Education Haiti Project #48533

Empowering Adult Handicapped Haitians

by Friends of St. Vincent's Center, Inc.

Project Report | Nov 7, 2023
Taking The Good With The Sad

By Sonya Yencer | Chair

Roger, our newest scholarship recipient

Today we share both good news and sad.

Let’s begin with the good. We’d like to introduce you to our newest scholarship recipient, Roger. He is deaf and is excited for the opportunity to study at St. Luc’s Fondation in NSI (Numerique et Sciences Informatiques - computer science). Friends of St. Vincent’s is committed to supporting Roger to the best of our ability throughout his educational years. With your generous support, we will not only fund his tuition, but also his books, backpack, a moto-taxi and any tutors he may need as most schools are not equipped to teach the deaf.

We continue to support Jean Marc in his 3rd year of studies for the blind at College Coeur De Jesus in NSI (Numerique et Sciences Informatiques - computer science). We are hopeful that he will pass his exams and move on to his final year and earn his diploma/degree.

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of St. Vincent’s Governing Board Chair, Ken. Ken held a decades-long commitment to St. Vincent's Centre for Handicapped Children, Haiti. It was truly his second home. He served as Chair of the Board until the very end of his life, only stepping down one week prior to his passing. We are beyond grateful for his tireless service to St. Vincent’s.

In the Haitian tradition of honoring someone who serves tirelessly, and in partnership with the adults at St. Vincent’s, a painting of Ken was commissioned by a Haitian artist and delivered to him last month – we are grateful it was completed in time (obituary).

We leave you with these words from former Director of St. Vincent’s, Pere Sadoni Leon:

Mr. Ken's unwavering commitment and passion for improving the lives of those with disabilities have left an indelible mark on our hearts and our community. His selflessness, compassion, and tireless efforts have been a beacon of hope for countless individuals who faced daily challenges.

His legacy is not just in the years he devoted, but in the lives he touched, the smiles he brought, and the barriers he broke down. He showed us that the true measure of a person is not in the length of their life, but in the impact they make during their time on this Earth.

As we remember Mr. Ken, let us continue his noble work and carry forward his dedication to making the world a more inclusive and compassionate place for all. He may be gone, but his spirit and his legacy will forever inspire us.

Rest in peace, Mr. Ken, and thank you for your extraordinary service to the disabled community of St. Vincent. You will be dearly missed, but your work will live on.

Jean Marc, 3rd year scholarship recipient

Samuel with the painting of Ken

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