In Pignon, Haiti, food insecurity is an ongoing struggle for too many people. Job opportunities are scarce and most families cannot afford to pay for young adults to further their education. The prospects for out-of-school youth are bleak. Because Pignon is near the border between Haiti and the Dominican Republic, many people live a life hovering between Haiti and its neighbour, searching for work wherever they can find it. Others leave their homeland altogether, seeing no hope in a future in Haiti. There are many broken families. Fathers leave their wives and children. Young people leave their homes in search of employment, often falling into gangs or living in fear as they seek work as illegal immigrants.

In 2020, World Renew’s local partner, MDK, launched a Farm School program in Pignon to help address the growing migration and the resulting decline in agricultural productivity. Through the program, out-of-school youth were offered opportunities to train and grow their agriculture development, computer literacy, business management, and leadership skills. Many of the students who enrolled in the Farm School program, at one point, contemplated leaving Pignon. However, with the opportunity for a free education, they opted to stay.

Robence Colas was lost. He had no family support to help him fulfill his dream of furthering his education. He says, “I lived by grace . . . I am very thankful to have been admitted to MDK’s Farm School without any financial obligation. The Farm School gave me the opportunity to study various areas like agricultural techniques, leadership, entrepreneurship, and basic information technology. ”

Like most of the other students participating in the training program, Robence started a garden and grows a variety of vegetables like eggplants, peppers, leeks, tomatoes, and groundnuts. And, he practices the soil and crop management techniques he learned. He says, “Since I took up the courses, my harvest brings me joy. Last quarter, I earned $100 US from my vegetable garden … I commend MDK for establishing this school. Also, my utmost appreciation to World Renew for supporting this program in my community.”

• The security situation in Haiti is extremely fragile. Kidnappings, gang violence, fuel shortages, demonstrations, and inflation are the things many families come to grips with daily. Please pray for peace in Haiti and across Latin America.
• Please pray for the protection of World Renew Haiti staff and partners and their families as incidences of gang clashes and violence continue to rise in Haiti.
• Pray for God’s guidance for World Renew as we continue to envision how to best design and execute programming amidst growing hunger and insecurity in the region.