My name is Riclane, and my journey with Real Hope for Haiti (RHFH) began many years ago. When RHFH first arrived in Cazale in 1998, I had just given birth to my first child, a baby boy. Concerned about his health, I took him regularly to the clinic to make sure he stayed healthy. It was through these visits that I first got to know Madame Zach and others that worked at the mission. During one of my visits, the clinic staff congratulated me on my healthy baby and asked if he was my first child. They were so kind and supportive, and shortly after, they invited me to attend a seminar they were organizing on childcare and healthy living. I participated and was proud to receive a certificate at the end. Little did I know that this connection would open a door for me in the future.
When the mission decided to open a nutrition center, they started recruiting staff from the local community. I really needed a job, so I asked everyone I knew if they had an application form. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get my hands on one. But I didn’t give up. One day, as I was getting water in the courtyard where the nutrition center was being set up, I saw the director. I greeted her and politely asked if I could get an application. To my surprise, she kindly handed me one.
After submitting the form, I showed her the certificate I had earned from the seminar. She immediately remembered me. I was then called in for interviews, and then director informed me that I had been selected for the position.
On the day we were supposed to start, I was the only one available, so the work began with just me. The nutrition center started small, with only six children. I will always remember one of the first, Lorvenson, who suffered from sickle cell anemia. His pain was so intense that even the simplest movements seemed to cause him agony.
Since 2002, I have been working for RHFH, and I’ve never regretted my decision. I am incredibly grateful to be a part of an organization that saves the lives of so many children, and I feel honored to contribute to this life-changing mission every day.
