The last time I was in Cap-Haitien was 4 years ago. This does not seem too long ago, certainly not compared to the 16 years since I first left the country as an international student. While many things stayed the same, I was surprised to see the vast amount of change that had occurred in those short 4 years. Good and bad alike. For example, new rickshaws in the city facilitated transportation and mobility just as much as they contributed to the congestion on major roads.

**Professor Jean teaching grammar to 5th and 6th grade students**

This juxtaposition of positive and negative change was equally present in Ècole la Pépinière Emmanuel, CPP’s partner school in the city. The school has more students enrolled than the last time I was there, and there were improved bathroom conditions. Despite the recent flooding that engulfed the building, the school had resumed its bustling activities. However, it was striking to see them using some of the same books I had over 20 years ago — the same ones that older Haitians also recognize from their own studies. Despite the challenges of the school, teachers and students alike were excited about what each school day would bring. I conducted some short interviews with the teachers to introduce myself and my connection to CPP. During our chats, all 5 teachers expressed their desire to see the school move forward for the students’ sake. They had a great sense of pride in their work, not only because of their personal preference for teaching younger children but to perform the civic duty of improving the country by increasing students’ academic capacity. “Pou avni nou” — for our future. Professor Jean, in particular, loved to witness the moments of realization when his 5th and 6th-grade students finally understood a topic; those sought-after and satisfying “ah-ha” moments.

**Flood water retreating from the school’s entrance**

In the midst of the seemingly constant bad news from Haiti over the past few years, my visit to the school was much needed. It renewed my confidence in the work CPP is doing. While there, we purchased 120 notebooks for 40 students and textbooks for 20 students (in 3rd - 6th grade) so they could finish the academic year on a strong note as exams loomed ahead. Many came up to me lamenting how they never had a math book or a Français en Fête (a reading book) since the beginning of the year. They desperately wanted to learn. The students were particularly excited about the opening of the reading center, equipped with over 200 French reading books.

A few of the older students formed a party planning committee and organized a birthday party for me on my last day. Definitely, the best one I’ve had! It saddened me to leave after such a short visit; there seemed to be so much that needed to be done. Nonetheless, I appreciated the chance to interact with the students informally and as an alumna surrounded by joy, food, and traditional drums.