Another Chance for a Better Life

Valerie in Haiti

 In the Caribbean nation of Haiti, abject poverty and extreme living conditions are common aspects of life. Most children face such difficult circumstances that just one day of school is considered a luxury. Through the NetAid World Schoolhouse, Light for All (LiFA) provides operating funds for schools in areas across Haiti, so children can attend school regardless of their financial circumstances. Without this kind of support, a bleak future would be certain for many children.

Fifteen-year-old Valerie is a recipient of exactly this kind of help. Since her parents died, she has been under the care of her godmother in Marbial who can't afford to pay for the young girl's uniforms, books, and tuition. For many weeks, Valerie wondered if she would ever get the chance to be inside a classroom again.

Armed with a true love for learning, last year, Valerie passed the Haitian national standardized test at the top of her class, but her financial situation prevented her from progressing to the seventh grade. When she was asked to name her favorite subject, Valerie shyly replied that she loves math and hopes to continue her studies along with her classmates who had continued on to the next grade.

LiFA staff visited Marbial in October 2002 and paid a visit to Valerie's home, where she was completing household chores. When they arrived, the young girl was doing laundry -- missing both her friends and her studies. After speaking with Valerie and her godmother to gain a better understanding of the girl's circumstances, LiFA stepped forward to provide the necessary funds so Valerie could attend school.

Newly enrolled, Valerie is making the extra effort necessary to catch up from her late start. She dreams of finishing school and making a difference for the people in her own community. In this way, Valerie exemplifies LiFA's mission: To enable children in rural Haiti to obtain an education and become active, contributing members in their own society.