOU KNOW: Student Sponsorship makes opportunities like this possible! You can be part of the life of a student from preschool to high school graduation, providing education, healthcare, caring mentors, nutritious food, and a safe place to spend each day— it’s life changing! Learn more about Student Sponsorship and sign up to sponsor by clicking the button below, and keep scrolling to see more photos from this AMAZING day:
