POTEKOLE

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” – Nelson Mandela

Public school is mostly non-existent in Haiti, making access to education a critical issue. The Y’s “Potekole” scholarship program means “bringing support” in Creole. Participants selected to receive a scholarship are supported by the Y to a full elementary, high school or university education. In return, the students attend the Y after school program for homework assistance and activities. As students reach the upper years of high school, they give back to the Y as they tutor younger students. In 2016 this scholarship program served 104 in 60 schools.

To qualify for this program, participants must be full members of the YMCA of Haiti and commit to participate as volunteers in YMCA programs and activities. Participants’ report cards will be viewed and approved regularly by the program leader to see progress and gaps in participants and help improve them.

Allows, through low-income youth and adults to continue to attend or return to a school, professional institution or university.
Supports the development of youth and adults through support programs and activities to strengthen education.
Trains leaders in our community by ensuring access to quality education.
Teaches recipients the Y’s core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility
Promotes community-building through youth education, social responsibility and care.
Distributes resources and the optimization of opportunities equitably throughout beneficiary communities.

In addition, in order to develop the value of social responsibility among our young people, each beneficiary is required to reciprocate through community service in one of our community centers.