For more than three decades, our Country Director Garry Délice has opened and closed conversations with this question: “If not us, then who?”. As many of our scholars will tell you, to Mr. Délice, it isn’t a slogan — it’s a responsibility, a promise to Haiti, and a challenge to everyone who believes in its future.

Garry began his career in a rural classroom in 1990. Since then, he has trained teachers, led schools, advised the Ministry of Education, and since 2006, has guided our mission to equip talented students to lead and serve. Through natural disasters, political upheaval, and today’s historic instability, one belief has never wavered: Haiti will rise through the leadership of its own people.

At our core is the idea that leadership isn’t about waiting for change — it’s about creating it through service. “LELEM” is our summer service initiative, where scholars design and lead community projects across Haiti. The name comes from “Lete Lespwa Mwen,” which means “My summer hope,” evoking strength, unity, and action. For their LELEM project, each student identifies a local need — from digital literacy to climate resilience — and takes action, putting leadership into practice by serving others and strengthening their communities.  

This holiday season, we invite you to walk alongside our students and see what true leadership looks like. In the coming weeks, you’ll meet young leaders answering Garry’s call:

·       A young woman advancing public health in her hometown despite insecurity.

·       A student traveling by motorbike for days to bring sustainable farming to rural families.

·       A young man building digital literacy programs for women across Haiti.

Join us as we follow their journeys and celebrate their service. Together, we can help Haiti rise.