Just Two Weeks Left to Hike for Haiti

Time really does fly when you’re having fun! So far, the 7th Annual Hike for Haiti has taken us from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Atlanta, Georgia, and raised more than $74,000 to support healthcare and education in Haiti. Next, we’ll head to Naples, Florida, and Greenwich, Connecticut!

Whether you’re joining us in-person or hiking and fundraising in your own community, remember that the fundraising deadline for this year’s prize eligibility is on May 31! So keep sharing your team or individual fundraising pages to help even more people get access to essentials like school books and asthma medication, while securing your spot as one of our grand prize winners!

$7,000 Donation Match Live!

In honor of the 7th Annual Hike for Haiti, we’re excited to announce that the next $7,000 in donations will be matched, instantly DOUBLING your impact! Help us reach our goal to raise $100,000 to support healthcare and education in Haiti by May 31 by making a gift today. Every dollar makes a difference!

DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT NOW

How Your Support Makes an Impact: Belizaire’s Story

At just 13 years old, Belizaire Mikerbens faced a life-threatening mystery illness that turned his once-happy childhood upside down. His family, already struggling financially, quickly ran out of resources trying to afford his care, until they were told about Hope for Haiti’s healthcare clinic, the Infirmary St. Etienne.

“I received all this treatment without paying any money,” said Belizaire. “The medical staff was really patient, and they explained everything to me about my diabetes [diagnosis]—when and how to take insulin, how to control my blood sugar level, and how to eat. I also received a device to monitor my blood sugar, alcohol, insulin, and other medications. Thanks to the information I received at ISE, I now raise awareness among my friends at school and in the neighborhood on how to recognize the signs of diabetes.”

Belizaire’s story is a powerful reminder that your generosity helps save lives! Read more about Belizaire’s journey here.

SUPPORT HEALTHCARE ACCESS IN HAITI

Explore Our Infirmary St. Etienne with CEO Skyler Badenoch

By now, you’ve likely heard a lot about our Infirmary Saint Etienne (often referred to as the ISE), located in Les Cayes, Haiti. In this new video, Hope for Haiti CEO Skyler Badenoch invites you to take a look inside the infirmary to meet team members and see how your donations make truly life-changing impact.

SUPPORT HEALTHCARE THROUGH THE HIKE FOR HAITI

Introducing Buckets of Hope

This August and September, join us for Buckets of Hope, a national fundraising campaign benefiting Hope for Haiti’s WASH (Water, Sanitation & Hygiene) program.

In honor of National Water Quality Month, we’re rallying schools, churches, businesses, sports teams, community groups, and more to take part in a simple, powerful challenge: to fill a bucket with donations to provide clean water access in Haiti.

REGISTER NOW

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Dear friend,

At Hope for Haiti, we’re always working to expand our impact, and we’re excited to share some updates on our latest programs that are making a real difference for families in Haiti. From education initiatives to economic development opportunities, your support is helping create lasting change.

One powerful way to get involved is by joining the Hike for Haiti! This annual event unites our global community in solidarity with Haitian students who walk miles each day to access education. Whether you hike, donate, or spread the word, you can make a difference. Stay tuned for more details below, and thank you for being part of this journey with us!

With immense gratitude,
The Team at Hope for Haiti

Harnessing the Power of Education

From March 19 to 21, teachers and directors from three of our partner schools (Presbytérale Ste Anne de Boirond, St François Xavier de Morency, and Christ-Roi de Cammy) gathered in Les Cayes for a three-day training session on classroom management.

This training provided participants with new strategies to manage their classrooms more effectively and foster a positive learning environment for students.

Thanks to Herbert and Nell Singer Foundation, participants in the training were introduced to fundamental concepts of child and adolescent psychology and explored child-friendly approaches to classroom discipline, such as positive discipline and effective communication techniques. These methods help establish a classroom climate built on trust and respect, where students learn to take responsibility for their actions and develop leadership skills for the future.

SUPPORT EDUCATION THROUGH THE HIKE FOR HAITI

Spotlight on Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL)

An update from Yoosley Leconte, Hope for Haiti Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Manager:

“At Hope for Haiti, we are committed to data-driven decision-making. We truly believe that accurate, reliable data is key to ensuring our programs are accountable and create a lasting impact.

This month, our Senior MEAL Officer, Mirat Lauvenski Louis, is conducting a data validation at Dispensaire Ferme Le Blanc, Torbeck, as part of the Equity Accelerator Funding project in partnership with JSI Research & Training Institute Inc., a vaccination project implemented in two communities (Camp Perin and Torbeck) in the South Department.

