The beginning of a new school year always comes with great anticipation and excitement. This year was no different. Fresh school supplies, new uniforms, old and new classmates, and discovering who your new teacher will be. It brings a promise for a brighter tomorrow.

For the last six years, Haiti Scholars has been there too, sponsoring 60 students with full scholarships plus school assistance, food aid, and health services - continuing its mission to empower students through education.

Their school, Centre D'Etudes Lumiere de Mariani (School of Light, CLEM), has been a beacon of light, providing sanctuary for all those wishing to learn and improve their lives. The school has been growing consistently year over year, from less than 250 students in 2018 to more than 800 students in 2024.

But then came crisis, as their world was turned upside down.

Violent gangs invaded Mariani, forcing families to flee to neighboring towns with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Instead of beginning a new school year, our students and their families are in a fight for their lives.

Given all the upheaval, violence, and desperation in Haiti, it would seem reasonable to question the need to carry on. However, giving up is not an option at CLEM, nor with its leader, Pastor Valcourt.

"This is not the end. We will start again" reassured Valcourt to a room full of parents.

Despite the challenges, Pastor Valcourt, student director Wilna Narcisse, nurse Lea Valcourt and translator Gens Jean have courageously confronted the tragic realities facing their school and communities. They have diligently kept track of our students and families, verifying their safety and then ensuring that each child receives their education, even during temporary relocations.

The team has collaborated with other schools in the area to provide vital educational support. Plus, it continues to assist in distributing food and basic necessities to the families of our students. No student or family has been left behind.

Despite the bleakness of the situation, Haiti Scholars, along with Pastor Valcourt and his team, continue to bring light and hope to the children of Mariani. Yet, there is still much that needs to be done.

There is a desperate need for continued support in many ways:

Food aid. Help combat hunger and malnutrition. For just $10 a week, you can feed a student a meal a day for 5 days.

Education. Provide the gift of education to help a child attend school. We help the neediest of children gain the knowledge and skills to allow them to break free from the grip of poverty and helplessness. For $37.50 a month, you can provide the gift of an annual scholarship.

Health services. Through our social service program, we empower students and teachers with strategies to navigate the daily challenges of gang violence, food insecurity, and instability. Additionally, your generosity enables us to prevent the spread of diseases with essential health initiatives, including deworming treatments, vitamin A supplementation, and access to critical medicines. Together, we're creating a path toward healing, health and hope for brighter futures.

These are desperate times. With your help, Haiti Scholars can meet its pledge to always be there for its students, to be by their sides until they complete their high school education no matter what the circumstances. You can be assured your support creates meaningful impact in the lives of each student and the community at large. Our mission goes on.

"Let me tell you that Haitian families have been experiencing an alarming situation. Children have great difficulty feeding themselves, finding housing, going to school and finding health care. We are in a desert. But God has always visited us through Haiti Scholars, and they have accompanied us in the waiting room of hope. So, join Haiti Scholars, please, in helping the children of Haiti. May God bless you" said Pastor Valcourt.