Hope for Haitians’ 2026 Summer Vocational Training Program is officially underway.
The first class launched this week in the community of Bassin, where nine women and girls, ranging in age from 13 to 49, have begun training in culinary arts. They are the first of an estimated 90 to 100 participants who will take part in vocational training across six communities in northern and northeastern Haiti. More classes will begin in the coming weeks, expanding opportunities for teens and adults to develop practical skills that can lead to income, greater independence, and stronger local economies.
This year’s program also introduces training in shoemaking and repair, adding another marketable trade requested by community members.
The responses shared by members of the first class reflect their determination to build better futures. Participants come from households ranging from one to four people, and the average age of the group is just under 20. Several are still in their early teens, highlighting the importance of helping young people develop practical skills as they prepare for adulthood.
Nearly every participant expressed a similar motivation: gaining skills that can help them earn an income.
Seventeen-year-old Salomon’s aspirations go far beyond learning recipes. She hopes to turn her new skills into a business by preparing meals for special events and eventually opening a restaurant. “I would like to receive support to start a restaurant,” she shared.
Twenty-two-year-old Valmyr is motivated by both independence and service. She values being able to provide for herself today while working toward opening a restaurant tomorrow. She also wants others to benefit from the same opportunity, saying, “I would encourage other people to come learn because this course is truly important.”
At 49, Almonor is the oldest participant in the class. She enrolled because she believes “times are changing,” and she wants to continue learning and growing. Her dream is to open a restaurant, and she hopes Hope for Haitians will continue offering the training every year so others can benefit from the same opportunity.
Their voices reinforce what Hope for Haitians has long believed: vocational training is about far more than learning a trade. It creates pathways toward self-reliance, strengthens families, and builds skills that can continue benefiting communities for years to come.
As training begins in five additional communities, including the new shoemaking and repair course, Hope for Haitians looks forward to sharing more stories from participants as they develop new skills and pursue new possibilities.
The impact of this program extends far beyond the classroom. By investing in people, not just projects, Hope for Haitians supporters are equipping participants with the practical skills and confidence to pursue new opportunities, support their families, and help build stronger communities.
