About 1,500 miles away from New York is the island of Haiti. It’s the third-largest country in the Caribbean with Cuba and Dominican Republic following behind. It’s also the first independent colony in the Western Hemisphere.
The Situation
However, only one-fourth of Haiti has access to electricity. That’s only 2.5 million out of 10 million people living on the island who are connected to the power grid. Not to mention, even for them, electricity is inconsistent. It’s available between five to nine hours a day. Blackouts are frequent and it can stop anyone’s daily activities. Everyone needs proper and safe access to electricity, but a group that can benefit from it the most are students, especially those enrolled in Haiti’s vocational school program.
So, students enrolled in the Wharf Jérémie Vocational and Technical Training Center show they’re actively taking measures to make a brighter future for themselves and their families—despite difficulties they may face. They’re serious about their studies with an occupation in mind. Yet, what can stop even the most diligent student? Lack of electricity.
Bright Minds Need Bright Lights
With this in mind, Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah, decided to step in to give students in Haiti the gift of light. Because of her, The #BrightHaiti Project was born—a campaign to donate 3,000 solar-powered lanterns to students in Port-au-Prince.
A little light can go a long way. A solar-powered lamp could mean saved expenses on kerosene or batteries. It could mean hours of extra study or more time earning an income to make ends meet. It could mean graduation and a career. And bright minds with successful careers mean a bright future for Haiti.
Through this, Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah hopes to empower students to succeed. She set the example of sharing the love of a mother through all volunteer projects. To fulfill this, members from WeLoveU traveled to Haiti to personally deliver the lanterns to the Wharf Jeremie Vocational and Technical Training Center.
Sending Love to Haiti
On May 30, the WeLoveU team touched down in Port-au-Prince. The 3,000 solar-powered lanterns the vocational school received are valued at more than US$150,000.
The next day, the WeLoveU team visited the school for the ceremony. Because of space, only 1,000 students could fit in the auditorium; so many were listening from outside. In attendance were the Director of the Institute of Vocational Training, the Project Manager from the Presidential office, and the Principal of the school. All of them expressed how meaningful this donation was and how it will impact their lives.
“The WeLoveU Foundation, which declares to us by its name its great love without having to say it, is thus committed with its BrightHaiti project alongside the National Institute of Vocational Training to raise their voice together and say today, “Let there be light,” on the academic path of the students of our professional centers, and the light will shine on the success of your studies and on your professional future.”
Ronald Legoute, Project Manager from the Private Office of the President of Haiti
“I’d like to repeat that it is my duty to express my sincere thanks to this organization today and to its Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah who gives us, the President of Haiti his excellency, Jovenel Moise, and Haiti as a country hope for a better future. A Bright Haiti, a smart Haiti, a professional Haiti. That’s what we all want.”
Maguy Durcé, General Director of the INFP
“God said, “Let there be light and there was light.” He gave light and life to people and told them to love one another. The spirits then asked God, “What is love?” and God had said, “To love is to selflessly give to others.” So, to love is WeLoveU. I would like to ask everyone, all of the students, to please give a standing ovation and applaud these people for this beautiful gesture.”
Jean Marie Boujolie, Principal of CEPROTECH
21 thoughts on “WeLoveU Donates 3,000 Solar-Powered Lanterns to Haiti Vocational School Program”
What a great event! This initiative is really meaningful and has such an impact. Keep up the great work!
Really touching piece. What I love the most is that this project is both a charity and investment, which makes the donation that much more meaningful.
How amazing it is when we as humans help those in need by providing them with a tool for self-empowerment. On that day not only a lamp was given but truly hope was delivered to Haiti’s future leaders. The WeLoveU Foundation is a true example of the love of a mother on this earth. Who can speak of a greater love?
This is by far one of the most heartwarming events I’ve ever seen. The ability to identify a need and address it head on… that is truly a powerful and progressive foundation.
What a beautiful initiative! We love you foundation sets the best example for community service around the world!
This is so beautiful! I love that this foundation is doing charities like this because of love in their hearts and their desire to help others. This is a great example of what caring really means.
Wow! In a world where love has grown cold, The We Love U Foundation TRULY takes the lead in restoring faith in humanity. I am so glad to see my country receiving this kind of help. Thank you so much Zhang Gil-Jah for establishing the We Love U Foundation as a beacon of hope!
I was very eager to see the completion of this campaign, very heartwarming and inspiring. Seeing the smiles on the faces of the students shows the thought that this foundation puts into donations; considering not only what is in need but how to make that solution a progressive one that will help to build a stronger future. ::applause::
This was such a big and beautiful project! I am so happy for such a great turn out! We Love U truly showed the love of a mother by thinking of the well being and future of children. I look forward to more projects 🙂
That’s such a nice gesture to voluntarily provide light -a light that can change someone else’s entire life.
You go We Love U
I’ve taken for granted electricity and even my education. The students look so happy and appreciative! This is a very thoughtful initiative that will have a great impact on these students. I am looking forward to getting involved. Once again great job WeLoveU!
Wow. This is amazing. Some may have even forgotten that Haiti existed due to its size, geographical location or financial status compared with the rest of the world, so for an organization to go to such an extent, this really is the love through actions.
Wow, not only beautiful but so heartwarming to see that there is a foundation willing to spread love all over the world. How truly amazing, these days you don’t see many foundations doing things that aren’t for their benefit. I look forward to seeing more of their work and more love being shared!
You guys rock!
I couldn’t be part of a better foundation. This is only possible because Chairwoman Zahng Gil-Jah started this mission years ago, being in the front-line of helping those in need.
How beautiful to see a foundation that focuses on giving love instead of receiving it. God said “love one another as I have loved you” and the WeloveU foundation follows that example. It warms my heart to see what you guys did in Hati! I can’t wait to see more!
thanks to those who are part of this organization to put a warm smile on the face of the inhabitants of this region so mothers can tell a story to their children before sleep👍🏼💫
Great job
Wow this is truly so touching, may all glory be given to God, and thanks to Zhang Gil-jah for her amazing efforts, and heart warming gesture, I can’t wait to see what’s next!
This is so beautiful!!!!!! Educating children is the most important and vital step forward in our society.
How beautiful. WeLoveU, your actions are amazing and thoughtfully share a mother’s love in the most gracious ways. This is something a mother would do, anything to improve their child’s education. Thank you. This article and deed shared a lot of love.
This was one of my favorite projects you all did! I’m glad the donation was of something really needed by the students and it’s commendable to see that the leadership team went themselves to deliver them.