We at the Hinche Scholars/I Have a Dream Foundation would like to extend our sympathies to everyone who lost friends, family members and other loved ones when the earth shook two years ago. We stand in solidarity with all those around the world who are mourning on this solemn anniversary.

Tent cities still dot the landscape of Port-au-Prince even two years after the earthquake

Yet as we recall the suffering of January 2010, we remember that in even the midst of suffering, hope can and will emerge. For the past two years, our project has sought to help displaced Haitian university students as they seek to acheive the dream of higher education. Each day since January 12, 2010 these young people have been a constant reminder that perseverance, hard-work and hope can move mountains.

Thanks to the dedication of these students and the generosity of our many volunteers, the Hinche Scholars project has now come to fruition. The path has never been easy, but along the way we have always found helping hands. From Oprah to Anderson Cooper, from the Richmond School Board to the Richmond Times-Dispatch, our supporters have been numerous and very kind. We have ovecome countless hurdles: fundraising, college acceptances, visas, and more.

The Hinche Scholars with Father Bourdeau in Richmond, Fall 2011 - Lude, Suze, Berry, and Frandy

Today three Hinche Scholars – Lude, Suze, and Frandy are entering their second semester at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College in Richmond. We are also excited to announce that Berry Riche has been accepted at Elizabeth City State University in North Carolina.

Berry started classes this week at ECSU where he will be working toward a degree in business. Two years ago, Berry was only a few months from graduating from his Haitian university with a degree in accounting. When the earthquake struck, this young man saw his future literally collapse in every direction. Now, Berry is once again on track to graduation – thanks to you!

Hinche Scholar and ECSU Berry Riche enjoys some Christmas cheer just a few weeks ago

We look forward to watching Berry and all of our Hinche Scholars as they study hard and excel in their schoolwork. With your continued support both through financial contributions and volunteer/in-kind donations, we can help these students as they strive to improve themselves and return to help their country.

On another note, we need to say that this may be the last post for a few months. Hinche Scholars project coordinator Danny Yates will be out of the country and therefore this blog will be taking a bit of a hiatus. In the interim, please follow the news of the Hinche Scholars on the I Have a Dream Foundation website – www.ihaveadreamrichmond.org. On this website you will also find a link to donate and  to contact us.

Thank you, or as our Haitian friends would say  – “Mesi Anpil!”

The four Hinche Scholars with Andy right before leaving the PAP airport en route to Richmond

Ever since the arrival of Berry, Frandy, Lude, and Suze on August 11, the Hinche Scholars Project/IHAD has been engaged in a whirlwind of activity. (That is part of the reason for our lack of timely website updates) Thanks to your generosity we have been able to house, clothe, feed, and educate these four young people. We are delighted to announce that the first semester at J. Sargeant Reynolds was a tremendous success for all four students.

Even when the students are not in school they are constantly learning – adapting to American culture, seeing new sights and expanding their English vocabulary/comprehension. Although technically on “winter break” right now, the Hinche Scholars spent the past week travelling across Virginia, visiting historic sites such as Jamestown, Monticello and even Washington, DC. And as much as they are enjoying these new experiences, we are heartened by the fact that all four students deeply miss their homeland and eagerly look forward to returning to Haiti upon completion of their studies.

Danny, Suze, Frandy, and Dr. Sam in front of the U.S. Capitol last week

But for tonight we simply want to reiterate our deepest appreciation to everyone who has helped us make it this far. The list of supporters is too long for a mere blog post, and many of our greatest advocates would prefer to remain out of the limelight. So in conclusion we would just like to say thank you all, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year.

We are so grateful for your continued support and we look forward to bringing lots of good news in 2012! For donation details, please see the sidebar at right or contact Project Coordinator Danny Yates by leaving a comment below.

We are particularly grateful for the generosity of the LMB student body and to the dedicated RPS administrators, Ms. Denise Lewis (Lucille Brown Principal) and Mrs. Tracy Cady (IB Coordinator). The “Hats for Haiti” fundraiser brought in $600 for our project -  a remarkable sum of money for a school where so many students come from difficult backgrounds. Given the current financial situation, this contribution represents a true sacrifice for which we are so appreciative!

