Haitian Education & Leadership Program (HELP)

Co-Founder & Executive Director Conor Bohan's recent trip to Haiti took him to the southern coastal city of Les Cayes, where he found a group of HELP freshmen organizing to make a profound change in the life of a local secondary student.

"In Les Cayes, we met our freshman class studying at a new partner institution, the American University of the Caribbean (AUC). Far from the violence affecting Port-au-Prince, students here have the space to learn, connect, grow and relax —and what they are building together is nothing short of remarkable.

During our visit, students and staff were eager to share updates on Fonds 51, an example that reflects the leadership and values of our first-year class.

It began during freshman orientation in September, when our friend J***y introduced HELP’s freshman class to Wysterline, a local high school senior he was trying to help. After years of impressive grades amidst near impossible odds, including moving six times in less than four years, Wysterline was the verge of dropping out of school because she had no one to pay her fees.

Moved by her situation, on the spot HELP freshman made a collective decision: she would not be forced to leave school. There and then they agreed to pool 5% of their $100 monthly stipends to keep Wysterline in school, and when they realized that the money could support a second student, they did just that.

Together, they are covering tuition, supplies and a small stipend, while also providing tutoring themselves. What started as a single act of solidarity has grown into Fond 51, a student-led initiative inspired by HELP’s alumni giving model.

In a subsequent letter to the freshman class Wysterline said that their support had “changed my life profoundly and permanently… giving me not only material support but an incredible force and new motivation, propelling me to persevere and progress. In supporting my education, you are investing in my future, my hopes, and my power to make a difference.”

HELP Across Haiti: On his recent trip to Haiti, Co-Founder & Executive Director Conor Bohan witnessed the extraordinary impact of our alumni throughout the country.

"On the first leg of the trip, we traveled to Pignon in Haiti’s Central Plateau with Gael Pressoir PhD, the founder of CHIBAS, Haiti’s foremost agricultural research institution. At the modest building that houses CHIBAS’ lab we met the research team (some of whom had escaped encroaching gangs last year by swimming across rivers) who were excited to show us their work ranging from aphid-resistant grains to high-protein rice varietals. At the CHIBAS fields in neighboring St. Raphael we happened upon HELP graduate Verlando Joseph (Agriculture ‘19) who is now CHIBAS’ Field Manager,

Verlando showed us two varieties of common bean, one of which was ravaged by a pest, and another, in the very next row, thriving. This is research that can transform Haitian farmers’ livelihoods, and with it Haiti’s agriculture industry and food sovereignty.

Verlando was equally excited to tell me that he had just returned from a recruiting trip for HELP, speaking at high schools across the region. He said every year he allocates some of his vacation to recruit the next generation of scholars. It’s a powerful example of the multiplier effect of HELP’s work. At HELP, we know talent exists everywhere, and that access to education doesn’t just transform individual lives—it strengthens entire communities.

That belief drives our outreach across Haiti. Even amid the challenges of operating in the country, we connect with nearly 12,800 students each year, encouraging them to apply to our scholarship program. From that pool, we select just 50—underscoring both the immense need and the extraordinary potential.

Verlando’s journey is a reminder that our impact doesn’t stop at graduation. It starts there. HELP’s work is evident across Haiti, propelled by alumni who are building, leading, and transforming the country.

If you’re inspired by stories like Verlando’s, please consider making a gift. One hundred percent of your donation goes directly to student support—and every dollar will be matched 1:1 through June 12.

Together, we are HELP. Together, we are Haiti.

https://www.uhelp.net/we-are-haiti

6 Days, 7 Flights, 4 Cities: HELP Across Haiti

https://www.uhelp.net/we-are-haiti

As we come to the close of another school year, I find myself in deep awe of our students, staff and graduates. The past six years, marked by the constant uncertainty and displacement brought on by violence and terror have tested us all in profound ways. And yet, all of us—supporters, staff and students—have persisted, moving frequently, yet welcoming incoming students and establishing new campuses and partnerships. We do so because we believe, now more than ever, that the path to a stronger Haiti runs through education and is envisioned by Haitians, for Haiti.

