Djocinsky and Djocinson and the hope that never fades

Hinche, Haïti — In the courtyard of the Fernand Hubert National School, two nine-year-old twin brothers sit side by side, a ruler and an engineer’s helmet resting on their heads. They look at each other and smile, sharing a quiet, playful moment amid a life turned upside down.

Such moments of play and togetherness have become rare for them. The violence perpetrated by armed groups in Mirebalais destroyed their home, swept away their toys and memories, and forced their family to flee.

Yet, despite everything they have lost, the two brothers keep their dreams alive. “Even though we lost everything, we still want to become engineers!” says Djocinsky with a soft laugh. “These objects my ruler and my helmet remind me of what I want to be in the future. Even after everything that happened, we can still keep learning and dreaming,” he adds.  

A school, a refuge for displaced families

The Fernand Hubert National School now serves a dual purpose. Located in the Citron area of Hinche, it welcomes both its regular students and displaced families from Mirebalais and Saut-d’Eau who have fled attacks by armed groups.

Dariana, Djocinsky’s mother, shares her testimony with emotion: 
“Seeing my sons learn and smile, despite everything we have lost, gives me hope. Even in the midst of hardship, they can still dream of a better future.” 

Strengthening Education in the Centre Department

With funding from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and in partnership with the MENFP, UNICEF has addressed the educational needs of displaced children in the Centre Department. For the 2025–2026 school year, more than 700 school kits were distributed, and over 100 benches were provided to equip classrooms and improve learning conditions.

To support students affected by the trauma of displacement and violence, essential assistance was also provided to educational personnel. A total of 333 teachers in the Centre Department were trained in psychosocial support, enabling them to create a safer and more nurturing environment for children. At the same time, 80 schools received teaching and learning materials to strengthen instruction and help students continue their education despite the disruptions they face.

This is especially true at Charlemagne Péralte High School, where hundreds of displaced students continue their education to avoid losing the school year.

As part of the the school catch-up programme,more than 10 000 students including 4,000 displaced students were able to prepare for the official grade 9 and S4 exams.

Despite the hardship and losses they endured, Djocensky, Djocenso, and thousands of other displaced children in the Centre Department show that learning can be both a refuge and a source of strength. With the support of teachers, families, and the joint action of the MENFP, UNICEF and funding from Sida, children have been able to continue their education, access school supplies, and keep preparing for the future. These interventions allow them not only to keep learning but also to maintain hope and envision a better future for themselves and their community.