Scholarship Student Dinner

"I don't want to be a senator or in government, I want to be where I can see these kids every day and truly make a change in their lives."

- Daniel Jean, 3rd Year, Computer Science

"We all know the sacrifices you all make and how hard you work to make this possible so we really love and appreciate your work. I hope your work can continue because what you do is not just for us but for the next generation of Haiti that we will support."

- Mackendy Dorvil, 3rd Year, Administration Science

"He is one of the bravest people I know. He is continuing to fight for our future."

- Rea Dol on Wesly Misere, 2nd Year, Interpreting

As a part of the Students for Haiti Solidarity Club at UCLA, I have been part of the effort that has sent 13 graduating seniors from SOPUDEP to college over the past three years. The students study everything from Computer Science to Administration Studies and are all committed to giving back to their community and changing the future of Haiti. You can read more about each of the students here.

Every year when the UCLA delegation comes we make it a priority to meet with our students to get updates on their lives and studies. We work hard to make this scholarship program more of a community and family of support than anything else. One of our biggest goals to to constantly ensure there is never a power dynamic felt between us and the students, that they always understand we are equals, and we are just utilizing the opportunities given to us to support them in the work they have already begun. Being the same age has allowed this program to become a really awesome family of students, facing vastly different struggles, but supporting each other just the same through our journeys.

This year we wanted to do something special for our students, to show them how proud we are of how far they've come and that they deserve to be treated every once in a while! Taking them all out to dinner to have our discussions this year was a great way to continue our relationship and also get the chance to reward them for all their hard work in the ways that we are so blessed to be rewarded by our own parents back home. Especially coming out of graduating less than a year ago, where my friends and family made me feel so appreciated and special, I felt this was such an important event to hold to encourage them and show them that we understand how hard it is and we respect all their hard work.

We are still short of raising our full tuition for the students this year so if you are so inclined to help out I HIGHLY encourage you to donate this year! Every bit helps - donate here.