Suze and Berry had a fantastic time at LMB on Friday. Not only did they deliver an inspirational message for the young people in the audience, our Hinche Scholars also demonstrated how much progress they have made in such a short time. Before giving her speech, Suze apologized for any mistakes in her English, telling the students that it is quite difficult to navigate three languages (Creole, French, and English) all at once. What followed was an eloquent and powerful discours which brought tears to the eyes of some teachers and students.

IB Programme Coordinator Mrs. Cadey with Suze and Berry in front of Lucille Brown Middle School

 On another note, this week marked the fourth month that the Hinche Scholars have been in Richmond. In some ways it seems like this time has flown by… wasn’t it just yesterday that Berry, Suze, Frandy and Lude were arriving at the airport? Even though the days have passed quickly, one thing is certain – our four Hinche Scholars are making tremendous progress both in their ESL studies and also in their comprehension of American culture (which we argue presents a much greater challenge than simply learning English). To top it all off, this week the students sucessfully completed their first set of college exams, which means that Christmas break has at long last arrived!

Please check back soon for more photos and Christmas updates. We are always looking for new supporters, both through financial contributions and donations of volunteer service or in-kind materials. As we enter the “Season of Giving,” please consider helping us continue with our mission of higher education for Haitian earthquake victims. Through your generosity we can accomplish this goal. For more information or to donate online, please visit www.ihaveadreamrichmond.org or contact Danny Yates at dannycyates@gmail.com.

Thank you and Merry Christmas!

Frandy, Lude, Berry, and Suze in front of TJHS after their presentation on Friday

Next week we are very excited about a repeat presentation, this time for the Lucille M. Brown Middle School International Baccalaureate Program. We are also grateful to the entire Richmond Public Schools IB program for the interest and generosity for our project. Proceeds of all concessions sold at Tee Jay basketball games on Tuesday 12/6 (vs. Maggie Walker) and Tuesday 12/13 (vs. Godwin) basketball games will go to support these four Haitian students.

On another note, we came across an interesting article in the Haiti press this week. It appears that international focus is finally looking at Hinche as a viable location for decentralization in Haiti. Check out this article – http://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-4395-haiti-economy-economic-decentralization-and-regional-planning.html

As we approach the second anniversary of the tragic January 12, 2010 earthquake, it is imperative to stress the need for decentralized governance and commerce in Haiti. Hinche has many unique advantages such as its close proximity to Port-au-Prince, central geographically location and geologically safe zone.

In the years to come we look forward to seeing our very own Hinche Scholars take part in the leadership needed to effectively implement this much needed decentralization.

This two day program included a full schedule of motivational speeches, networking and workshops which the four students collectively described as “amazing.” A special thank you to the I Have a Dream Foundation and the Henshaw family for making this unique experience possible.

Mr. Henshaw, Suze, Berry and Lude at the Leadership Forum

With Thanksgiving just a few days away, we would also like to take this time to extend a sincere “thank you” to all of our supporters, through whose generosity this project has been possible. As the Hinche Scholars prepare to enjoy their first American turkey dinner this Thursday, we can only think of one thing to say and that is “THANK YOU!!!”

Exactly three months ago, four displaced Haitian students arrived in Richmond, VA. Thanks to your generosity and continued support, these earthquake victims are once again back in school. One of the Hinche Scholars recently told me that of all the qualties which he admires in the U.S., the greatest of these is the hard-work and success of our citizenry. America truly is a “land of opportunity,” both for these exchange students/future Haitian leaders and for millions of others who have benefitted from the  fruits of our democracy.

The Hinche Scholars Project is dedicated to helping  our four displaced Haitian students as they work hard and succeed through higher education. With your aid we can make turn this “dream” into a “reality.” After three months in the United States, Berry, Lude, Suze, and Frandy are doing quite well. Although these four young people are a bit homesick, they are each determined to study hard and make the most of their American experience.

In their first semester  coursework at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, the Hinche Scholars have each received excellent marks from all of their professors. Outside of the classroom, the four students are also making the most of their time in Richmond. Recently they had a chance to share their perspectives on Haiti to a conference for Haiti missionaries.

Last week, while most of their peers were dozing on a crisp fall Saturday morning, our four Hinche Scholars were up early and had the chance to attend a regional Haiti gathering at St. Michael’s Church in Henrico, VA.  A French proverb, popular in Haiti, says “le monde appartient a ceux qui se levent tot,” translated as “the world belongs to the early risers,” or the English equivalent – “the early bird catches the worm.”

