Haitian Teen’s Plea: “Do Not Give Up on Children” Amidst escalating Violence
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A thirteen-year-old girl from Port-au-Prince, Haiti, displaced by escalating gang violence, has issued a poignant call to action, urging global leaders and individuals to prioritize the education and well-being of children caught in the contry’s ongoing crisis. Dieussika’s story underscores the devastating impact of Haiti’s security situation and the resilience of its youth.
Dieussika’s life was once peaceful, shared with her family in Haiti’s capital. However, the relentless surge in gang violence and widespread insecurity forced them to flee their home. “We had to leave our home, and my sister almost died because of her asthma,” she recounted, highlighting the immediate and life-threatening consequences of the escalating conflict. Haiti remains firmly in the grip of a security crisis, with gangs battling for territorial control, creating a climate of fear and displacement.
The crisis has led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people, exacerbating existing humanitarian and economic crises. The convergence of conflict,displacement,poverty,and insecurity has created an surroundings where access to education is nearly impractical for hundreds of thousands of Haitian children. During the 2024-2025 school year alone, over 1,600 schools were forced to close, and dozens were occupied by armed groups, disrupting the education of an entire generation. In overcrowded shelters and displacement sites, children lack basic necessities like textbooks, learning materials, and qualified teachers.
Finding Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Dieussika’s family endured a period of instability, moving from one temporary location to another.despite the hardships – including exposure to disease and insect bites – she remained determined to continue her education.”There are diseases, insects that bite… but despite everything, I wanted to continue going to school,” she stated. A turning point came when she was able to resume her studies thru UNICEF-organized catch-up classes at a displacement site.
Her dedication was tested further when a heavy rainstorm destroyed her belongings, including her schoolbooks and clothes. Undeterred,Dieussika spent the entire night drying them,demonstrating an unwavering commitment to her education. “School means so much to me. Without education, my dream would be lost,” she explained. Her favorite subjects, French and maths, bring her pride when she shares good grades with her parents.
A Lifeline of Support and Opportunity
Thanks to five months of catch-up classes supported by Education Cannot wait,a UN fund for education in emergencies,Dieussika was able to take her exams and return to mainstream schooling. “I had lost hope, but these classes gave me confidence again,” she recalled. The program also provided valuable vocational training in skills like crochet, leatherwork, and cosmetology, offering her additional opportunities for the future.
Dieussika actively participates in her mathematics class, encouraged by her teacher, and aspires to improve her family’s circumstances. “I want to become someone crucial to help people. Without school,we cannot achieve our dreams,” she said with resolute determination. She carries a powerful message for adults and decision-makers: “do not give up on children. Love them even more and give them opportunities to learn and dream.”
The Urgent Need for Continued Support
The challenges facing adolescent girls like Dieussika are significant. Many drop out of school due to safety concerns, caregiving responsibilities, or a lack of access to essential resources like menstrual hygiene materials. However, the work of the UN and its partners, in collaboration with Haitian authorities, is providing a crucial lifeline. Educational and psychosocial support programs have already reached over 17,500 children,including 10,500 girls.
For Dieussika, and countless others, these programs represent more than just education; they are a pathway to reclaiming their futures, transforming fear into confidence, and nurturing ambition.
