A thirteen-year-old girl from Port-au-Prince, Haiti, has issued a plea to the world: “Do not give up on children.” Dieussika’s call comes as escalating gang violence continues to displace families and disrupt lives across the nation.
A Life Interrupted
Dieussika and her family were forced to flee their home as armed groups battled for control of the capital. The insecurity led to a harrowing experience for her sister, who nearly succumbed to an asthma attack during the displacement. “We had to leave our home, and my sister almost died because of her asthma,” Dieussika recounted.
The ongoing security crisis in Haiti has displaced hundreds of thousands of people, exacerbating existing humanitarian and economic challenges. This confluence of conflict, displacement, poverty, and insecurity has created immense obstacles to education for hundreds of thousands of Haitian children.
Finding Hope Amidst Displacement
Dieussika’s family experienced the hardship of living in multiple temporary shelters, facing challenges like disease and insect infestations. Despite these difficulties, she remained determined to continue her education. She was able to resume her studies through catch-up classes organized by UNICEF in a displacement site.
Even after a heavy rain destroyed her books and clothes, Dieussika spent the night drying them, refusing to abandon her studies. “School means so much to me. Without education, my dream would be lost,” she stated.
Dieussika, who excels in French and math, aspires to become a leader who can help other children and promote peace. She credits five months of catch-up classes, supported by Education Cannot Wait, with restoring her confidence and allowing her to return to school. These classes also provided vocational training in skills like crochet and cosmetology.
A Message to the World
Dieussika’s message to adults and decision-makers is a powerful one: “Do not give up on children. Love them even more and give them opportunities to learn and dream.” She recognizes that many girls like her face additional barriers to education, including safety concerns, caregiving responsibilities, and a lack of essential supplies.
So far, the UN, working with Haitian authorities and partners, has reached over 17,500 children with educational and psychosocial support programs, including 10,500 girls.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted Dieussika and her family to leave their home?
Dieussika and her family were forced to flee their home in Port-au-Prince due to armed violence and insecurity as gangs battled for control of the territory.
What kind of support did Dieussika receive to continue her education?
Dieussika was able to resume her studies through catch-up classes organized by UNICEF and received additional support, including vocational training, through programs funded by Education Cannot Wait.
What is Dieussika’s message to adults and decision-makers?
Dieussika urges adults and decision-makers not to give up on children, to love them, and to provide them with opportunities to learn and dream.
If the security situation in Haiti does not improve, it is likely that more children will be displaced and denied access to education. Continued international support for educational programs and humanitarian aid will be crucial to ensuring that Haitian children have a chance to build a brighter future.
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