Haiti Rising — “I Will Finish: Junise’s Story”

 At 18, Junise is just beginning 11th grade in northern Haiti — a journey that only 1 in 12 students ever complete. Each morning she walks past Second Mile Haiti’s Malnutrition and Maternity Centers, and the glow of solar lamps lighting her path. Alongside her father, a cane worker who never attended school, she is rewriting what’s possible for her family. In this episode, host and co-founder Amy Syres steps into Junise’s world to explore what persistence — and access — mean for Haiti’s next generation.

This podcast episode was created in conjunction with Second Mile Haiti's annual In Her Shoes Global 5K, an experience that allows friends of Second Mile Haiti, far and wide, to step into the shoes of the episode's featured heroine. 

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About Second Mile Haiti
 

Since 2013, Second Mile Haiti has walked alongside families in northern Haiti, removing barriers that keep children from thriving. From malnutrition treatment to maternal health care to small business opportunities, our work is rooted in dignity and designed to last.

To learn more — or to join us in making stories like Junise’s possible — visit secondmilehaiti.org

Second Mile Haiti is a 501c3 non-profit organization, EIN: 45-3643634.

Second Mile Haiti Canada is registered Canadian charity, BN: 756998944RR0001.

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Every day, more and more Haitians are being displaced from their homes in the capital of Port-au-Prince. Families are being forced to move further North, if not out of the country completely, to escape violence incited by gangs that still have control of Haiti's capital.

Those who haven't been displaced are still highly affected by the ongoing conflict in the South. Many healthcare workers have left the country, leaving those left behind with even fewer resources to care for themselves and their families. 

This is the story of Franchesca, a woman who made it to our Birth Center (primarily on foot) only hours before bringing her daughter into the world. You will learn how Second Mile Haiti still shows up for women and children in Haiti, despite the challenges. 

👉 Get more stories like Francesca's sent directly to your inbox by signing up for our newsletters!

Learn more about the ways that we help families in Haiti create sustainability for their lives by visiting our website.

Content warning: Maternal Mortality, Infant & Child Mortality, Discussion of pregnancy, labor, & birth

* Download, Subscribe, Rate & Review to support Haiti Rising: Tales from the Second Mile. *

This story is shared with the written permission of those involved. 

A young Haitian family takes charge of their future... or as much as one can during the current socio-political climate in Haiti. Gangs control the capital, the border between Haiti and the Dominican Republic remains closed due to disputes between the two countries, and every day residents of Haiti are applying for visas to leave Haiti, hoping to leave the danger and chaos behind. 

Meanwhile, there are young women like Paulette who have no one to send for them and are taking their chances in the northern city of Cap Haitien. 


Content warning: Infertility, Pregnancy, Labor & Birth, Maternal mortality


***Download, Subscribe, Rate & Review to support Haiti Rising: Tales from the Second Mile!***

This story is shared with the written permission of those involved.