🌈 Two Things Can Be True at Once 💌

Dear Isse & Lo Family,

We blinked, and summer slipped away. We also blinked and fell behind on our monthly newsletters. 🫣 But we are back, right in time for "Back to School" season.

As we dive into the full throes of the season, I'm reminded that two things can be true at once.

Amidst all the social media posts of smiling kids heading back to school, I can't help but reflect on how different—and complicated—this season can be in Haiti. For many, a core memory is the ritual of getting ready for school. Elders fondly recall uniforms being made by local tailors, leather school shoes crafted by neighborhood cobblers, and the excitement of fresh starts. Unlike in North America, in Haiti, uniforms are a staple in almost every school—even public ones. (If you're interested, Edwige Danticat shares a beautiful story about her experience)

Two things can be true at once…

Over my 14 years in Haiti, I saw how stressful this time can be for parents. The class divide becomes stark—those who can afford to get their uniforms made well in advance and on time, and those who scramble at the last minute, sometimes missing the start of school due to late uniforms. Who can manage the hefty fees and out-of-pocket expenses for purchasing textbooks, and whose kids will have to stay after school to share textbooks with a friend…

Yet, like many things in Haiti, this dysfunction touches everyone. Whether you have the means or not, there's always a chance your tailor (bòs) might not deliver on time, hiding behind an array of complicated false promises, or political instability might delay the school start by weeks. During this time period people wait with anticipation for when the Ministry of Education will announce the start dates for school.

This season underscores the challenges of educating children in Haiti—challenges that affect everyone, regardless of their circumstances.

Two things can be true at once.

Amid the difficulties, people still find ways to ensure their children are educated—5 gourdes at a time, participating in savings clubs (SÒL), or simply relying on the resilience and hustle Haitians are known for worldwide. They make it work. Despite gangs, poverty, instability, and a government that often falls short, parents get their kids to school. Holding on to the hope that education will provide their children with a better future.

This hope is inspiring, standing in contrast to the difficulties of meeting the financial demands of education.

Two things can be true at once 😉— during this time period community support is at an all-time high. When we owned a business in Haiti, we included back-to-school assistance in our budget to help employees. This practice is common among employers—we find a way to help each other.

Two things can be true at once. What are some of your "two truths"?

Wishing your family health, happiness, and lots of learning as we start this new school year.

Ak anpil lanmou,

Régine

Co-Founder

P.S. Reputable organizations that I donate to in Haiti that work in education are listed at the end of this email.

P.S.S. Don't forget, we've got you covered year-round with accessible Caribbean-inspired activities for children of all ages - HERE. You only need to sign up once.  

🏫 Inspired By this Email -Here is where I Give 📚

In the spirit of community, if you have a little extra, these are the placed I donate to in Haiti.

P4H Global

Anseye Pou Ayiti

The CHF Foundation

Hope for Haiti