On August 25th the Rinaldi Foundation celebrated the graduation of the second cohort of students in the short-term vocational training program at CDAM in Les Cayes. Established as a means to support the communities in the south of Haiti in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew, the new class of 148 young men and women received six free months of training in masonry, electricity, metal-working, hospitality, and carpentry.
However, the Rinaldi Foundation’s efforts did not stop there. In order to ensure the success of the students in their course work, free psychological and health services were also provided, and a daily hot meal was always available. In addition, all the students received a toolkit related to their disciplines to aid them in their future endeavors.
During the graduation ceremony Father Victor Auguste, the Assistant Director of the Rinaldi Foundation, exhorted the graduates to reflect well on the decisions that they must make in the weeks and years to come. He reminded them that they are now technicians and that they have the means to earn a living with dignity. They are now different because they have learned a trade. “Be robust for the challenges ahead,” he encouraged them. “And remember that CDAM is now your alma mater.” Representatives were also present from local civic and religious organizations, including from Mairie des Cayes and the local church.
It is hoped that the training that these young men and women received will now function as a foundation for future studies or a means to enter into the job market. We also hope that the experience has been a reminder that there is always hope, even after destruction.
