Student Story: Thierry

This is the Second in a series of interviews with students in the Haitian Outreach program. The focus is to keep you better informed about life in Haiti, as well as the impact that each of you make on the lives of these children.

Our second student is, Thierry Saint –hilaire

Pauline met Thierry purely by accident. His sister, Ashley has been in the Haitian Outreach program since she was a young girl. Nancy & Jim have consistently sponsored her throughout her years of school.

In 2020 when a small group went to Haiti, Ashley’s father, Jean-Claude came to Ste. Marie to meet Pauline and the team. He was well dressed and spoke excellent English, a happy man. Grateful for what Haitian Outreach had done to keep Ashley in school because he lost his job with the government. He passed away that same July. His passing created a problem for Thierry as he could not afford to attend university without his father’s financial assistance.

Here is what Thierry has to say: My name is Thierry Saint-hilaire of Haiti. I was born in Haiti and lived here my entire life. I live with my family; my father died 2 years ago. My family includes a big sister, a little brother and a little sister, Ashley. I was studying legal sciences at the University of Port au Prince (UP) when my father had a heart attack and died. After the death of my father, it was very difficult for me financially to continue my law studies, which is a dream that I cherished from my early childhood years. My little sister is part of the Haitian Outreach program and therefore we were in contact with Mrs. Pauline to see if she could help me finish my studies. She said she could not make any promises but would look for a sponsor to help me finish my years in the university. She asked me to send a transcript of my grades/notes from the university to view the work I had completed. Thanks to God a sponsor was found! Mrs. Parisi offered to sponsor a university student. She was the angel who would help me continue my studies. She financed me to finish my studies. I recently finished my classical studies. I am truly grateful for her assistance to fulfill my dream!

I did not resume my law studies without difficulties from our country’s insecurities. Every day is a struggle. I give myself, body and soul to realize my dream. This is all thanks to you who support this special program.

In the month of October 2021 my mother was hospitalized following an illness, as a student who did not even have a little job, it was difficult to buy medicines for her. Haitian Outreach allowed me to buy the medicine to help her be well, I thank you for this huge gesture. (Larry’s Food Fund) We prayed not to lose our mother so soon after our father died.

Thanks to this program Haitian Outreach helps many people in Haiti especially me and my little sister. Being able to fulfill my dream through education means everything to me, my family and our mother. Every donation helps those of us who do not have what is necessary to manage everyday life.

Please continue to provide your generous donations to Haitian Outreach which distributes it with generosity and much love to the children of Haiti. Haitian Outreach helps us to lay the precious stones to achieve our dreams and shape our future.

Thierry St-hilaire at University of Port au Prince 2022. Thierry is currently working on his thesis and hopes to present it in the fall. He officially graduates in October, provided the country is safe. He will then register to take the bar exam and wants to represent widows and orphans.

Recent photo of Ashley & her brother Thierry

Ashley in 2017 receiving her backpack at Ste Marie, PAP