I just returned from a trip across Haiti—6 days, 7 flights and 4 cities accompanied by a HELP Trustee on his first visit to Haiti in six years. Despite obstacles like cancelled flights due to gunfire near the airport and monsoon-like deluges that forced us off the road, I returned renewed, energized, and inspired. I met with members of the HELP community whose commitment and resilience reaffirm the strength of our presence across Haiti. In the coming weeks, we will share stories and reflections from that trip, offering a closer look at the people and places that make this difficult work more than worthwhile.

Additionally, you will see several announcements along the way, starting with these two:

A group of generous donors has recently come together to cover 100% of our administrative costs. That means every cent you give this spring will go directly to program delivery in Haiti—supporting tuition, student stipends, safe student housing, mental health services, academic advising, and the many more elements of HELP’s comprehensive scholarships.

A committed supporter has offered to match every gift 1:1, up to $20,000 until June 12th.

Together, this community, staff, students, and donors alike, continues to amaze me. I am honored and privileged to work with all of you. Together, we are HELP. Together, we are building a better Haiti.

- Conor Bohan, Co-Founder & Executive Director

We are building back in Les Cayes! Amid violence in Port-au-Prince, we have expanded to Les Cayes, welcoming 50 first-year students into a safer, more stable environment.

In partnership with the American University of the Caribbean, our scholars are thriving, using libraries, labs, and health services while building strong academic and social connections with their AUC peers.

Beyond the classroom, they’re already leading, supporting local children, launching environmental initiatives, and serving their community.

Read the full story at the link in our bio!

Hot off the press, our first newsletter of 2026 is here! Read the full issue: https://bit.ly/3O37ZOZ

Staff, students, alumni, and donors are transforming Haiti from within. From our expansion to Les Cayes and new student initiatives to powerful stories of leadership, solidarity, and growth, our community continues to deliver on the promise of a life-changing education. All thanks to your support.

Juste-Coeur Beaubrun (economics ‘25)

Director, Banj Labs Haiti

After successfully defending his thesis, “Impacts of public spending on poverty reduction in Haiti during the period from 1990 to 2021” in early 2025, Juste-Coeur Beaubrun is currently the Director of Banj Labs, the entrepreneurship hub of Haiti’s innovation agency, Banj.

“I am leaving HELP with a better understanding of community life and the importance of social engagement. The experiences I have had here have taught me the value of solidarity and mutual support.”

Read our full 2025 Annual Report at the link in bio!

Aline Lindor (accounting ‘25), Junior Accountant, HELP

“The HELP pillars (respect, discipline, courage, sacrifice, service) are my strength; they are like a guiding light for me now. They resonate in my mind every day, and I believe it’s important for all to embody these values.”

In 2025, Aline worked with the Haitian Women’s Collective as an administrative consultant, bringing together Haitian women-led organizations throughout the country. In October of last year, she joined HELP as a full-time staff junior accountant.

Our 2025 Annual Report is now live! Link in bio

Join us in celebrating HELP scholars and Université Quisqueya industrial engineering students Jude Blanchard and Marc-Henry Saint-Louis. On February 26th, they presented their final-year project entitled:

"Proposal for a continuous improvement plan for the labeling process of liquid packaging line at Laboratoires 4C, with regard to Lean Management."

Following their defense, they obtained a remarkable grade of 90/100, with a mention of excellence.

Show Your Love For Haiti! Enter Our Valentine’s Day Gift Raffle!

https://www.uhelp.net/valentines-day-2026

As Valentine’s Day approaches, we are celebrating a simple truth: our love of Haiti unites our community. It’s what inspires our scholars to serve their communities, our staff to support them through immense challenges, and supporters like you to stand with our mission year after year.

When you make a one-time gift, you’ll be entered once to win a Singing Rooster gift basket featuring beautiful Haitian metalwork and artisan chocolate. When you start a recurring monthly donation, you’ll be entered three times—multiplying your impact and your chances to win.

Notre processus de recrutement est officiellement ouvert! SVP, partagez avec vos proches...