The routine data quality assessment is a powerful tool to inform decisions, ensuring every dollar spent on our programs creates meaningful change.”

We Need Your Help – $1 Million is Within Our Reach!

Since the first Hike for Haiti in 2019, people from around the world have come together to raise more than $800,000 through this feel-good movement. This year, our goal is to reach the $1 million mark, and we need your help!

You can join the movement today by making a donation, creating or joining a team, registering for an in-person activation (see graphic below), or by becoming a sponsor or ambassador!

JOIN THE HIKE NOW

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The post 🇭🇹Teacher Training, Accountability & Hike Updates! appeared first on Hope for Haiti.

Hope for Haiti’s Newsletter is Now Illuminate!

Dear Hope for Haiti Family,

In everything we do, the Hope for Haiti team strives to keep people at the center of our storytelling. After all, the people are why this work matters and who your support is affecting.

We’re excited to announce that the Hope for Haiti email newsletter is now Illuminate, named for our continuous effort to shine a light on the positive, impactful stories happening every day in Haiti. Thank you for being part of this journey with us and your commitment to helping us improve the lives of the Haitian people, particularly women and children.

A Mother Finds Hope Through Targeted Financial Support

Before becoming a beneficiary of Hope for Haiti’s Digital Cash Assistance (DCA) Program, Nadia Ogzama, a 31-year-old mother of two, experienced moments of despair. “It was hard for me to find enough to feed my children,” she shared, her voice filled with emotion. “I worried most about Richardson, my youngest, who is only 12 months old. Without proper nutrition, I feared for his health.”

READ MORE

Hope for Haiti Launches Diabetic Children’s Club to Empower Families

In this update, Hope for Haiti Clinic Manager Jean Herns Dede shares valuable insights and the moving cases that led to the development of our first-ever diabetes support group for children.

“…for effective and efficient care to be provided to the children, parents must be educated about the disease,” said Miss Sandina, Hope for Haiti Head Nurse.

READ MORE

Save the Date for the Annual Hike for Haiti!

Join us this spring as we embark on the 7th annual Hike for Haiti! Since the first hike in 2019, people from around the world have come together to raise more than $800,000 through this feel-good movement.

Hike prizes and in-person activations will be held from April – May 2025. Stay tuned for details!

Follow @hopeforhaiti on social media:
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The post 🕯️ Illuminate by Hope for Haiti appeared first on Hope for Haiti.

Fifteen years ago, I stood in Haiti as the earth shook beneath us, altering the course of countless lives forever. The 2010 earthquake brought unimaginable devastation—homes reduced to rubble, families torn apart, hundreds of thousands dead or injured, and communities left reeling. Yet, even in those darkest moments, I witnessed something extraordinary: the courage, strength, and determination of the Haitian people.

Several weeks after the earthquake, I found myself boarding a U.S. military flight out of Haiti. I had been working as a first responder near the quake’s epicenter in Carrefour, sleeping in a 10,000-person tent encampment alongside heroic Haitian doctors, nurses, and first responders who gave everything they had to help others. Exhausted, heartbroken, and forever changed, I sat on that plane overwhelmed by emotion and made a promise to spend the next 20 years of my life working to empower and resource local community leaders in Haiti.Serving as the CEO of Hope for Haiti has allowed me to continue to fulfill that promise in ways I could never have imagined. Before, during, and after the earthquake, Hope for Haiti’s work has remained steadfast in its mission: to provide resources and training to those shaping Haiti’s future. From entrepreneurs creating jobs and building businesses, to nurses and doctors improving health outcomes with unwavering compassion, to young scholars who embody hope—like one of our scholarship recipients who recently graduated college and is now beginning her career as a nurse, determined to serve her community—and to families striving for a brighter future for their children, we are committed to empowering and resourcing Haiti’s changemakers.

If you are following the news surrounding the 15th anniversary of the Haiti earthquake, you’ve likely seen headlines focusing on the misuse of funding, government corruption, and the current challenges in Port-au-Prince. While these issues are real, that is not the full story.

What often gets overlooked are the stories of transformation and progress happening every day. Haiti is not just its struggles, nor is it solely defined by its capital city. It is a nation of extraordinary people—economic development professionals teaching women the power of communal saving, nurses providing critical care to patients, farmers feeding their communities through innovation, and families striving for a brighter tomorrow. These stories may not make the headlines, but they are the heartbeat of Haiti’s progress and potential.

