Impact Report - October 2025
- Keith Cobell
- Nov 12
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 13
October was a milestone month for Extollo International—a time of growth, excellence, and renewed purpose. From launching our very first Welding Level 1 class in Cap-Haitien to hosting our Board of Directors in Haiti, every success reflected the power of partnership and the shared belief that Haitians can and should lead their nation’s rebuilding through skill, character, and opportunity.
At the heart of every achievement this month were the seven Character Traits that shape all we do at Extollo: teamwork, responsibility, integrity, excellence, discipline, initiative, and respect. These traits aren’t just ideals—they’re lived out daily in classrooms, workshops, construction sites, and offices across Haiti and the U.S.
Welding Program Launch - A Spark of Excellence
This month marked the official launch of our Welding Level 1 class at the Kay Anj Training Center in Cap-Haïtien—an extraordinary milestone in Extollo’s journey.
With new partition walls, ventilation systems, and eight fully equipped welding stations, the facility was built to reflect excellence and safety from the start. The class kicked off on October 20th with a full roster of students—all of whom passed, with 90% earning scores above 80%!
Behind these results was incredible teamwork—from our Haitian staff who designed and built the new training space, to supporters like you who made it all possible. This first class represents the future of Extollo’s trade training model: world-class instruction grounded in character and fueled by purpose.
Practicum & Sustainability - Learning by Doing
October also expanded hands-on learning opportunities for graduates through practicums in masonry and horticulture, built around the Character Trait of responsibility—learning not only a trade but how to apply it in service to others.
In partnership with Holistic Haitian Alliance, masonry graduates learned to build CMU block composters with reinforced concrete and rebar foundations. The project strengthens both technical skills and community impact, as students use their training to support sustainable agriculture.
Meanwhile, a soil class taught by Extollo volunteer Michael Elola helped connect sustainable horticulture with construction—laying the groundwork for future collaborations that model initiative and long-term stewardship.
Alumni Impact - Skills That Build Futures
Extollo’s commitment to integrity and respect shines brightest when we see graduates using their training to make a difference.
This month, electrical alumni Elio and Roudelin put their new tool kits to work installing lights and a ceiling fan for the nonprofit Welcome Home Haiti. Their story is one of empowerment and dignity—demonstrating how technical training leads to real work, income, and confidence.
Strengthening Construction & Safety
The Construction Team focused on building a culture of discipline and excellence. Morning meetings now emphasize forward planning, safety, and problem-solving—ensuring that every worker understands not only how to do the job, but why it matters.
From introducing new safety protocols and emergency plans to mentoring team members in professional best practices, the Construction Department is setting a new standard of leadership and accountability. As Construction Team Lead Shane Balch shared, “It’s a privilege to teach what I’ve learned over 32 years of concrete work. Every day in Haiti, I see people hungry to learn and ready to grow.”
Building Relationships & Expanding Opportunity
In late October, we had the joy of welcoming Extollo’s Board of Directors to Haiti for a week of site visits and partnership meetings in Cap-Haïtien. This was a beautiful picture of teamwork and respect across borders—Haitian and American leaders learning side-by-side, listening deeply, and building vision together.
Highlights from the trip included meetings with:
The Haitian National Police, to discuss safety in the North region;
The State University of Haiti - Limonade, exploring ways to integrate Extollo’s hands-on training with university-level engineering studies; and
New Roots Haiti, a social enterprise building sustainable local businesses—including solar power and agriculture initiatives that align closely with Extollo’s mission.
The week culminated in a tour of Extollo’s new Champin property, where groundwork is underway to connect power and prepare for construction. This site represents our next phase of growth—a campus that will expand both trade training and housing development in the years ahead.
Operations & Administration - Quiet Heroes Behind the Scenes
Behind every milestone are the dedicated administrative teams in both Haiti and the U.S. Their responsibility and integrity keep everything running smoothly—from logistics and payroll to shipments, travel, and communications.
In Haiti, we welcomed new team members including Wendy (Administrative Assistant) and Shemyline (Office Administrative Assistant), both of whom bring fresh energy and a commitment to excellence. In the U.S., staff managed complex export documentation, coordinated travel, improved accounting systems, and strengthened donor communications—all essential to Extollo’s mission and growth.
Fundraising & Communications - Sharing the Story
October’s communications efforts reflected Extollo’s initiative to share what God is doing through your support. From launching the Year-End Campaign to producing new videos, event materials, and donor touchpoints, every piece was designed to inspire generosity and connection.
Our team also represented Extollo at the Transitioning Haitian Youth Coalition Conference in Indianapolis, IN, building partnerships and sharing our heart for equipping young adults with dignity through training and work.
Looking Ahead
As 2025 draws to a close, Extollo stands on the threshold of exciting new growth—expanding trade classes, developing the Champin campus, and preparing for innovative construction projects that generate local revenue and employment.
In all of this, we remain anchored in the seven Character Traits that define us: teamwork, responsibility, integrity, excellence, discipline, initiative, and respect. These values aren’t just words on a wall—they are the foundation of transformation.
We invite you to lean in even deeper:
Share Extollo’s story with your friends and family.
Pray for wisdom, safety, and continued impact for our Haitian team.
Visit Haiti with us one day, and see firsthand how your support is building lives, character, and opportunity.
Together, we’re not just building structures—we’re building people, and through them, a stronger Haiti.
Join the Crew
The vast majority of our students are unable to afford Extollo's high-quality vocational training. As a community of advocates, CREW members provide 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 monthly budget, CREW members commit to covering the remaining cost of the student's education through scholarships. We're looking for more people to join the crew so that we can increase our impact in Haiti.
