On a warm Saturday afternoon in March, we had the honor of sitting with the Hilaire family for an interview outside their home in Haiti. Jean-Marc Hilaire, a single father, and his young son, Juan Marco, are a part of the Stronger Together Program at Hands & Feet Project, which has been helping them since 2021. As we began our conversation, we could see the love, peace, and kindness that radiated from this close-knit family.
Jean-Marc shared that he is a teacher at a local primary school, but despite his hard work, he struggles financially to provide for his son. He couldn’t afford to send Juan Marco to school, which was a source of concern for him. However, since joining the Stronger Together Program, Jean-Marc expressed his gratitude for the educational support that Hands & Feet Project provides, which has greatly improved their quality of life.
Jean-Marc and Juan Marco beamed joyfully when asked about their favorite thing to do together as a family. They love going to the beach, building sandcastles, playing in the waves, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Their shared laughter and playful interactions showed the bond between father and son.
As we continued our conversation, Juan Marco eagerly shared how much he appreciated his father’s help with his lessons. His face lit up as he talked about learning new things and his aspirations of becoming a lawyer when he grows up. Jean-Marc expressed his pride in his son’s determination and eagerness to learn despite their challenges.
Jean-Marc’s eyes sparkled with hope when asked how he would help other families in Haiti if he had the resources. He spoke passionately about investing in children’s education, believing it to be the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and creating a brighter future for Haiti. The Hilaire family exuded resilience, love, and gratitude throughout the interview. They expressed their deep appreciation for Hands & Feet Project and the support they receive. Jean-Marc praised the organization for their commitment to helping vulnerable families and providing educational opportunities for children in need.
As our interview ended, we couldn’t help but be inspired by the Hilaire family’s story. Despite their challenges, they remain firm, united, and full of hope for a better future. Their unwavering love for each other and determination to overcome obstacles left us with a renewed sense of hope and admiration for the incredible work we get to be a part of at Hands & Feet Project.
