2024 Updates On Alumna, Construction, Scholarships

Haiti On The Rise is excited to tell you that our first university graduate, Nehudza T, has advanced once again! Earlier this summer, she completed US Army Basic Training at Fort Jackson in Columbia, SC. Jackie & Randall Lee were able to share a personal visit with Nehudza at her graduation (below). Later this week, she will be completing Advanced Training in the field of her collegiate studies when she was a Haiti On The Rise scholarship student in Haiti.

Nehudza became a student in our scholarship program a few years ago when she attended a university in Port-au-Prince. After diligently studying throughout difficult socio-political circumstances, she completed her Electro-Mechanical Engineering degree in 2022. Nehudza was very grateful to be Haiti On the Rise’s first university graduate because she knew that would open more opportunities for herself, her family, community, and country at that time.

Later in 2022, Nehudza had an opportunity to immigrate to the United States. While facing many challenges and obstacles here, she improved her English skills and began her lifelong desire of being a part of the US Armed Services. After completing the multifaceted US Army training, she fulfilled her dream by graduating from Basic and also becoming a US citizen that day. Upon graduation, Nehudza said, “Thanks to all who supported me. I would not be here today if it was not for you. Because of your support, I am now in the US Army. Today, I can serve my new country – the United States of America”. In the motto of her regiment Nehudza exclaimed, “Always Forward!” Congratulations Nehudza for marching forward and Being All You Can Be!

Thank you for allowing Nehudza to be of service to others. This is an example of what Haiti On The Rise is all about – changing lives and transforming communities for the benefit of the many. We are proud of Nehudza and you who made it happen. Please continue to walk the journey of doing good with us. One transformation at a time, we can change the world.

The construction of our high school continues rising upwards. Last week, our contractors delivered materials so they can build the walls of and staircases to the second floor (above). While the first floor is already being used and with school starting in October, we hope to add more student seating capacity soon. Our goal is to inaugurate the school before Haiti On The Rise’s 10th Anniversary celebration on May 3rd, 2025. Please help us complete the high school. Sponsorships and donations for construction, computers, textbooks and supplies, and solar panels are needed to help us achieve this goal.

Our Scholarship program had its Summer 2024 Academic Planning session in June. The multiday event was filled with activities such as composition & poetry, performing arts, arts & crafts, educational planning, and school supply distribution for the 2024-25 academic year.

With schools opening in Haiti in early October, we are so excited to embark on another year of learning for our students. This academic year, we will provide more than 100 full and part-time scholarships to young learners between kindergarten to university studies throughout Haiti. As we have received more scholarship requests than we can provide, please sponsor a young student today.

For sponsorship and donations for either the high school or our Scholarship Program, please go to our Donate page at http://haitiontherise.org/donate

WIth Love & Gratitude,

Jackie & Randall Lee