Juline Dreams of Becoming a Writer

By Robenson SAINT-HILAIRE, Child Advocate

Juline* is in the 8^th grade.  She is 17 years old.  When she joined our program five years ago,
she was 12 years old and in the 4^th grade.  She is an orphan, and has lived with a host
family in restavek for a long time.  She
was behind in school because she did not get to go every year.  She would often go to school for a year, then
have to stay home for a year.  Other times
she went to school but didn’t get to finish out the year.  Things were not easy for her.  

Since the day Juline joined our program, she has gone to
school every day. 

Even though she has a
difficult life at home, she does not give up.
She keeps her chin up, knowing that school is the only way she can
change her life.  She is very
courageous.  Juline shared with me one
day that when she is at school with her friends, she forgets the fact that at
home she is just an object.   At school, she not only gets to learn, but
also play with her friends, who smile at her and give her the hope to live.

Just the other day, Juline confided in me that she has a
dream.  She is starting to write a story
about her life, as well as a novel about love.
In her novel, she wants to show the different ways people can share
their love for each other.  She is a
great writer.  She gave me her story to
read, and I was so impressed.  I shared
with her some advice I’ve learned about writing stories, although it is already
really great.  Her dream is to
participate in “Livres in Follies,” a huge book fair in Haiti that features
many Haitian and foreign authors and their books.  

Juline is a truly talented girl whose gifts were once
hidden.  

Now, thanks to Restavek Freedom,
she has found the opportunity to use her talent.  She is very good at writing in French, and
she is getting to live this out by creating her story and novel in French.

It is a great thing when we see the kids in the Child
Advocacy Program making progress in their learning.  This encourages us to continue our work with
pride, because we see the difference we are making in the lives of these
children in Haiti.  Children who have
lost hope because they didn’t have anyone to instill confidence in them.  Our work is exactly this; helping them
believe in themselves.

I am overjoyed to see the fruit of our work.  Juline is one among many kids in our program
who are beginning to amaze me.  I am very
proud of Juline and each one of these children.

Thank you Restavek Freedom for giving Juline the chance to
dream!

*Child’s name has been changed to protect their privacy.