March updates from UNIF!

2022 is off to a great start at the University of Fondwa (UNIF) as we continue to grow, improve our university, and strengthen possibilities for rural Haiti. January marked the beginning of construction on UNIF’s new Veterinary Medicine School campus. We broke ground the first week of January, and the newly-acquired land quickly transformed into a grand construction project. We are very grateful to our dedicated building team.

As the foundation is put in place, we can more clearly see our vision of providing a top-notch space and necessary resources for motivated students all over Haiti. This new space promises to bring new opportunities for our students, faculty, and university, and we could not be more excited to see it develop! As February drew to a close, the thrill over construction was coupled with anticipation for the Haitian holiday of Carnival (or “Kanaval” in Creole). As in many countries throughout the world, the significant cultural event takes place in the week leading up to Ash Wednesday. This highly-anticipated celebration boasts traditional Haitian costumes, parades, delicious food, music (local artists record unique songs each year, many with political commentary), and other activities enjoyed by children and adults alike. The photos below come from photographer Maxence Bradely and feature dancers from the Jacmel Gran Lakou Dance Troupe. For more photos exhibiting the beauty of Haiti, follow this link: https://www.instagram.com/maxencebradleys
Our students at UNIF received a week off of class to enjoy the events and recharge for the end of the semester. Previous years’ Carnival themes have included: “Haiti, on the road to change,” –a message UNIF and our students fully exemplify! 
This break, however, was short-lived for our students as they quickly hit the books in preparation for their finals week mid-March. Although these exams can be stressful for students, they are an opportunity for our faculty to ensure students are on the right track (and an opportunity for students to show off what they’ve learned!). With finals came the end of the first semester, but we look forward to our students’ return for next semester beginning soon. 

Remember, all this progress and higher education is continuing to move forward in the midst of many, many challenges in Haiti. That’s just how motivated we are. Thank you for your continued support for the work and students of UNIF. We consider you our partners, and hope you continue to support our work by donating via our website (below). Recurring donations are especially helpful.  Donate Now Your donation represents hope for the future of Haiti. 

Please, share our posts, share our mission, and share in our joy of grassroots rural development in Haiti!

With Gratitude, 

The University of Fondwa (UNIF) and uFondwa USA Family