Resilience and Hope: Dieussika's Journey Amidst Haiti's Crisis

In the early hours before dawn, Port-au-Prince, a city deeply shaken by violence and a humanitarian crisis, witnesses the determination of a hopeful 14-year-old girl named Dieussika. Despite the soaking rain that drenched her belongings the night before, she prepares for a day of learning—an aspiration that seemed almost bleak a year ago.

"I’m getting ready for school. It rained heavily last night, and everything is soaked, including my books and clothes," she explains, reflecting on the poor conditions under which she lives. Dieussika currently resides not in a home, but in a classroom transformed into a shelter for displaced families like hers. After fleeing their home due to escalating violence in Haiti, Dieussika's family finds themselves crammed into a space originally intended for education.

The global fund for education in emergencies, Education Cannot Wait (ECW), has partnered with UNICEF and local organizations in Haiti to ensure that children affected by the rampant violence and instability can continue their education. Through their initiative, Dieussika and countless other children are being given an opportunity to reclaim their educational future in a safe environment.

Dieussika is one of ten siblings, alongside her mother, who all had to abandon their home to escape the violence in their community. The year spent in displacement was daunting for the teen, especially when she struggled to believe she could continue her studies.

"Initially, after leaving my home, I lost hope that I would be able to continue my education," Dieussika admits. The challenges surrounding education in Haiti were significant even before the recent surge in violence, leading to widespread school closures. Currently, with the added obstacles, the educational landscape is more perilous than ever.

It wasn't until ECW's catch-up class initiative reached Dieussika and other displaced children that her hope was rekindled. "They organized five months of catch-up classes for us. I was very happy. These classes helped us a lot, and everyone participated," she recalls.

These catch-up classes aim to assist children whose education has been disrupted by crises to regain lost learning while helping them regain their confidence. With support from trained educators and a focus on mental well-being, children are offered a path back to learning, stability, and safety—a vital part of rebuilding their futures.

Haiti is currently facing an overwhelming humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by years of political unrest, dire economic conditions, and catastrophic natural disasters. The violence gripping the nation has reached alarming proportions, with armed groups committing heinous acts against civilians. No longer considered sanctuaries, many schools have been converted into makeshift shelters or targeted for attacks, with over 1,600 schools remaining closed. Added to this, funding for education is critically under-resourced, with a staggering gap currently threatening the educational emergency in the country.

As of the 2025 Humanitarian Response Plan, only a small fraction of the required funding has been secured, leading to an urgent need for investment to sustain education and prevent a generation from losing access to learning opportunities.

Despite the dark clouds surrounding Haiti, education stands as a beacon of hope. For children like Dieussika, pursuing education is tantamount to survival. Since 2021, ECW has dedicated over $15 million to support education initiatives in Haiti, including catch-up classes, vocational training, and mental health support. Their efforts aim to address the most pressing needs of the affected youth, as evidenced by the thousands of students who benefitted from these programs.

Dieussika's story encapsulates the resilience found within Haiti's children—the ones who have endured unimaginable loss and instability, yet cling to the belief that education can forge a pathway to a better life. "I choose school as my best path because I dream of a better future. Without education, I cannot achieve my aspirations, and my dreams would shatter," she expresses.

With the support from ECW and its global partners, Dieussika has successfully returned to schooling and even graduated after completing her exams. More than ever, the world must recognize the necessity of investing in Haiti's youth, especially in these challenging times.

Her message to the policymakers is simple yet powerful: "Don’t abandon children. Think of us, as you have thought of me." In a world fraught with violence and uncertainty, Dieussika symbolizes what’s achievable when educational support thrives. Her journey represents not just one child’s struggle but the sheer potential of countless young minds waiting to be nurtured and developed.