Metal Fabrication Students
Back in 2020, PLH sent two young men, Fed and Doriva, to a level 1 welding workshop at Extollo. That winter, they assisted with erecting the two metal buildings on the campus. Since then, we have hired them to work on several small welding projects on the campus. Most recently, they built a railing for the PLH kitchen building.
These two young men have been eager to get more welding training. We contacted Extollo to see what they could do for them. Extollo set up a private class and practicum for Fed and Doriva led by Extollo’s Haitian welders. In the mornings, they went through the new Metal Fabrication course, and in the afternoons, they put what they had learned into practice creating a rebar storage rack.
Training like this is incredibly important for Haiti. Too many young men sit unemployed with nothing to do. Then, a gang comes in and offers them purpose and power. If young men are taught valuable skills and provided with employment, they will see hope and future and not be won over by gangs. Training and education opportunities build their skills and give them purpose and hope for their future!
Sacrifices for Education
While the insecurity and gang fighting in Haiti makes traveling anywhere dangerous, young people still know the value of an education and are willing to risk everything to learn a skill that will help them in their future. PLH has four students from Camp Marie on scholarship studying auto mechanics and electricity in Port-au-Prince.
When school started in January, the main highway to Port-au-Prince was completely impassable due to gangs and the 6-hour detour had become riddled with gang fighting as well. The students, determined to not miss any more days of school, jumped on a bus taking a 12-hour route to get to Port-au-Prince.
On top of that, the neighborhood in Port-au-Prince where their school and house is located has been disrupted by gang fighting. The students have to keep their ears open, eyes peeled, and heads down. They, like so many others in the country, continue their lives in the midst of war and terror because giving up is not an option. If they can get through school, become skilled in their trade, and find work, they can build up their life. If not, what future do they have?
Do you want to be a part of building these young men’s lives?
The total cost of the metal fabrication training was $500. If you would like to donate towards Fed and Doriva's training or support future training opportunities for other young Haitians, click here!
The cost for the auto mechanics and electrical students (including tuition, rent, and a small living stipend) is about $1,500 per year per student. Click here to contribute to the scholarships for Clotaire, Whensondy, Chrisman, and Tchuky.
Soccer Matches
Before we can send young men and women to receive job skills training, they have to navigate childhood and teen years. This time is equally challenging and also has the risk of losing kids to gangs, crime, alcohol, and a general lack of direction, purpose, or hope. The PLH soccer academy is about so much more than soccer. While we strive to nurture skilled soccer players, we also strive to ensure they remain in school and on a path to success. At PLH, kids find a place where they can just be kids. Here, they have a safe place to play, coaches that care about them, and adults to look up to and model their life after. Kids are shown the love of Christ, are treated with kindness and forgiveness, and are challenged to reach their full potential.
This spring, the PLH soccer academy has organized several matches with other teams in the Saint Marc area. Players are so excited to be able to compete against other teams and test their skills. The teams have done well against the competition. One mother who came down to visit the PLH campus shared with the staff how important this academy and especially the matches are for the kids. She congratulated PLH for organizing this program for kids to play, grow, learn, and have fun.
