Don’t be afraid to speak up for yourself. Keep fighting for your dreams! – Gabby Douglas
I want to introduce you to my friend Sarah. Sarah is quiet and kind. Her eyes say she has lived through more than most twelve year olds you have probably met. Every time I see her, I can’t help but smile at how she is always full of hope, joy, and eager to learn.
Even though Sarah has had many disadvantages in life, she works hard. She is grateful for what she has and does not take advantage of it. She has goals that she may not have had if she hadn’t been given the chance to dream.
Recently, Sarah shared with me a dream for her future: she wants to be an agronomist when she grows up. That is a male-dominated profession here in Haiti, as education is so expensive while most have very little income. That is one of the reasons we started our Agronomy Student Initiative – to help aspiring agronomists receive the education they need to make a better life and wage.
Photos by Jessica Eileen Drogosz
The education sector of Harvest107 is one that I enjoy the most. I love going to each partner site and seeing the progress. Walking up on to the roof at Wings of Refuge, seeing the microfarm, then turning to see my class – that is one of my favorite things. Sometimes I can’t believe that I get to teach others something that can sustain themselves and their families for many years to come. I am truly grateful for this opportunity.
At twelve, Sarah is too young to go to agronomy school, but not too young to learn. I feel honored that I have the chance to help support Sarah’s dream. I believe that because she is a girl, because she has faced challenges in life, and because she has encouragement around her now that she can and will achieve her dreams. I know that Sarah will do great things in this world, and I can’t wait to watch her.