From the Field to the Future: Celebrating 15 Years of GOALS Haiti - Rooted in Community
GOALS Haiti marked a milestone that fills us with gratitude and reminds us just how far we’ve come, together. 15 years of showing up, believing in young people, and building hope.
To honor this anniversary, our staff held community meetings in each of our program sites, gathering with parents, community members, and local leaders. These meetings were not only a celebration of what we’ve accomplished together, they were also a chance to share progress, listen deeply, and dream forward.
In a time when Haiti continues to face immense challenges, these gatherings reminded us of something powerful: GOALS Haiti is not just an organization operating in a community, GOALS is part of the community.
From the beginning, GOALS has been built on relationships, trust earned over time, and a shared commitment to children’s growth. These meetings reflected that spirit. Parents came to speak honestly, to celebrate, to express gratitude, and to remind us why this work matters.
In Bossan, one mother spoke about the changes she has seen in her daughter since joining GOALS:
“My daughter has truly changed; she’s no longer the same as she used to be. She used to come home late at night, but now she arrives early and thoughtfully shares, ‘Mom, the teacher told us not to come home late and explained the dangers of doing so.’ I am truly grateful for this positive impact.”
Her words captured what so many families have shared with us over the years: GOALS is helping children make healthy choices, build self-respect, and develop the confidence to lead their own lives.
Parents spoke not only about child development but also about the way GOALS strengthens the community around them.
“My son’s behavior has really changed since he joined the Leadership program. He now wakes up early and proudly declares that he is a leader and wants to help his community.”
When a child starts the day saying, “I am a leader,” that is the beginning of a new future.
Another mother in Carrefour Croix shared a message that felt like a blessing for this moment:
Coach RoseMirlande, a GOALS alum and now a coach, spoke with honesty and courage about the importance of guidance and protection for young people, especially girls growing up in rural communities with limited support:
“When I joined GOALS… I did not know how to take care of myself or how to protect myself. Thanks to GOALS, my character was shaped.”
Fifteen years ago, she was a participant. Today, she is helping lead others. That is the long-term change we believe in: young people becoming the mentors, educators, and role models their communities need.
GOALS Haiti began with a belief that sport could be a doorway to something bigger: education, health, leadership, safety, joy, and opportunity. Today, that belief has become a living reality across our communities.