From left to right, Berry (Hinche Scholar), Danny (Hinche Scholars Project Director), Frandy (Hinche Scholar), Suze (Hinche Scholar), Clair (St. Michael's Parishoner), and Lude (Hinche Scholar)

This quote is very appropriate, as we believe that these four students are destined for greatness  upon returning to Haiti. Please help us as we help the Hinche Scholars. A donation, of any size, will greatly assist our efforts to educate, house, feed, and develop these four future Haitian leaders.

For details on how to contribute, see sidebar at right. In addition, please let us know if you live in the Richmond area and are willing or able to help our students with an “in-kind gift,” such as a physical donation of clothing, food, or school supplies.  We are also in search of volunteers to help with mentoring, grocery store runs, field trips, etc.

Thank you again and please do not hesitate to contact us with comments, questions, or concerns.

My name is Berry RICHE, I am 27 years old. I belong to a six children family and I am the oldest, I was born and raised in Hinche, the central county of Haiti. I was graduated from High School. in 2005.

Moreover, two years later I attended Pilot Professional training Center
in Port-au-Prince  where I studied Computerized Accounting for an Associate Degree .In 2010  I would have been a sophomore in accounting, had it not been because of the earthquake that rocked Haiti, especially Port-au-Prince.

 At 4:53 PM on January 12, 2010, a 7.3 magnitude  earthquake  shook  Haiti, my country. The epicenter of the earthquake was only 10 miles from Port-au-Prince from a county called Leogane located in the East of that city. Portau Prince is the bustling capital city of my Caribbean country.   

Hinche Scholar Berry Riche (with fingers crossed in shape of "H" for Haiti) on his first day of classes at J. Sarge

One of the most destructive natural disasters in history of Haiti, the quake reduced buildings, universities, hospitals, private businesses, high schools, houses, super markets, hotels, police stations, and even jails to rubble, instantly taking lives and destroying almost everything. The Government of Haiti estimates that nearly 230,000 people died, 300,000 were injured, and over 1.5 million were displaced after their homes ere damaged or destroyed. Nowadays, our public parks, our stadiums, and our streets have become hobo jungles.

 The massive homelessness and displacement continues and does not appear to have significantly abated. Government agencies were also hard hit, even the National Palace was collapsed. Two days afterwards, thousands of U.S. troops arrived to aid in the earthquake relief effort and relief agencies are playing a large role in rebuilding Haiti’s infrastructure, while taking care of the short-term emergency needs, also the international community (Spain, France, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Venezuela, Argentina even the Dominican Republic) provided emergency help to many injured and displaced Haitians.

My country is facing an economic crisis where poverty is banging on the gates of all families in Haiti, especially in my hometown of Hinche. Furthermore, for those who don’t know Haiti ,it is a country where less than 30 % of the population can write and read, less than 20% of the people can get a job to survive with their family,  and a country where less than 5 % of the  oung people who graduated from high school can attend universities. 

I think you can see how this nation can’t develop itself. Thus, I believe that only higher education can help save Haiti from poverty. 

For me, the process of coming to the USA was quite difficult. When I was selected to be a scholarship recipient into Hinche Scholars Program, I was extremely happy because after the earthquake I did not know how my future would be. When the scholars were accepted at J Sargeant Reynolds Community College to come to school, our first visa request was
rejected by a US consulate officer in the US Embassy in Haiti. Then, we reapplied  and ten days later the visas were granted. On August 11^th, 2011 we landed in Virginia.  

My education is so important because it is the only tool I have in hand to prepare my future and participate in the development of my country. My dreams/ my future plans are to have a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration and to come back to Haiti to help my country.

There was an American revolutionary man called Henry David Thoreau who one day said, “Men are born to succeed not fail.” Furthermore, British historian Tristam Hunt said “America is the land or extraordinary opportunities and possibilities, a land where miracles happen.”

If there is anyone who reads this article, who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible. You have to chase away all of your doubts, because I didn’t think a young man like Danny C. Yates could undertake a big initiative like Hinche Scholars Program and make it become a reality, but he did!

As one of the scholarship recipients, my mouth is not enough to thank especially Mr. Danny C.
Yates as well as the president of I Have A Dream Foundation, Mr. Kenneth Henshaw and His
wife Gail Henshaw and all of the Richmonders who have made this happen.

