Impact Report - April 2025
- Renee
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 4 hours ago
April Update: Building Character, Building Haiti!
April marked a month of significant progress and inspiring dedication at Extollo, as we continue to expand our impact in Haiti! From the successful launch of our first training program in the north, showcasing our commitment to excellence, to the diligent advancement of construction on our new Cap-Haitian campus, your support is fostering not just skills, but also strong character in the lives of Haitians. Here’s a glimpse into how your generosity helped us cultivate excellence, discipline, integrity, responsibility, initiative, teamwork, and respect this past month:
Trade School Takes Root in Northern Haiti
This achievement was a testament to remarkable teamwork and a shared commitment to excellence. The final weeks leading up to the launch were a whirlwind of activity, demanding discipline and meticulous attention to detail. Our team, demonstrating initiative, diligently updated training materials with new content and videos, finalized redesigned training posters, and even built practical learning tools like sand screens and a rebar tying prop. We also ensured all necessary tools and materials were inventoried and ready for our eager new students, who were carefully screened and registered.
Each morning begins with devotions and a time of prayer. Extollo's seven character traits are also woven throughout the curriculum and the campus environment.
The successful launch of this northern training site underscored the integrity and unwavering commitment of our staff. Crucially, the reliable electricity essential for this new venture would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of Extollo staff members Ken Waterhouse and Jonathan Dagrin. Their countless trips for supplies and extensive wiring work, undertaken with remarkable discipline and a deep sense of responsibility, ensured our new 60KW generator is ready to power the learning and aspirations of our students.
Their initiative in overcoming logistical challenges exemplifies the Extollo spirit. Thanks to the incredible dedication of our entire team, extending into weekend work, the launch of our masonry class in northern Haiti was a resounding success, a clear demonstration of teamwork achieving excellence.
Construction Updates: Continued Care in Bercy
Bercy Campus Restoration:
While our focus has expanded to the north, we remain committed to maintaining and restoring our Bercy campus. We are relieved to report that the security situation in Bercy remains stable, thanks to the continued vigilance and integrity of our dedicated security team.
Under the guidance of Vladimyr on-site and Jeff Ballard, remotely, we undertook a comprehensive servicing of the entire water system. This included flushing and cleaning the water tanks, servicing the filtration system, and replacing damaged filter boxes at the training center.
With Extollo General Manager, Junior’s oversight and Vladimyr’s direction, the team also made significant progress cleaning up the offices and staff houses, repairing the damage inflicted earlier this year. This effort reflects their initiative in restoring order and their respect for the Extollo facilities.
Looking ahead, following Jeff’s recommendation, the team has begun fabricating 25 security windows using robust ⅝ inch rebar. A sample has been completed, and we are awaiting the go-ahead to cut the materials for the full fabrication.
Building our Future: Development & Fundraising
Thank you!
Our April campaign to launch the Cap-Haitian Scholarship Fund generated significant support! Thanks to our generous participants and matching funds, we raised just over $21,000 to support future students in Cap-Haitian!
Introducing...
Adding to our excitement, this month we welcomed Clenson Pierre as our new Trade School Manager! His impressive background as a civil engineering graduate with a passion for empowering youth makes him a valuable addition to our team. Clenson actually began his Extollo journey as a masonry student himself, experiencing our training firsthand.
Every step taken at Extollo, from preparing training materials to repairing infrastructure, is infused with our core values. None of the incredible progress we made in April would have been possible without your unwavering support. Thank you for partnering with us in fostering not only vital construction skills but also the essential character traits that empower individuals and strengthen communities in Haiti. You are an essential part of the Extollo family!
Join the Crew!
You can play an integral part of a student's journey to success! The vast majority of our students are unable to afford Extollo's high-quality vocational training. As a community of advocates, CREW members provide monthly financial support to ambitious men and women who are elevating their careers, their families, and their communities.
Each student at Extollo is required to pay a portion of their course fee. Based on an amount that fits their budget, CREW members commit to recurring monthly donations to help cover the cost of tuition. We're looking for more people to join the crew so that we can increase our impact in Haiti. Many hands make light work!