Hi Katie!
My name is Juliet Suman and I have had the privilege of traveling to Haiti twice where Islon (11 yrs old in 5th grade ) captured all our hearts. What strikes you instantly about Islon is her confidence…she LOVES being “in her skin”! My own daughter observed in August that she is Haiti’s “IT girl.” In the USA we would just say she’s ALL THAT!
Islon is the oldest of three children and the only girl. Her mother left them to be raised by the grandmother so that she could pursue work in another town. The grandmother could not afford the 3, so Islon (the only girl) has had to live with a different family and be fed by the kindness of the priest at St. Michel Catholic Church. She often goes to bed hungry!
Islon can dance and sing with so much youthful joy (it is contagious to watch)…she is a delight! What really impressed and surprised us was her amazing ability to read English. She could read the words on all our t-shirts, nothing was too hard!!!! She has so much spark and intelligence. Even though she lives more humbly than we can ever imagine, but showed us her mud shack with such pride. “C’est my maison!”
Islon enjoys being alive and loves her world. I think if opportunities were presented to her, she would be able to serve the country she lives as an incredible, educated Haitian young woman.
We were so sure that “she was the first” one that you are looking for, that we videoed her telling you so!!! She says “I AM THE FIRST!”
Sincerely,
Juliet Suman
Islon is just one of many students at St. Michel’s primary school who still need sponsors. For $100/year, the Haiti Outreach Program provides tuition, a uniform, school supplies, and a hot daily meal for students in Boucan Carre. Read about how others have supported the Haiti Outreach Program through She’s the First here. You can do it too!
Have any of you been to, or are you thinking of traveling to, Haiti?
