November marks an especially meaningful moment for GOALS Haiti: 15 years of advancing youth leadership, education, health, and community resilience through the power of football.
Anniversaries give us the chance to celebrate how far we’ve come but this year, they also remind us why we keep going.
Over the past weeks, our communities have faced the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa. Homes have been damaged, crops lost, and families stretched thin. And yet, in the midst of hardship, one thing has remained unshaken:
The solidarity of our GOALS family.
Coaches, parents, alumni, volunteers, and neighbors showed up for one another immediately, clearing fields, checking on families, helping to assemble food and hygiene kits, and keeping the children’s routines as stable as possible. It is this spirit of togetherness that has always defined GOALS Haiti.
No one captured that spirit more beautifully than Coach Robihno (a GOALS alum), who shared these words on our anniversary:
“Congratulations to GOALS Haiti for 15 years of service and dedication. GOALS has been serving with all its heart despite the crisis, insecurity, and daily challenges. They never give up. They are armed with courage, passion, and love for the community.”
“Through soccer, education, leadership, gender equality, recycling, and so many trainings, GOALS continues to transform children’s lives. GOALS is a cornerstone of the Léogâne community.”
Robihno himself is living proof of what GOALS Haiti makes possible. Once a participant and now a respected coach and youth mentor, he represents a generation of young leaders who grew up in our program and are now shaping their communities with compassion and strength.
As we celebrate 15 years, we do so with gratitude; for our staff on the ground, our supporters around the world, and the thousands of children whose courage inspires us every day.
And as we look ahead, our work is far from over. Hurricane Melissa left deep needs in its wake, and families are still recovering. We are continuing to provide emergency food support, hygiene kits, field and classroom repairs, and long-term mental health and stress-relief activities for children, because recovery takes time.
If you are able, we invite you to support our Hurricane Recovery Fund. Your gift ensures that children have a stable, nurturing environment during a time of uncertainty.
Fifteen years have shown us that when we stand together, we can reach further.
Thank you for believing in GOALS Haiti, for uplifting our youth, and for being part of this extraordinary community.
Here’s to the next 15 years - united, and filled with hope.