Pencils with Passion Returns: Delivering Essential Supplies and Igniting Hope in Education for Children in Need
On September 11, our dedicated team including Jeff, Tracey, and Brooks Thomson, Susie and York Ruell, along with generous donor Nelson Miller and board member Mario Vasquez, delivered 650 pounds of school supplies to Celeste Faro and Colegio Christianos schools. The joy on the children’s faces was heartwarming. They eagerly opened their new backpacks filled with essential supplies like notebooks, pencils, and crayons, just as school was starting.
As we spent time with the students, we couldn’t help but feel the weight of their dreams and aspirations. These children are filled with hope for a brighter future, and it was a privilege to play a part in that. We also engaged in discussions about improving our delivery process and refining school supply lists for future efforts. Mario, our attorney, raised a crucial point about managing extra supplies for students who may not stay or face delays in registration. Thankfully, the principals shared their commitment to ensuring any surplus supplies reach other schools and local churches, demonstrating the strength of community support.
However, we faced a sobering reality: the enrollment numbers for Haitian children are declining due to ongoing deportations. This issue strikes at the heart of many impoverished families, who live in constant fear that their children will be sent back to Haiti. For these families, losing access to education means losing hope for a better life.
While we usually avoid politics, it’s important to clarify the reasons behind the current mass deportations. The violent takeover by gangs in Haiti has created a dangerous situation for the Dominican government. They worry about a potential influx of violent immigrants disrupting the peace in their communities.
If the Haitian people can establish a stable government, there may be hope for obtaining proper documentation. This would allow the 8 to 10 million Haitians living in the Dominican Republic to secure residency or work visas. At Pencils with Passion, we are committed to educating every child, regardless of immigration status or socio-economic background. Our focus is on the children and teachers, ensuring they have the essential supplies needed for a successful education.
At Pencils with Passion, we believe in the power of education to transform lives.Your support can make a difference. Together, we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn and thrive. Join us in our mission to support every child’s right to learn by donating or volunteering today.
