You can help us transform a life

Progressio has been helping bring change to the lives of poor people for over 70 years. We believe in helping people find the power to improve their own lives – now and in the future. That’s why our work in Haiti looks beyond the clean-up operation and aims to build a brighter and better future for the Haitian people. People like Rosa.

Rosa is a 19 year old girl who has transformed her life thanks to regular support from people like you.

When we met  Rosa nearly two years ago she was denied freedom of movement, access to higher education and was not allowed to work because she had no birth certificate, no ID card and, according to the state, was considered to be ‘in transit’.

Since then Rosa has spent the past few years working as a volunteer in Jimani, on the border of Haiti and Dominican Republic, supporting the radio station Voces de la Frontera with Progressio partner, Jesuit Migrant Service (JMS).

Through the support of JMS Rosa has not only helped to bring change to the lives of others, she has also transformed her own. She was granted an ID card and has since achieved a diploma in journalism, a dream which two years ago she did not think possible.

Without the help of Progressio supporters we would not have been able to help Rosa transform her future.

By working alongside Progressio development worker Vita Randazzo, Rosa improved her communication skills, learnt how to put together news stories and developed the confidence to speak out for what she believes. She learnt about the importance of broadcasting and what a powerful tool it can be.

Rosa said: “I think it's important for me to help ensure the news about Haiti is heard at the border because here in Jimaní, Dominican and Haitian people think that nobody wants to support Haiti. Most of the people of Haiti want a better life. I myself have been a beneficiary of this aid because now I have my Haitian passport and residence visa through support of the Jesuit Migrant Service.”

Through the support of Progressio Rosa now has already achieved so much but she isn't stopping there, she now has her sights on becoming a lawyer so she can continue to speak out for Haitian and Dominican communities.

Rosa said: “I now know my human rights, I defend myself, I know who I am and who I support: my people, both in Haiti and the Dominican Republic.”

You can help other people like Rosa by giving a regular gift to Progressio. With your support we can help build a brighter future for many more people facing injustice.

Photo: Rosa back at school – a step towards her dream of becoming a lawyer.