Haiti Update - May 21, 2025
Standing with Haiti in Uncertain Times
Haiti continues to grow more and more unstable by the day. Political instability, gang violence, and economic disruption continue to affect daily life nationwide. Violence is on the doorsteps of our schools in what is a new chapter of operations for our ministry. Fear and panic are taking their toll on the communities that we serve. These challenges have impacted our school operations, but they have not stopped our mission.
Our schools remain open amidst the chaos. Attendance peaked at 92% on May 16th after school closed for three weeks in April, but instability continues to wreak havoc in our region as rumors of gang advancement spread like wildfire and caused a new wave of panic and retreat on May 19th. Attendance fluctuates based on the circumstances of the moment, but our staff remains steadfast and diligent in their work.
Our goal is to finish the current school year at each of our campuses by June 24th, then shift to providing discipleship and food services for the summer. We’re working closely with families during this time to provide support, share encouragement, and build trust. In moments like these, we believe clear communication and prayerful partnership with parents are more important than ever.
We are also planning for ministry disruptions for the next school year, but remain hopeful that we’ll be able to operate our current campuses. Our Stateside Leaders and Haitian Executive Team are working diligently to develop alternative plans for remote locations if needed. We are committed to upholding a high standard of care and excellence for our staff and students by providing high-quality academic instruction, nutritious meals, and spiritual formation, no matter what school looks like next year.
How You Can Help
Pray for peace, safety, and wisdom for our staff and leadership teams
Share this update with others who care about the future of Haiti
Support our General Fund so we’re ready to respond to urgent needs
We remain hopeful. We remain focused on our mission. And we are deeply grateful for your support during this time. We promise to inform you of our progress and decisions every step of the way.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18
Haiti Update - April 23, 2025
Class Is Back in Session in Haiti!
We’re thrilled to share that our students and teachers are back together on campus in Haiti! After weeks of uncertainty and fear, the return to school feels like a small miracle.
Recently, a nearby city fell under gang control, causing widespread fear and forcing nearly 50,000 people to flee their homes. In the midst of this unrest, we’ve been reminded just how vital safe, stable communities are—especially for children.
Haiti is still facing a severe humanitarian crisis. Clean drinking water is scarce. Schools across the country are shut down. Movement is limited. Children are going hungry, and in some heartbreaking cases, the promise of one meal is enough to lure them into gang life. Even gang members are acknowledging the desperate need for food among children.
In this darkness, we remain committed to being a light. We believe now more than ever in the power of leading these children, feeding them, and teaching them about the love of God.
We are taking every precaution as we reopen our campus, working closely with families and teachers to do what’s best for our students. This is just the beginning of the road ahead, and we’ll continue to share updates as things unfold.
Please keep Haiti in your prayers—this fight is far from over.
If you feel led to help, consider donating to our Taste and See Campaign. Your gift helps provide meals, safety, and hope in a place that desperately needs it.
We’re praying boldly and trusting God with every step.
Haiti Update - April 9, 2025
Haiti update - April 4, 2025
Learn more about what’s happening in Haiti. The encouragement form is below—take a moment to send hope to our team and community.
Haiti is currently facing significant unrest, with gangs threatening to take control of a city just 25 minutes from one of our school campuses and ongoing conflict affecting communities across the country. Our hearts are heavy as we witness the struggles the Haitian people, including our teachers and students, are enduring. We want to update you on how this situation is impacting our work and the students and families we serve.
At this time, 11 of our staff members have fled the city that is under attack and have sought refuge with friends, family, and in our guest house. They have had to flee the city due to the violence–houses are being set on fire, gang members and local police are in active shootouts, a hospital is under siege, and a prison has been overtaken, setting over 500 inmates free. These are our people. Our team is being directly affected by the violence at a new level.
The sleepy, rural community we’ve served and worked in for more than a decade is no longer sleepy and safe. A monster is in the closet, and we’re hoping it doesn’t break through the barrier of this nearby city any time soon.
Despite these challenging circumstances, we remain committed to supporting the Haitian community and leading our organization forward through this tumultuous moment in time. We continue to work closely with our staff to carry out our mission of providing education, support, and hope to students in Haiti. While operations have been affected and school has had to close since Tuesday, April 1st, we remain adaptable and focused on addressing the physical and spiritual needs of our students. We are also in close contact with students’ families, providing them with safety information and guidance during this time.
Our Board of Directors, Haitian Leadership Team, and Stateside Staff are actively engaged, and our team is working tirelessly to navigate the ups and downs of the moment we are in. For the time being, we’re taking things day-by-day. We’re hopeful that school can reopen next week, but we’re not sure if it will be possible yet.
Our number one priority is to honor God with our call to serve students who lack access to education and the Gospel. We’re willing to adapt our methods to meet the moment head-on and embody the gracious, generous, extravagant love of Jesus to the best of our ability, according to the opportunities at hand. We will remain relentlessly committed to providing holistic care, love, and support to our staff and students, no matter the cost. For the time being, we don’t know what that looks like beyond working to stay connected, offering encouragement to our team, and providing support to families in need. As new opportunities arise and initiatives develop, we promise to keep you informed.
Your support means more than ever as we navigate these challenges. We are deeply grateful for your generosity and for standing with us during this difficult time. Rest assured that your contributions are making a meaningful impact and offering stability to those who need it most.
Please join us in praying for our students and staff. We have shared a few photos below to help you connect to the real people who make up our staff and student body. We are also sharing an opportunity for you to reach out to your local representatives to appeal for intervention.
If you have any questions or would like more details on how the current situation is affecting our operations, please do not hesitate to reach out. Thank you again for your continued partnership and commitment to the work we are doing in Haiti.
Together,
Curtis Stout (Executive Director) and the One 17 International Board Executive Committee
Video Update from our Executive Director
Send a Message of Encouragement
In the midst of fear and uncertainty, your words can bring hope. Our students, staff, and community in Haiti are facing incredible challenges and knowing that others care makes a real difference.
Use the form below to share a short note of encouragement, a prayer, or a message of support. We’ll make sure your words are delivered to our team and community.
Let them know they are seen, loved, and not alone.
Pray for haiti
Please join us in prayer for our students, staff, and the entire community. A full prayer guide will be released soon, but here are a few ways you can start praying today:
For protection and provision for students, staff, and families
For peace to cover the region, and for justice to rise against violent criminals and corrupt leadership
For wisdom and strength for our team on the ground as they respond with courage and care