Fifteen years later, I’m reminded of three vital lessons from the earthquake that remain just as relevant today:

1. Empower and Resource Local Leaders: Sustainable change happens when we support leaders who know their communities best. By investing in their leadership, we create a lasting impact.
2. Transparency, Accountability, and Good Governance Are Non-Negotiable: The earthquake highlighted the dangers of inefficiency and the misuse of resources. All organizations working in Haiti must adhere to the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and governance, ensuring every dollar is used effectively and transparently to create measurable results that are available for all to see.
3. Focus on Realistic and Tangible Action: Haiti’s challenges can feel overwhelming, but progress is made through realistic, actionable goals that address immediate needs while building for the future. This pragmatic approach creates ripple effects of progress where it’s needed most.

As the Haitian proverb says, “Dèyè mòn, gen mòn”—beyond the mountains, there are more mountains. The challenges are great, but so is the determination of the Haitian people and the global community committed to walking alongside them.

The earthquake 15 years ago revealed both the immense challenges Haiti faces and the incredible resilience of its people. While the country continues to confront adversity—political instability, economic hardships, and natural disasters—there are countless examples of progress driven by those who refuse to give up.

Now, more than ever, Haiti needs a global community that believes in its potential. I invite you to take action:

• Donate: Support programs that empower local leaders and deliver meaningful change.
• Share: Help amplify stories of progress and hope to counter negative narratives.
• Advocate: Stand for accountability, equity, and sustainable solutions for Haiti’s future.

Together, we can honor the lives lost, celebrate the resilience of the Haitian people, and commit to writing the next chapter of Haiti’s story—one of hope, determination, and transformation.

With gratitude and hope,

Skyler Badenoch,

Hope for Haiti CEO

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This year highlighted how our team works together to overcome the challenges we face, always putting community first. As we pause to think about the possibilities of the new year, we want to thank you for being by our side and supporting our work.

This video is dedicated to our team members, who sent in their favorite photos showcasing the work they accomplished in 2024 with your help. Mèsi anpil, thank you, for watching and for your dedication to the people of Haiti! We hope you and your loved ones have a safe and healthy 2025.

Hope for Haiti Family,

In 2024, Hope for Haiti supported over 7,000 Haitian school children and provided more than 100,000 medical consultations to children, parents, and grandparents. Last month, we transported more than $4.3 million worth of high-value medication and medical supplies into southern Haiti to be used by Hope for Haiti’s medical team and our partners. Since last May, we’ve provided critical cash transfers to food-insecure mothers, completed the construction of a new primary school, and worked with partners to construct 5 new homes for families whose homes were destroyed in the 2021 earthquake.

These milestones are more than accomplishments—they’re solutions to urgent problems faced by Haitian families every day. They reflect the power of working together, of believing that even in the hardest of times, progress is possible.

This year has not been without its challenges. Haiti continues to endure political instability, gang violence, natural disasters, and a food security crisis that affects millions. But despite these obstacles, a light of hope has shone through in every community and individual we serve—fueled by the resilience of our team in Haiti and inspired by the generosity of supporters like you.

With every school built, every health consultation provided, and every cash transfer delivered, we are creating opportunities for families to rebuild their lives. We are proving that even in the face of unimaginable challenges, meaningful change is possible.

As we look ahead to 2025, we remain committed to being a source of hope and solutions for Haiti. Together, we will:

• Expand our healthcare programs to reach even more families in need.
• Support students and teachers with the tools they need to succeed.
• Expand our clean water program to help deliver access to clean drinking water to rural areas.
• Import and distribute more than $30 million in medication and medical supplies to people who need it most.
• Work with partners to deliver innovative solutions to food insecurity and economic challenges.

None of this is possible without you. Your support fuels every life-saving initiative, every brick laid in a new home or school building, and every moment of hope for the people of Haiti.

Thank you for standing with Haiti through the darkest of times. Together, we will continue to bring light, hope, and solutions to those who need them most.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Skyler Badenoch
CEO, Hope for Haiti

P.S. As we close out the year, please consider making a gift to ensure we can continue this critical work in 2025. Together, we can create even more impact.

Follow @hopeforhaiti on social media:
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The post Together, We Brought Hope to Haiti in 2024 appeared first on Hope for Haiti.

We’re bringing Celebrating Hope back to Connecticut this year and we can’t wait to see you there! Together we’ll enjoy an unforgettable evening with live music by BélO, a singer-songwriter hailed as Haiti’s musical ambassador. Plus, meet fellow Hope for Haiti friends and supporters in the beautiful courtyard venue, all in support of families in southern Haiti.

