In Pignon, Haiti, food insecurity remains an ongoing struggle for many families. Job opportunities are limited, and most households cannot afford to support young adults in furthering their education. For out-of-school youth, the future can feel especially uncertain.

Located near the border between Haiti and the Dominican Republic, Pignon sits at the crossroads of migration. Many people move back and forth between the two countries, searching for work wherever they can find it. Others leave Haiti altogether, seeing little hope for a stable future at home. This constant movement often leads to fractured families. Fathers leave their wives and children to seek work. Young people leave their communities and, in their vulnerability, can fall into unsafe or exploitative situations.

Choosing to Stay

In 2020, World Renew’s local partner, MDK, launched a Farm School program in Pignon to help address the effects of migration and the decline in agricultural productivity in the area. The program offers out-of-school youth training in agriculture, computer literacy, business management, and leadership.

For many students, the Farm School became an alternative to leaving home. Some had already contemplated migrating in search of work, but the opportunity to receive a free education close to home gave them a reason to stay and invest in their community instead.

Growing Skills and Confidence

Robence Colas was one of those students. Without family support to help him pursue further education, he felt stuck and uncertain about his future. He shares, “I lived by grace . . . I am very thankful to have been admitted to MDK’s Farm School without any financial obligation. The Farm School gave me the opportunity to study various areas like agricultural techniques, leadership, entrepreneurship, and basic information technology.”

Like many others in the program, Robence put his learning into practice by starting a garden. He now grows vegetables such as eggplants, peppers, leeks, tomatoes, and groundnuts, applying the soil and crop management techniques he learned through the program.

“Since I took up the courses, my harvest brings me joy,” he says. “Last quarter, I earned $100 US from my vegetable garden … I commend MDK for establishing this school. Also, my utmost appreciation to World Renew for supporting this program in my community.”

A Call to Prayer

The situation in Haiti remains extremely fragile. Many families face daily uncertainty due to violence, instability, fuel shortages, rising costs of living, and ongoing insecurity.

• Please pray for peace in Haiti and for communities around the world affected by conflict and displacement.
• Pray for the protection of World Renew staff, local partners, and their families as they continue their work in challenging contexts.
• Pray for wisdom and guidance as World Renew seeks to design and carry out programs that respond with hope amidst growing hunger, instability, and change.