Celebrating the progress of healthcare in Haiti with a dedicated nursing student from CREUS University, supported by Patrick's Kids Foundation.

My name is Erline Lafrance, and I am currently a third-year nursing student at the Center for University Research and Study of the South (CREUS) in Fond-des-Blancs, Haiti. Today, I feel compelled to reflect on the road that has brought me here—a road marked by challenges but also illuminated by encouragement and generosity. Above all, I wish to acknowledge the Patrick’s Kids Foundation (PKF), whose unwavering support has not only helped me financially but also provided me with emotional and moral support. Their belief in my potential has shaped my academic experience and my outlook on the future.

The first two years at the Faculty of Nursing tested my endurance and commitment in ways I never anticipated. The academic demands were intense, with extended hours of study, clinical practice, and countless assignments. At the same time, I faced financial pressures that at times seemed overwhelming. Moments of discouragement came, as they do for many students, when the weight of responsibility felt too heavy. Yet, each time I doubted, the presence of PKF was a reassuring reminder that I was not on this journey alone.

The assistance I received from PKF extended far beyond material help. It was also emotional and moral gestures of kindness, encouragement, and recognition that reinforced my belief in my own potential. Knowing that someone cared enough to invest in my growth filled me with courage. It affirmed that my struggles were not in vain, and that by persevering, I could contribute to something much larger than myself.

As I step into my third year, my gratitude deepens. PKF’s faith in me has not only provided financial support but also strengthened my determination to excel. Their belief in me is not just a boost for my own sake, but also a way of honoring the trust that has been placed in me. I recognize that my accomplishments so far are not mine alone; they are built on the shoulders of those who believed in me and chose to walk with me.

Beyond my personal story, I see PKF’s work as part of a broader mission: the transformation of Haiti through education. Each scholarship, each opportunity, each student supported is a seed planted for the nation’s future. When Nelson Mandela declared that education is the most powerful weapon to change the world, he described precisely what PKF embodies. By empowering young people, they are shaping leaders, professionals, and visionaries who will one day stand at the forefront of Haiti’s progress. This is not just my journey, but a collective effort towards a brighter future for Haiti.

For all of this, I say with deep gratitude and conviction: Long live PKF! Long live education! Long live a brighter Haiti built on knowledge, compassion, and opportunity. Your support has not only changed my life but also the lives of many others. Thank you.