For the first time in the history of Felician Mission: Haiti, a worldwide graduation ceremony took place via Zoom for the St. Clare Sewing School. From Poland, Sr. Mary Julitta Kurek led the opening prayer, while Sr. Mary Izajasza Rojek welcomed students to the ceremony in Jacmel, Haiti. Srs. Mary Alicia Adametz, Marilyn Marie Minter and Mary Inga Borko joined via Zoom from New Jersey and Florida to celebrate the achievements of nine students who progressed through all three levels of the sewing school curriculum, earning a graduation certificate for their accomplishment.
The program, created and overseen by Sr. Izzy, almost came to a halt when the Felician missionary sisters evacuated Haiti in October 2022 due to increased gang violence and political unrest. Rather than canceling the program, Sr. Izzy worked remotely with the Haitian teachers to continue school.
Former student Junior Dessin was placed in charge and assisted by Madam Immacule Tussant, Shelle-Dah Confident and Rosemary Charles. They facilitated the lessons in Jacmel, overseen by Sr. Izzy in Poland.
Sr. Izzy spoke to the students, complimenting their enthusiasm and commitment. “Despite many difficult times, God guided us,” she told them. “We cannot give up and get discouraged.”
Valuable Skills
Felician Mission: Haiti seeks to empower Haitian people, and Sr. Izzy reminded the graduates of the importance of using their education for the good of their country.
“It is very important that you share with others what you have received here. This is just the beginning of your journey. Now you can build the future.”
The eight women and one man who completed the third level course at St. Clare Sewing School gained skills that they can use to help their families or advance their careers. Their final projects demonstrated their competence in sewing uniforms, without which Haitian children cannot attend school.
With their foundational skills, sewing school graduates can continue to practice and build careers as seamstresses and seamsters. Those who choose to continue building and practicing their skills will be able to find employment and support themselves.
You can impact the lives of Haitian people.
