Our program in Brazil serving Haitian refugees is where our scholarship initiative in Haiti first took root. When families are separated and working tirelessly to save for travel documents and flights, every bit of support makes a difference. Our scholarships help relieve the financial burden on parents so they can focus their resources on reuniting their families sooner.

To receive a scholarship, families apply through the local church, and applications are carefully reviewed by our board of directors. In partnership with the Haitian community, we award 2–3 annual scholarships each month.

Education in Haiti looks very different from many other countries. Nearly 90% of Haitian children attend schools that are either church-run or international private institutions, with no government funding. These schools rely entirely on tuition and fees. Students often pay their teachers directly by the hour, but tragically, many families simply can’t afford it. Though teachers frequently volunteer their time rather than turn children away, this creates a cycle of instability—teachers still need to support their own families, and schools can’t operate without consistent funding.

That’s why we partner directly with schools to cover tuition and fees so students don’t have to shoulder that weight. On average, it costs just $100 per year to fund a child’s education—a modest sum from our perspective, but in Haiti, where many families live on less than $1 per day, it can feel impossible.

The Lily & The Sparrow is blessed with a dedicated team of six volunteers led by Suarel Thelamond, our Education Director and the high school principal. Together, they ensure funds go exactly where they’re needed most. We do not provide cash benefits directly to families; instead, we pay the schools to guarantee the teachers are compensated and classrooms remain open. This approach strengthens the schools while making sure our sponsored students have uninterrupted access to education—empowering them to break the cycle of poverty.

Our students are bright, innovative, and hardworking. It is an honor to stand alongside them and invest in their futures. Thank you for partnering with us to make their dreams possible.