BLOG
Real Stories, Real Dreams Coming to Life
What happens when someone is finally given the chance to dream?
At Jou Nouvo, we believe that education, opportunity, and belief in oneself can transform lives. This summer, we introduced our “A New Day” series which conveys stories of those whose lives have been deeply impacted by your support. These are the very voices that remind us why we do this work – and why it matters.
Let’s explore how the power of education and opportunity transforms lives through real stories.
Adneika: From Quiet to Confident
Starting off strong, this fall, all of our children returned to school, along with our adult literacy class participants! Breaking down this group, each of our individual programs had numerous updates, through hosting wonderful activities, interactive events, hiring new team members, and growing daily in every way.
Michael, who served as treasurer on the Jou Nouvo Board, decided to stay connected in a more personal way — by sponsoring Adneika himself.
Unfortunately, in Haiti, only about 34% of parents can afford school tuition, so support like Michael’s is life changing. Because of the Temples, Adneika doesn’t walk into school burdened by worry and anxiety. She walks in with joy and confidence, ready to soak up every bit of learning and dream about her future.
And her dreams? They’re getting bigger every day.
Adneika loves to sing, and her energy is contagious. Once shy and reserved in class, Adneika is now active in our Girls’ Scholar Program and after-school book club. She proudly raises her hand, shares her thoughts, and shines as a role model for others.
“I want to be a flight attendant, a doctor, or even a business manager one day”.
We believe that Adneika will thrive in any profession she pursues.
The Girls’ Scholar Program is all about helping young girls stay in school, believe in themselves, and dare to dream beyond the limits they once saw. Adneika is living proof of the program’s immense positive impact.
If you are curious to learn more about Adneika’s story, watch her full interview below!
Marie Rose: Reclaiming a Long-Lost Dream
As a young girl, Marie Rose Duperval longed to go to school. But, like many girls in her community, she was taught that learning to cook and clean is more important than learning to read or write. So, she had to put dreams aside.
That was, until three years ago, when Marie Rose was introduced to Jou Nouvo’s Adult Literacy Program. Because of it, she never looked back.
Currently, Marie Rose is in her third year of classes. She reads, she writes, and she sings from her church choir book with pride. Next year, she’ll graduate – a milestone she once believed she’d never reach.
But Marie Rose is not stopping there.
Her next goal? Enroll in Jou Nouvo’s Cooking Class to gain the skills she needs to open her very own restaurant.
The Adult Literacy Program offers more than just language skills – it gives people a second chance at life: A second chance to dream, to lead, and to inspire their families.
Marie Rose reminds us all: it’s never too late to begin again.
Mercius: Dreaming in Numbers
At just 16-years-old, Mercius Woodchell already knows exactly what he wants to do – become a mechanic and build a future with his hands.
Before joining Jou Nouvo’s Child Sponsorship Program, school was an uncertainty for Mercius. His family could not afford school tuition, so Mercius spent many days at home with his mom and brothers.
That changed when the Wollam family stepped in.
Now enrolled at Institution Mixte Apocalypse School, Mercius is thriving. He’s soaking in every opportunity: taking IT and English classes, joining tutoring sessions, and discovering a passion for math.
Mercius especially loves Creole Language Day — a celebration filled with games, laughter, and stories about Haitian culture. He has a deep connection to his heritage and is known for his humility and gratitude.
“I want to give back... Someone believed in me, and I want to help others too.”
That’s the power of opportunity at just the right moment.
If you are curious to learn more about Mercius’ story, watch his full interview.
Rosemary & Deborah: A Mother’s Sacrifice, A Daughter’s Rise
If you’ve followed Jou Nouvo for a while, you may already know Rosemary Bigot – a street vendor and one of our earliest members. She joined our Business Microloan Program to grow her market stand and provide for her children.
But the story became even more meaningful when her daughter, Deborah Deshommes, joined the Jou Nouvo family too.
Prior to receiving a scholarship, Deborah’s future was uncertain. But everything changed once she finally got accepted into the Child Sponsorship program.
For Rosemary, it meant a weight was lifted.
For Deborah, it meant a door had opened.
Today, Deborah is doing well in school. She’s thinking critically about her future, becoming more self-assured, and growing into a young woman full of promise.
Currently, she is studying Dentistry at the University of Aristide, one of the top universities in Haiti — a true testament to her perseverance and the support she received.
“Jou Nouvo is doing essential work in our community, helping youth access education that many parents simply can’t afford. I’m proud to be part of this mission and would love to continue contributing however I can."
This is what hope looks like. A mother’s hard work met by her daughter’s determination, both supported by a community that believes in them.
Want to learn more about Rosemary’s perspective and Deborah’s full story? Check out the video below to get started!
This Is What YOU Make Possible
From Adneika’s classroom courage to Marie Rose’ reclaimed dream to Mercius’s spark for mechanics to Deborah’s rising confidence – these stories are the heart of “A New Day.”
Every name represents someone who is stepping into possibility.
This is a reminder of what your support does every single day. It’s not just about tuition, literacy, or microloans. It’s about dignity, belief, and the chance to say, “I can.”
In a country where 90% of schools require monthly tuition, your support through child sponsorship changes everything. It builds confidence, defeats illiteracy, and creates pathways full of purpose.
So, thank you. Thank you to our donors, our partners, and most importantly, to our students and participants who trust with their dreams.
Because every day at Jou Nouvo truly is a new day.
Want to be part of someone’s story?
Sponsor a child. Support a mother. Reignite a dream.
Visit www.jounouvo.org/donate or reach out to learn more about how you can help build brighter futures – one story at a time.