To all of our special sponsors, I would like you know by creating and supporting Hinche Scholars Program you give a spiritual face to it. Like Jesus our identity is not found in what we do for ourselves, it is found in what we do for others. As He said Matthew’s Gospel, chapter 25
verses 35 – 40.

“For I was hungry and you give me something to eat. I ws thirsty and you gave me something to drink.  I was a stranger and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you clothed me. I was sick and you looked after me. I was in prison and you came to visit me.”

I would like to thank everyone who supported Danny and the I Have A Dream Foundation in helping them to accomplish the first step of the Hinche Scholars project. They have brought four displaced Haitian Students to attend college in Virginia at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. As a scholarship recipient I would like you know that we still need your help to achieve our goal to come back in Haiti with a degree and to give our participation in moving this poor country forward.

In conclusion, your help will be your contribution in rebuilding Haiti throughout our education. Your support will be like a seed you plant here in Virginia, which we will transplant back to Haiti, where it will grow, blossom, and bear fruit to feed and transform many lives. Thank you and God Bless.

Berry Riche (right) with his dad (left) and mom (center) pictured here in front of their modest home in Hinche.

Our hats go off to reporter Melissa Sinclair and photographer Scott Elmquist who did a great job of describing Danny Yates’ vision and how the Richmond community helped transform this dream into the reality known todays the Hinche Scholars project. See text and photo of this article (below).

Most of us don’t think about Haiti anymore.

Danny Yates never stopped trying to help.

Yates was in Haiti on Jan. 12, 2010, acting as an interpreter for a Richmond Catholic group. After witnessing the earthquake that devastated Port-au-Prince, Yates immediately began thinking about how he, and Richmonders, could help rebuild.

In partnership with the I Have a Dream Foundation, Richmond, Yates vowed to bring four Haitian students to the United States so they could complete their educations and then return “to make substantial change in their community.”

Such a simple goal — but the obstacles proved to be enormous. Federal standards restricted colleges’ acceptance of international students. The four students’ academic records had been destroyed. Their visas were denied. Despite the support of many Richmonders, including Rep. Eric Cantor and former Gov. Tim Kaine, a discouraged Yates almost abandoned the project.

Then in July, the visas came through. The four Haitian students started class at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College this fall. They’re still getting accustomed to American life, Yates says, from deciphering class schedules to operating a garbage disposal. Yates is searching for sponsors to help pay their tuition after May.

As for Yates, he’s not sure what he’ll do after graduating from the College of William and Mary. He’s spending the spring semester at the University of Martinique and then considering law school. He definitely wants to live here, where he grew up, he says: “Seeing Richmond through these students’ eyes has made me realize how lucky we are in Richmond. … Although some things are broken, we’ve come a long way.”

- Melissa Sinclair (Style Weekly reporter)

Style Weekly Photo of Top 40 Honoree Danny Yates (picture by Scott Elmquist, taken at Maggie Walker Governor's School)

Congratulations to the 39 other 2011 Style Magazine Top 40 under 40 honorees. To access an electronic version of this story, please click here.

Thank you, and as always, please keep supporting our four displaced students from Hinche, Haiti as they continue to excel in their studies at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. Every donation goes a long way to help us maintain this project and acheive our long-term goal: developing four young people as Haiti’s future leaders.

Haitian President Michel Martelly (who once studied in the U.S. at a community college), is pictured here at a back-to-school rally in Haiti on Monday

This is a very encouraging sign of progress, and we at the Hinche Scholars project also have some good news to share. In just a few days, our four college students will celebrate the two month anniversary of arriving in the U.S. This is an important milestone, as these young people have spent the past eight weeks working hard both adapting to American culture and studying English.

In the same way that Haiti’s recently elected president, Michel Martelly, furthered his career by studying at a community college in the U.S., these four students from Hinche are continuing their education at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College.

From left to right, Hinche Scholars: Frandy, Lude, Berry, and Suze. Your donations directly help these young people as they work to complete their studies and return to Haiti.

The I Have a Dream Foundation Hinche Scholars Project believes strongly that education offers the key to development. Through our program and with your financial help, four of Haiti’s future leaders have now embarked on an educational path which will benefit both for these individuals and their fellow Haitian citizens back home.

Please help us in any way that you can, we are always in need of financial contributions to help us cover the costs of tuition, housing, food and school supplies. If you live in Richmond, please consider volunteering to help with transportation, tutoring, or field trips.

Thank you for your support!