The Gift of Education: Jackson's Story

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Jackson is from a village in the south of Haiti where many restavek children come from. Life was hard there but he was fortunate and able to live with his parents until they passed away. Jackson’s father died when he was just a small boy and his mother died from cancer when he was only 12.

Life was not easy for Jackson before the death of his mother and after her death it only became more difficult. He was unable to continue attending school; he slept without food, and was desperate for help.

Jackson’s biological aunt had heard of his struggles and arranged for him to be brought to Port-au-Prince to live with her. He was thrilled! Jackson thought living with his aunt would mean he could go back to school and that life would become a little easier.

Unfortunately, when he arrived, Jackson discovered that this would not be the case. His aunt didn’t have the means to send him to school and needed his help with work around the house. So he worked hard completing the housework and transporting water every day to the one room, small, metal house they live in without any help. His aunt spent her days selling bread at the market trying to support the 10 people who lived with her. If her day was not a success she would take her frustrations out on Jackson; blaming him for her troubles.

Jackson prayed every day that God would change his circumstances and open a door for him to attend school.

Then one day things changed. Jackson and his cousin met a Child Advocate who enrolled them in our program and in school. He was overjoyed!

Jackson is a very smart young man who has never had to repeat a grade. He was explaining to me how much his life has improved since his enrollment in our program. The foundation has become his family, the reason why he feels special in society; he always has his school books and uniform, and has been able to receive an education. Now Jackson is able to write letters for his aunt, friends, and other family members because they cannot write for themselves. He knows that the combination of a good education, the support of his Child Advocate, and the foundation will help him create a bright future.