For one nonprofit in Haiti, serving the youth is just as much about boosting their sense of value as it is boosting their literacy rate.

“The organization focuses on the importance of self-awareness, self-worth, self-esteem and self-improvement through seminars and training,” said Betty Aristide, founder of EdeYouth. EdeYouth is a nonprofit provides a variety of programs to promote self-improvement among young adults. In addition to vocational programs, EdeYouth provides basic English and literacy classes and counseling. “The idea is to provide the youth with a skill to survive and to teach them self-value.”

On May 31 the organization hosted their first annual EdeYouth Gala at Jamaica Arts Center to celebrate graduates of their vocational Culinary, Sewing & Art Decoration training programs. Sponsored by Amour Creole, Berraca Baptiste Church, Community2Community, Focus Media and Matovasi, proceeds from the gala will go to purchasing cap and gowns, printing diplomas.

“The value of giving back is to teach, and that is what EY is doing in Haiti,” Aristide said. “Many of our young men and women have been exploited in Haiti for years. Many are prostituting themselves with local men, women, government authorities and tourists for the next plate of food, personal hygiene items, tuition payment, or to even feed their old-age parents.

“Teaching our youth how to function independently is important to building their self-esteem, which will create confident and successful adults that will create a better Haiti.”

Aristide hopes to raise $5,000 from the gala. EY is leaving in June for their first graduation class on June 15. “The youth depend on our donors to help make their dreams a reality,” she said.

For more information visit EdeYouth.

For those who’d like to donate, click here.

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