Bright Futures, Built Together
This spring, Living Faith students learned a specialized skill: Solar Panel installation. HTF's In-Country Director, Luckner "Maya" Fond-Rose, identified and recruited an experienced electrician with knowledge in solar panel installation to teach the students. Learning life skills, like cooking, painting, and crocheting, has been part of the weekend programs for high school students since their inception, but having expertise in electricity and solar panel installation will give these students a marketable trade once they complete their education.
Power outages are common in Haiti, and solar power is filling the gap of limited electricity. Trained solar panel installers are in demand. These students will be uniquely positioned to help their communities and gain jobs because of this training!
The students worked towards a certificate, learning how to install the batteries, install the solar panels and connect the panels to an electrical source. The first training was well-received by the students, so a second round of students recently completed their certification.
In preparation for the new school year, Centre d'Education Integree (CEI) was planning to install solar panels on their new classrooms. This expansion (and the solar panels) was funded by Hoops for Haiti due to the generosity of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church (Loveland, OH), Peace Lutheran Church (Gahanna, OH), Epiphany Lutheran Church (Pickerington, OH), Prince of Peace Lutheran Church (Dublin, OH), Gethsemane Lutheran Church (Columbus, OH), Christ our Shepherd Church (Peachtree City, GA) and Preston Meadow Lutheran Church (Plano, Texas). Having solar panels allows CEI to continue classes even during the frequent electrical outages they experience.
Opportunities to learn skills valuable to Haitian communities are vital for these young adults. Maya shared, "It's always been our goal for students to learn and gain life skills. With this opportunity to learn about electricity, they are learning a skill that will help them with opportunities for the future." And that future came quickly!
Several students who earned their certification in the spring became apprentices for the CEI solar panel installation! Maya, Verbo (CEI's Founder) and the electrician worked together to secure this apprenticeship for the students. The students installed the solar panels funded by Hoops for Haiti 2026.
Investing in the children helps create these learning opportunities for students. Maya sees the potential in each of these students, identifying teachers for a variety of trades.
Mèsi anpil! Thank you for being part of this movement and believing in the next generation of Haitians alongside us.