Jeunise Guillaume is one of 50 Hope for Haiti scholars who receive a $1,000 annual scholarship to attend college in Haiti. Like many young Haitians, Jeunise has seen much hardship, but she stands out among her peers for her keen sense of community, her courage, and her determination to succeed. First seen on the cover of our 2016 Annual Gratitude Report, Jeunise is now 28 years old. Her parents, Lila and Jeune, are farmers and have seven children.
From her early school days, Jeunise’s resilience has shone through. After a setback in her studies, she found her place as a 10-year old second grader at Ecole Frère Unis de Ravine Sable, which (at the time) was only a makeshift structure made of wood and tarp. In 2007, when she was 12 years old, Hope for Haiti began the construction of a formal three-classroom school block. Although she was just a small child, Jeunise actively participated in the construction by carrying heavy rocks and water, symbolizing her commitment to her community and the next generation. “I did that for myself, for my little brothers and sisters and for my country,” said Jeunise. Over the years, she and the community have witnessed the remarkable growth of her childhood school into a compound of 19 spacious and child-friendly classrooms, administrative space, a computer lab, a depot and a sanitation block with handwashing stations.
Jeunise’s academic journey faced further obstacles when the 2010 earthquake struck Port-au-Prince, where she had moved to further her education after the sixth grade. Despite the setback, she continued her studies in the community of Cavaillon before returning to Ravine Sable in 2012, where she remained until she completed her high school studies in 2017.
“All that I want is to succeed in life and be able to help my community.”
In addition to her academic pursuits, Jeunise has a fierce entrepreneurial spirit. While studying, she crafted and sold straw bags in the local markets, and even opened a small cosmetics business after securing a loan. Through her efforts, she not only met her own needs but also supported her siblings’ education, lightening the financial burden on her parents.
Jeunise’s dreams soared when she was awarded a Hope for Haiti college scholarship upon her graduation from high school. With unwavering determination, she left her village and moved to Les Cayes to pursue her studies at SITA (Seed International Institute of Tropical Agriculture), where she is set to graduate in 2024 as a certified agronomist. This scholarship, in Jeunise’s own words, meant the world to her: “Frankly I did know how I would go to college; I did not have the means to afford that. So, my heart jumped in my chest when I was offered that scholarship. It meant the world to me. Amid my despair, suddenly I saw my dream to become an agronomist being a reality.”
Left: Jeunise as pictured on the cover of our 2016 Annual Gratitude Report
As Jeunise progresses through her college journey, she exudes confidence in her ability to create a better future not only for herself but also for her community. “All that I want is to succeed in life and be able to help my community,” said Jeunise. “This is the only way I can thank everyone who has supported me all along my life. I won’t cross my arms and wait for a job in an office after getting my degree. I will create my own agricultural farm even if I’ll have to start with my family plot.”
Three years ago, Jeunise had a child of her own – a daughter named Lourdes-Mhia. “Thanks to Hope for Haiti, I’m on track to graduate next year,” said Jeunise. “As a young mother, I must be able to take care of my child and give her the best education.”
is a testament to the transformative power of education and opportunities made possible through your support. Her story reminds us of the profound impact that donors like you help make in empowering young people like Jeunise to overcome adversity, break the cycle of poverty, and build a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
Your help is needed to help scholars like Jeunise realize their dreams. To sponsor one of our 50 scholars, please click here.
Click here to read our complete 2022 Annual Gratitude Report. Learn more about Hope for Haiti at our website, hopeforhaiti.com.