Kervens is a bright young man. He has applied to the University of Heidelberg for a place at university. He writes about his motivation:
“For more than two years, Haiti has faced one of the worst political and economic crises, affecting life in all areas including schools. In addition, there was the Corona pandemic, which made the situation even worse. Despite everything, I was able to keep my motivation high and successfully complete the official exam (high school diploma) at the end of last year. “
Kervens (left) upon his arrival where he was met by Foundation Board member Joseph Ferdinand.
“Successful study in Germany is of great importance to me. The opportunity to learn the important concepts and methods of political economy and then to apply this acquired competence to the economic development of my home country drives me particularly.”
We think Haiti needs people with this idealism. However, we would rather support students there. The fact that we have nevertheless promised Kervens a scholarship has several reasons:
On the one hand, he actually managed to get not only a place to study in Heidelberg, but also funding for the language course he has to take before the Studienkolleg (which effectively leads to the Abitur exam for foreign students in Germany). The second hurdle was at least as high: the visa. But he managed that, too! The responsible consulate in the neighboring Dominican Republic showed a lot of empathy for a young person leaving his country for the first time. In addition, Kerven’s father was worried that his son would “slip” after graduating from high school, because there was no way for him to start studying there right away. Finding a job in Haiti is also next to impossible.
The situation in Haiti continues to be uncertain. Kervens told us with concern that he reads about murders every day in the news from the homeland. Even famous musicians are not safe since the president was assassinated. After his uncle promised us support, we decided to accompany him here on his way.
Part of Kervens’ family grew up with Our Little Sisters and Brothers in Haiti. So he is one of the “second tier” alumni and gives a nice example of how Father Wasson’s influence works into the other family members of the children who did not grow up under the umbrella of the organization.
