LIVING HOPE MINISTRIES:
PARTNER WITH TRADE SCHOOL CLASSROOM

 LHM’s mission statement is: To train up a generation of young men and women to change their families, communities, and nation with the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Word and Action. 

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We believe that part of this mission is to instill hope and a better future by giving people skills in a trade that enables them to become productive members of their communities and the ability to provide for themselves and their families. The LHM Trade School was founded over 15 years ago to help take people out of poverty by giving them an education beyond the academics that would also give them practical skills to bring change and success. We also believe that this is a testimony to God’s love and concern for His people in Haiti and a very practical way to model Christ’s love in all of our day-to-day lives. 

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Living Hope Ministries in Haiti (LHM) has been many ministries over the years since its inception in 1994. It humbly began as a Boys Home where young and teenage street boys had a place to grow and be loved. This calling then evolved into a primary school that grew quickly. Along the way, Living Hope added a preschool program for 3–5 year-olds. 

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As LHM grew in primary school attendance, Mary Jane and Andris saw the need to add some vocational training for the older students. Daily trade school classes were added for the older students to attend after their traditional education classes were over. Many 6th grade graduates have come back to Living Hope to continue their vocational training in multiple disciplines. Programs are offered in Business, Cooking, Welding, Sewing & Tailoring, Embroidery, and Music. Living Hope also offers these trade school classes to the adults from the community as well, creating the need to add extra classes. Also, since LHM is licensed and recognized by the government for their educational programs and trade schools, many attend to receive their governmental licensure and diploma in advanced vocational trades. 

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The COVID pandemic and the political unrest have changed the demographic make-up of the school because some families with children have moved to safer places in the countryside. Other primary schools have also opened in the community surrounding LHM. This has had the effect of lowering the primary school and preschool enrollment. But the LHM trade schools have continued to grow. Just last year, the trade school began to offer more classes per day to accommodate the increased adult enrollment. 

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Many LHM supporters participate in the Primary School Sponsorship Program. LHM has also introduced a Trade School Partnership Program. Now, with the increase in trade school enrollment, LHM would like to expand the trade school partnership program and invite more involvement. 

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The trade school partnership program differs slightly from the primary school sponsorship program in that a partnership involves supporting a trade school class instead of individual students. As a partner, you will be helping by funding the materials the trade school students use as they become skilled at their professions. For instance, the baking and cooking classes need all the ingredients to prepare the recipes. The welding classes need gasoline for the welder generator, and iron and steel to practice their skills. All the trade schools need various materials and equipment to function. 

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So, LHM would like to enhance the trade school partnership to allow for various levels of support:

     

     - Community level: $20/month, or $240/year

     - Builder level: $50/month, or $600/year

     - Entrepreneur level: $100/month, or $1200/year 

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