For many children around the world, the final weeks of August and first weeks of September bring a flood of different and, sometimes, conflicting emotions. There is excitement over seeing old friends and making new ones. There is sadness over the end of summer. There might even be apprehension over embarking on a new journey, in a new classroom, new grade, or new school.
The children of Bois de Laurence, Haiti are no different.
Many children in Haiti experience the same mix of emotions as children in the United States and around the world. They are eager to begin again each year, not only because they are excited to see their friends, but because they, and their parents, recognize the importance of education.
Students here love being in school and they love learning. In fact, it is so important to them that many make incredible sacrifices to be there. Children wake up before dawn to help with household chores and work, so that they can be on time to school. Some children walk several hours per day to get to and from school. Parents often give every penny they have to pay the tuition, forgoing food and other necessities — but sometimes it is not enough to last the whole year.
While the excitement of school fades for many children around the world as October and November approach, a different emotion begins to arise in some parents and students in Bois de Laurence — uncertainty and fear. When will the money run out to pay for tuition? How many more months can my child go to school? Will they have to repeat a grade (again) because they were not in school for enough of the year?
These questions are on the minds of the parents' and students' as they go back to school this year — but you can change that. You can make a difference.
St. Jean Bosco school is located in the poor, remote mountain-village of Northeast Haiti. This village is home to about 20,000 people. Education in Haiti is highly valued but many children can’t afford to attend private schools which have larger availability and are higher quality.
A little over 700 students attend St. Jean Bosco, but many have to leave halfway through the year because they can no longer afford tuition.
For $10 a month for a year or a one time donation of $120, you can provide an education for a child in Haiti. This expense covers tuition, all books, a uniform, and a lunch (for some students this is the only meal they get all day).
When you give this gift, you alleviate that parent's fear and that student's dread. You offer them security and peace of mind, knowing that they will be able to attend school for the entire year, and focus on their studies without the anxiety of having to leave. Will you consider joining us and providing the gift of education?
MercyWorks, the initiative that supports the St. Jean Bosco school, has made a promise. 100% of every dollar you donate to the mission, will go directly to the St. Jean Bosco School. That means every penny of your donation will go directly to help fund a student's tuition and ensure they are able to stay in school all year.
In addition to your financial assistance, please be sure to keep our missionaries and their efforts to expand St. Jean Bosco in your prayers. You can join us in our nine-day Novena for Youth Around the World, where we pray for specific intentions surrounding the Bosco School.
To learn more about how your gift helps the students at St. Jean Bosco school, visit and explore our project page. Thank you in advance for your generosity and support!