We’re proud to honor our long-time friends and supporters, Round Hill Community Church, during this year’s event, recognizing the impact their generosity has made for children and families in Haiti.

Sponsorship opportunities for Celebrating Hope are still available. Download more information here and please contact taylor@hopeforhaiti.com with any questions. Mesi anpil (Thank you)!

The post Our Annual Gratitude Report – Available Now! appeared first on Hope for Haiti.

“Prevention is an essential element of a population’s health, reducing illness, disability, and death. Our program is inspired by the saying, ‘Prevention is better than a cure.’ We strongly believe in improving health through health education and awareness, as it’s often easier to prevent an ailment than to cure one.

The post Public Health & Education Updates appeared first on Hope for Haiti.

“I come from a very poor family, but thank God, I have always been very smart and lucky,” said Newnkerlie.

Four years ago, Newnkerlie graduated with fantastic marks from St. Thomas Secondary School, one of Hope for Haiti’s partner schools in southern Haiti. Despite finishing at the top of her class, Newnkerlie knew her family wouldn’t be able to afford to send her to university. 

She said, “My mom, Rosemarie, was a small vendor who went bankrupt because of the country’s security situation, and my dad, Mesmer, is a tailor who struggles to provide for the family.”

That’s when the family learned about Hope for Haiti’s scholarship program, the JoAnne and Carl Kuehner Scholarship Fund, which currently provides tuition for 50 students enrolled in post-secondary education programs. Newnkerlie was selected, based on her merit and her need, and Hope for Haiti provided her tuition for four years of nursing school.

“At St. Thomas, Hope for Haiti always equipped us with school supplies, provided us with health education and best hygiene practices, and subsidized our school tuition for years, which allowed hundreds of disadvantaged children like me complete our secondary education,” Newnkerlie said about her decision to pursue nursing. 

Just last month, after four years of dedication and hard work, Newnkerlie graduated as laureate of her class and became a certified nurse, fulfilling her childhood dream. She says that she hopes to help take care of her community the way the Hope for Haiti Public Health team always did for her.

“If it hadn’t been for my parents, I never would have made it this far in my educational journey,” said Newnkerlie. “I feel I owe my success today to a lot of people, especially Hope for Haiti which has been supporting me since I was in middle school. They gave me a scholarship to go to college, which has changed my life completely. Thanks to that opportunity I was given four years ago, now, I am a nurse. This accomplishment today symbolizes hope for me and my family, and all this happened thanks to Hope for Haiti.”   

You can support education for students like Newnkerlie now at hopeforhaiti.com/education. 

The post Scholarship Student Fulfills Life-Long Dream Thanks to Hope for Haiti Education Program appeared first on Hope for Haiti.

Dear Friends and Supporters,

On August 14, 2021, southern Haiti experienced a 7.2-magnitude earthquake, resulting in lives lost, families displaced, and vital public infrastructure interruptions. Three years after the disaster, we remember those we lost, recognize our team’s resilience and dedication, and look forward to what we’ll continue to accomplish with your support. Below are a few updates from our team members in the field about their experiences and work since the earthquake.

Stories From the Field

Economic Development Program Manager, Wilner Saint-Preux:

To empower our partner communities to be more resilient after the earthquake of August 2021, more than 50 small- and medium-sized enterprises received technical and financial assistance from Hope For Haiti. Additionally, more than 450 farmers received livestock to reinforce their herds destroyed by the earthquake, based on needs identified by our Economic Development Team. These initiatives were taken to enable beneficiaries to get back on their feet after the shocks of the event.

To stimulate women’s empowerment, 16 Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA) groups have been implemented in seven communities, giving vulnerable families a chance to save and obtain credit to create and strengthen small businesses, buy seeds, and even give their children access to education thanks to loans obtained from VSLA groups.

Curriculum and Training Specialist, Romel Jean-Pierre:

Since the 2021 earthquake, our Education team has been working diligently to restore damaged classrooms and school buildings. Our team has repaired 17 classrooms, constructed 29 brand-new classrooms, and inaugurated 5 new schools since August 2021. Now, approximately 7,400 students are enrolled in Hope for Haiti partner schools, a number that has been growing steadily.

This influx of students comes as a result of the increased classroom availability and safety, as well as the relocation of families from Port-au-Prince to the Sud Department. We are still in the process of assessing partner schools for damage and peek child safety, so our work continues!

