The Blog

You Did It!

Wow. Just . . . wow. Something happened this week that is so amazing we simply can’t put it into words.

The easiest way to describe it? #46in46—raising the funds for 46 kids to go to school in 46 days—became #46in7!!!!!!!

7 Days!! SEVEN!! SET JOU!! SIETE DIAS!! However you want to say it, we—no, YOU—came together and sent 46 kids to school this year! In 39 days LESS than the goal that we set!

You paid tuition for 46 kids, you bought 3 sets of uniforms for each of those children (which includes employing several seamstresses for several weeks), you bought the various school books 46 kids need for the entire school year, and you even covered a daily snack for every single school day this year for all 46 children.

What this means is different for each child. Some of you may have been matched with a young child who will have the opportunity to go to school for the very first time this year! Some of you may have noticed that you have an older child whose age may not quite seem to match up with their grade: you are giving a child a chance to go back to school after being unable to attend for a year or more because he or she couldn’t afford it.

What it means is the same for every child in one way, though: you gave a child a chance for a better future.  You gave them hope that, without an education, would not exist. 

We are beyond grateful to everyone who stepped up to make 46 children’s dreams a reality.  To everyone who sponsored a child personally, who teamed up with friends to sponsor, or who sent what they could to go towards one of our kids, to you, on behalf of the children, we are so thankful.

Our work in Haiti does not end here, though. We would be so appreciative if you would continue to connect with Haitian Families First on Facebook, Twitter, our website, or whatever is most convenient for you. Please share with your friends and family the awesomeness that you took part in this week. It is not bragging to talk about your sponsored child! Please share with us in the comments, or by email if you’d like, how #46in46 has impacted you this week. We would love to hear about your inspiration for participating, what sending a child to school for an entire year feels like for you, or anything you are willing to share.

If you, or anyone you know, were thinking of sponsoring and are unable to now because we have reached our goal, we ask you to please consider learning more about our other programs.  We have 35 other children in our Formula Program and Health & Wellness Program. Many of the other children are young siblings or cousins of the 46 kids. 

Thank you friends,

Ali & Jamie

If you are in the education field and are interested in being a part of a school-to-school program between Pittsburgh and Port-au-Prince, will you please email us (ali@haitianfamiliesfirst.org) and let us know?