MORE THAN A UNIFORM
// New Missions
At the age of eight, Merline has the unique opportunity to attend school in Haiti. In her country, 2.5 million children are estimated to have never entered a classroom. She is extremely fortunate. Her early morning routine begins with a bath, a snack of some fruit and putting on her school uniform.
Merline walks half a mile to school and is accompanied by her friends and classmates. Stories are told about the noises they heard at night, or the games they played the day before—such as jacks, dominos and tag.
At our schools in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, our students wear uniforms. They are more than clothing for the day. Their uniforms are a symbol of hope, and they wear them proudly.
Getting ready for school fills the mind of each child with anticipation for a day full of new experiences.
Merline knows she is fortunate to have the opportunity to learn and grow at New Missions.
In addition to our students having their own uniform, each garment is handmade by seamstresses from their local villages. This provides employment and enriches the local economy. Each student is able to enjoy a custom-made uniform. They will often make ruffles and special additions to personalize their own look.
Each school uniform is made in the village by a seamstress—which provides employment and supports the local economy.
When Merline enters her second grade classroom at New Missions she is surrounded by her friends—also wearing their school uniforms. Together, they are on this journey of learning and growing. It’s more than a uniform. It’s a place called New Missions. It’s where love and hope come together to change lives. ~Tim DeTellis