Impact In Action – A Snapshot

• Provided more than 100,000 patient consultations each year since 2021, marking a nearly 400% increase in patient load since before the earthquake.
• Distributed over 300,000 pounds of food to 3,000+ vulnerable families in our partner communities and other vulnerable families in the Sud department immediately after the earthquake, as well as more than 50,000 hot meals to students through our school lunch program.
• Provided more than $431,000 in unconditional cash assistance to more than 2,400 earthquake victims using Digicel’s MonCash system to support vetted farmers, community health workers, teachers, entrepreneurs, and others whose livelihoods were affected by the earthquake. Women and other vulnerable populations were prioritized.
• Repaired 17 classrooms, constructed 29 brand-new classrooms, and inaugurated 5 new schools, providing partner communities with safe, child-friendly outlets for education.
• Distributed upwards of $88 million in medicine, oral rehydration solution, vitamins, and personal protective equipment to both patients at our Infirmary St. Etienne and mobile clinics and our 50+ in-country healthcare partners between June 2021 and June 2024.

Help Save Lives Today

The post Remembering the August 2021 Earthquake appeared first on Hope for Haiti.

Dear Hope for Haiti Family,

As violence and unrest mount in Haiti, living conditions for the majority of the population are deteriorating. Today, tens of thousands of children are at risk of dropping out of school, and they lack the most essential supplies and support to continue learning. Parents who used to scramble to provide for their families and keep their children at school no longer know which way to turn. Today more than ever, Haiti’s children and their parents need our support to maintain the continuity of education in their communities.

In this time of turmoil and uncertainty, I remain certain that education can and will change Haiti in the future if we invest in the long-term development of Haiti’s education system. As a Haitian and leader of Hope for Haiti’s education programs, I’ve been a first-hand witness to the power of our programming. As we plan to support the education system in Haiti during these challenging times, there are three main areas where I believe we should apply our focus:

1. Teacher Salary Support and Training for Teachers: Maintaining a stable and qualified teaching force is crucial for ensuring the continuity and quality of education. However, teachers in Haiti face financial hardships during times like now, which can lead to disruptions in schooling if they are unable to continue working or if they seek alternative employment. By providing salary support and training to teachers, especially during challenging times, schools can retain experienced educators and prevent interruptions in learning. Additionally, investing in training programs for teachers equips them with the skills and knowledge needed to address the unique challenges that may arise during a crisis, such as trauma-informed teaching techniques or adapting curriculum delivery to accommodate disruptions.

Our Education team hosted a training event earlier this month for the principals of our 24 partner schools in southern Haiti in partnership with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

2. School Feeding and Nutrition Programs: The World Food Program estimates that there are currently 6 million people in Haiti who are facing extreme food insecurity, many of them children. Access to food in Haiti has become even more limited due to disruptions in supply chains. Implementing and maintaining school feeding programs during these times can ensure that children receive essential nutrients for their physical and cognitive development. These programs can serve as a safety net for vulnerable children who may be disproportionately affected by the crisis, helping to mitigate the negative impact on their health and overall well-being.

Students at the primary school in Marre à Coiffe enjoy freshly prepared lunches through our school lunch program last week.

3. Health, Hygiene, and Sanitation at Schools: Schools in Haiti serve as important hubs for promoting health, hygiene, and sanitation practices that help prevent the transmission of illnesses. By investing in infrastructure improvements, such as clean water sources, handwashing stations, and proper sanitation facilities, we can help school leaders create safer learning environments for students, teachers, and staff. Additionally, integrating health education into the curriculum using a Community Health Worker model can empower students with the knowledge and skills needed to protect themselves and their communities during a crisis, promoting overall resilience and well-being.

In our partner community of Boisrond, students learn proper handwashing techniques in their school’s sanitary block.

As we stay alongside our partner communities in these difficult times, we are calling for solidarity to continue supporting education for those children and the thousands who are fleeing to southern Haiti in search of minimum safety and access to basic human rights.

Today, more than ever, we feel challenged, but we can’t stand by and do nothing. Let’s rally to support education for those kids by helping us subsidize the salary for teachers who work to educate Haiti’s future leaders. Let’s rally to equip Haitian school children with the most critical school supplies they need to succeed, and let’s provide them with school lunch, health education, and sanitation so they grow healthy and learn better.

Haiti will not perish, Haiti will rise. We can all make that happen by supporting education for children with a long-term, holistic approach.

Jean Ronald Jocelyn, Education Program Manager, Hope for Haiti

You Can Support Our Long-Term Response Plan to Support Economic, Social, and Humanitarian Relief in Haiti Here.

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