2022 Vocational Training for Families

The current situation in Haiti continues to be extremely challenging due to severe inflation, the crippling cost of living, increased insecurity and political instability.... Yet despite these challenges, the Little Footprints team has been able to make positive progress thanks to your support!

The recent political and economic insecurity in Haiti posed a major challenge to youth hoping to return to school and vocational training programs on time.The nationwide lockdown in September 2022, the limited availability of fuel, high inflation rates, and widespread violence have forced families into precarious situations. As a result, the 2022 - 2023 school year ended up being postponed. While educational sessions and/ or schools were meant to open in October 2022, most were not able to until December 2022.

When schools were able to open, this was a huge relief for students and their families alike. Not only do educational opportunities provide students with hope and and an outlet for their ambition to pursue a better future, it also creates a sense of stability amidst the chaos and political stability happening in their country.

Our last update from October 2022, indicated that four youth had completed a year of vocational training programming. We are thrilled to announce that we have reunited five former street children/ youth with their families in the last few months! Our Child and Youth Mentor has worked with three pf these youth to prepare for their vocational training. One of the children had fled from a gang in Port-au-Prince and is now going to be enrolled in a sewing school, which is a lucrative business as Haitian students are required to wear handcrafted uniforms. The other two youth are beginning a mechanic apprenticeship in their communities to gain first-hand experience in the field. They will be mentored by an established mechanic in their area.

Our team has developed agreement documents to be signed both by the mechanic and the youth's parents/ families', to ensure that all parties are engaged and have shared objectives in supporting these youth in their growth.

Vocational training not only prevents youth from living on the streets and being subjected to violence, but provides them with the skills necessary to be self-sufficient. This is particularly important for former street children, who were often seeking to earn money either to care for themselves or in an attempt to provide for their families. Vocational training is an opportunity to provide them with the skills and tools to earn a living in a more dignified, healthy, and sustainable way. Considering the increased cost of living and economic hit many families took during the lockdown towards the end of 2022, this support is more timely than ever! Your contribution allows Little Footprints Big Steps to reunite children with their families, build their confidence, and make their passions a reality.