Displaced but determined: Dieussika keeps her dreams alive

Port-au-Prince, Haiti – Fleeing insecurity in Port-au-Prince, 13-year-old Dieussika found refuge in a displacement site, where she was able to resume her studies thanks to catch-up classes organized by UNICEF and its implementing partner, OCCED’H. Today, she dreams of becoming someone important in society in order to help children and raise awareness among young people about not taking up arms.

Dieussika was living peacefully with her family before armed violence and insecurity forced them to flee. “We had to leave our home, and my sister almost died because of her asthma,” she recounts. After several displacements between sites and temporary homes, she found temporary shelter, but life remained difficult. “There are diseases, insects that bite… but despite everything, I wanted to continue going to school,” she says. 

School as a Lifeline 
One night, heavy rain soaked her belongings, destroying her books and clothes. Yet, Dieussika spent the entire night drying them, determined not to give up on her studies. “School means so much to me. Without education, my dream would be lost,” she says. Her favorite subjects are French and mathematics, and she feels proud every time she can bring good grades home to her parents.

Thanks to five months of catch-up classes organized by UNICEF, with the support of ECW, Dieussika was able to take her exams and return to school.

“I had lost hope, but these classes gave me confidence again. We also received vocational training in crochet, leatherwork, and cosmetology. It was an incredible opportunity,” she recalls proudly. 

A Message of Hope for All Children 
At school, Dieussika actively participates in her mathematics class, encouraged and supported by her teacher. She wants to put an end to the hardship her household faces and show her family that they too can follow in her footsteps.

“I want to become someone important to help people, like UNICEF does. Without school, we cannot achieve our dreams,” she says with determination. Her message to adults and decision-makers is clear and moving:

“Do not give up on children. Love them even more and give them opportunities to learn and dream.” 

Dieussika is not alone. Thanks to educational and psychosocial support programmes funded by Education Cannot Wait and implemented by UNICEF, in partnership with the Ministry of National Education and Vocational Training, more than 17,500 children, including 10,500 girls, have access to a safe and protective learning environment that fosters education. Each day spent at school is a step toward a better future for these children. For Dieussika, as for so many others, these programmes represent more than education they are a lifeline, a chance to turn fear into confidence and ambition.