Making it possible for a young Haitian to obtain a 4-year degree in nursing seems one of the very best ways to ensure Haiti’s future.
Jacqueline Novogratz, founder of the Acumen Fund, said,
"When people get healthier they also get wealthier."
Consider what an educated Haitian nurse can accomplish in his or her life in terms of education, prevention, immunization, and treatment. As a Student Sponsor you’re becoming part of a sustainable, long-term effort for Haiti.
Sponsoring a student at the FSIL nursing school is a rewarding commitment! It is a chance to lend moral and financial support to a young Haitian whose life will be changed by this opportunity. In turn, as graduates of FSIL, these young professionals will have an immeasurable impact on their country.
A Student Sponsor can be an individual, a church or organization, or any group of people committed to Haiti. Sponsors are usually assigned a first year nursing student. Haiti Nursing Foundation (HNF) provides photos and a letter about twice a year during your student’s four-year program. Sponsored students are actually representative FSIL students – nearly all of whom require financial aid. This means that if “your” student should leave FSIL for any reason, your donations will help support another worthy recipient.
You may visit our website at www.haitinursing.org to read letters and view short video clips from FSIL students. They are inspiring!With financial support of $3,000 or more annually, you are your student’s sole sponsor.
With support of $1,500 to $2,999 annually, you may be sharing support of your student.
Tuition at FSIL is $1,375 per year; room and board is $1,100. Books, uniforms, supplies, and travel to clinical sites bring the total cost to educate one student to $3,000. Of course it is entirely up to you or your organization whether you continue support for all four years.
FSIL students are expected to contribute regularly toward the cost of their education. This helps to ensure their commitment; satisfying that responsibility gives them ownership and empowerment. FSIL students who receive financial aid sign an agreement to work in Haiti as a nurse for at least two years after graduation, or repay FSIL $10,000 U.S. so that another student will have the same opportunity. At the completion of two years’ service they receive their official diploma.
You can imagine it's time consuming for FSIL staff to get photos and writing from sponsored students to send to the U.S. It's also a considerable project for HNF to process information from 50 sponsored students and send their photos, writing, etc., to donors at least twice a year. This is why we limit this program to donors funding most or all of a student’s support ($1,500-$3,000/year).
How to Send Your Contributions
Donations to Haiti Nursing Foundation for your student can be made annually, quarterly, or monthly – by check, credit card, or online through PayPal. If you or your organization can provide only partial support this is still a great help. We hope that you will become captivated by these young people and find a way to increase your gift over time.
As a Student Sponsor, your name will appear on a donor plaque in the entry hall of the FSIL School of Nursing in Léogâne, Haïti. You will also receive an invitation to FSIL graduations.
How this Program Works
The operating funds that Haiti Nursing Foundation sends to FSIL are used at the administration’s discretion, with oversight from the Governing Board. Students receive aid as needed. This means that your actual gift may be used in no direct way for your particular student. However, every dollar you donate to HNF as a Sponsor is sent to FSIL to support a student who wouldn’t otherwise be able to attend.
If your student should leave FSIL you’ll be given another student's name and photos.* We realize this can be disappointing if you or your organization have developed a bond with your student. Please remember that there is attrition in U.S. nursing schools – it’s a rigorous program. The attrition rate is even higher in Haiti where there are more obstacles to completing a 4-year degree. Of course you have the choice to discontinue your support at any time.
*This is true even if you know your student personally. IRS guidelines prohibit U.S. citizens from receiving a tax exemption for funds directed to a particular person in another country. Likewise, HNF cannot accept funds that have a stipulated foreign recipient.
Contact with a Sponsored Student
You may decide to correspond with your student. If so, you’re sure to find it an illuminating and heartwarming experience. For the students, it’s a way to practice their English, and lets them know someone is interested in them and their education. Remember that most students will not be proficient writing in English – at least until their junior or senior year.
Correspondence must follow guidelines established by the Governing Board of the FSIL School of Nursing in their Policy on Donor-Student Relationships. Please refer to this policy in the matter of gifts as well. It’s important to follow these guidelines.
Because mail service to Haiti is so unreliable, any letters should be mailed to your student c/o Haiti Nursing Foundation at our P.O. Box. These will be hand delivered by Dean Alcindor or board members when they travel to Haiti, so there could be quite a delay.
Enlisting Support for an FSIL Student
Would you like some brochures and our most recent Annual Report, or other materials to share with your church or organization? Are there other individuals who might join you in supporting a Haitian nursing student? We can email a PowerPoint presentation for your use, and will soon have a DVD to share. It may even be possible for an HNF representative to visit your area and give a presentation.
Thank you for your committment to nursing education in Haiti!
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