Anne Hastings, Vice President of the uFondwa USA Board of Directors, recently returned from an impactful visit to the University of Fondwa (UNIF), where she experienced firsthand the dedication of students, staff, and community members despite the nation’s ongoing challenges.
Following a Father Joseph Network retreat in Port-au-Prince, Hastings, joined by colleague Angela Galbreath, spent a week at UNIF. Their stay at the welcoming Convent of the Sisters of St. Antoine provided a heartwarming glimpse into the close-knit Fondwa community. It was a joy to see students gearing up for the academic year.
One moment from the trip especially stood out: during a walk between campuses, Hastings encountered a young boy who, as she mused with his mother, might one day attend UNIF to study business—a dream once unimaginable in that area of rural Haiti before the university was founded.
Hastings noted the deep collaboration among the four institutions founded by Father Joseph Philippe—UNIF, Fonkoze, the Sisters of St. Antoine, and the Peasant Association of Fondwa. Fonkoze supports UNIF with its banking needs, while students partner with the Sisters of St. Antoine in farming projects that produce fresh food for the university community. Welcome signs for Anne and Angela!
Anne Hastings and Ludsonde Lafontant at the University of Fondwa
Anne and Sister Melicia walking to one of the residences of the Sisters of St. Antoine of Fondwa
Anne and Rodrigue Constant, UNIF's Chief Operating Officer, sharing lunch of locally grown okra, plantains and tomatoes.
One of many delicious meals.
A cow grazing at sunrise in Fondwa, Haiti.
Angela and vet med student, Frantzcia, catching up about the upcoming academic year at UNIF.
The student lounge at the recently finished Veterinary Medicine campus awaiting students.
The coast about 30 minutes south of Fondwa seen from above.