Prepared by Emmanuella Duclona
In Les Anglais, a rural community in the Southwest corner of Haiti, where access to education has long been out of reach for many, especially women, the launch of a literacy program has sparked transformation and hope. For adults who never had the chance to attend or complete school, this initiative has become more than just a learning opportunity; it has restored dignity, built confidence, and empowered individuals to reclaim their place in society.
When we began the program at our Southern office, we quickly realized the need stretched far beyond our walls. Community members from nearby localities expressed a deep desire to learn, and we knew we had to respond. That’s why we expanded by opening two additional centers, one in Véronne and another in Caiman.
The curriculum was practical and inclusive, covering reading and writing while also integrating music, dance, motivational activities, and awareness sessions to keep participants engaged. Two evaluations helped track progress, and the results were encouraging: 32 learners graduate, 11 from the office center, 5 from Caiman, and 18 from Véronne.
The graduation ceremony was a moving event that brought together local pastors, community leaders, representatives of other organizations, and even the mayor, who delivered a powerful speech congratulating the learners. She urged us to expand the program and highlighted the need to continue supporting these new graduates on their journey.
Students expressed their gratitude through short plays and testimonies that brought tears to the eyes of many in attendance. One graduate, Lourde Félix, shared that she used to ask a neighbor to sign her child’s school report card. Today, she proudly signs it herself, often before even getting home. She also recalled having to sign with an “X” at microcredit meetings. Now, she can write her full name and feels deeply proud of that accomplishment.
Another woman shared that being able to write her name and dial numbers on her phone has earned her newfound respect in her neighborhood.
Beyond learning to read and write, the program had a profound emotional impact. Participants reported feeling more confident, useful, and valued by their families and neighbors. Many became more engaged in their communities, and our classes also served as a platform to raise awareness about the importance of education and children’s rights.
Of course, there were challenges. Some participants left the program due to family pressures or the expectation of immediate financial benefits. In some cases, husbands prevented their wives from attending. Others moved away. Despite these obstacles, the desire to learn remained strong. Many expressed their gratitude for the program, noting that it’s rare for their community to receive such opportunities.
The need in Les Anglais remains urgent. Illiteracy continues to hold back individuals and entire families, keeping them from simple yet essential tasks like reading a text message, signing a form, helping with homework, or joining a savings group. Many localities still have no access to the literacy program, and distance remains a barrier for many would-be learners.
But our work is not done.
Moving forward, we plan to:
Expand the program to more localities, opening new literacy centers where they are most needed.
Strengthen partnerships with local leaders and authorities to ensure broad community support.
Provide complementary training for both former and new participants, including education on health, children’s rights, and active citizenship.
We are committed to ensuring that more people in Les Anglais can experience the life-changing power of literacy. Every person who learns to read and write is not only a personal victory, but a win for the community and society as a whole.
