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I would like to share with you the testimony of a young man who has been living with us for 15 years.  His parents I would like to share with you the testimony of a young man who hasabandoned him and his eight brothers and sisters when he was a baby. His 12-year-old sister took charge of the family without any financial means, as the two oldest had gone to live with relatives. They came to church, but seeing their situation, we began to provide meals seven days a week, and Child Care Plus provided for their education.

Assou wearing a beige T-shirt in front of his house at the age of 8.

The small house we built for his family with donations.

Assou writes: Studying at Canado-Technique, which is a Haitian Canadian school, was not easy. From 2021 to 2023, I had to learn to study and live amid crisis, danger, and fear.  Armed gangs are spreading terror.  When I go to school, I do not know if I will return alive. Many times, I couldn’t go to school at all because there were shootings in the area. Other times, I found bullets in the school yard, and even a student died in front of the school, which shocked all of us.

Despite that, we continued going to school, even if it meant putting our lives in danger. We used to study without electricity, without food, and sometimes under great physical and emotional pressure. There were days I felt I couldn’t go on, but I never gave up, because I believe education is the only tool I have to change my life.
Studying at Canado-Technique made me become more courageous, patient, and determined. While many young people were forced to drop out of school because of gang terror, I made my own choice to hold my ground.

Today, I continue to struggle to move forward, not just for myself, but also for all the young people who could not finish their studies because of the violence in the country. I believe that education is the only weapon that can help us break the chains of misery and insecurity.

What really marked my life and broke my heart was losing Michel Charbonneau, my adoptive father, the person who believed in me the most, who always encouraged me to keep pursuing my dreams. He passed away on December 13, 2024, and it is one of my greatest regrets: he did not live to see my achievements. But, Dad, you always live in my heart. I talk to my children and grandchildren about you, so they can know that you were a good man, a man who knew how to give love, trust, and hope. I am trying to follow in your footsteps, to live as you wished, and I hope that one day we will meet again.

I love you so much, from up there where you are.

ASSOU

P.S. Assou today (2nd row on the left). He serves in the church and is responsible for the dining hall as part of the food program. He also teaches two classes at The Fortress School and repairs the staff’s laptops.

We wish you a Merry Christmas with your family, friends, and above all, with the peace that Jesus gives us.

 Louise Charbonneau

If you would like to sponsor a child, you can write to me at the return address on this message.