Changing Lives in Haiti


denie Miquette Denie '06 was happy with 15.

Fifteen children from Haiti able to attend school thanks to the scholarships provided by her newly formed organization, TeacHaiti.

She is nearly speechless with 108.

Denie, a Christian school nurse and native of Haiti, always knew that after high school and college in the United States, she'd return to her home country. While at Concordia, she felt called to provide educations to children like herself when she was young -children from families struggling with poverty and desperate for a way out.

So when she graduated, created TeacHaiti, stirred up fund-raising and headed home, Denie dreamed of raising enough money to get a few children behind desks. That first year, the organization brought in $30,000 and gave scholarships to 41 students.

Now in it's second year, the number of children has nearly tripled and her dreams are even bigger.

"I never thought I could raise more than $5,000, so I was surprised and thankful to see how God has blessed TeacHaiti," Denie says. "There are no words to express my gratitude. God works in mysterious ways."

In addition to funding scholarships - which make the difference between attending and not attending school for these children - TeacHaiti sponsors a hot lunch program and provides school supplies for dozens of children. And after the recent wave of hurricanes hit Haiti, it’s helping to get school supplies back in the hands of these children who have lost so much.

As TeacHaiti quickly grows and expands, Denie is allowing herself to dream bigger, planning for a TeacHaiti Living Center for girls.

"There are many neglected young girls in my community who have no access to even the basic education. They are waiting for a way out," she says. "My long-term goal is to have a home for these girls so that they can have access to an education in order to become a productive member of their society."

Denie's work has already removed more than 100 children from the illiteracy pool in Haiti, with more children continuing to benefit from her vision.

"God is doing wonderful work in Haiti," Denie says, "and I am so honored that he uses me as a vessel to influence the affairs of my country in such a positive way."

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