My name is Pierre Peterson, and I was born in Cité Soleil, in a small neighborhood called Ti Haïti, on April 15, 1998.
When I was just one year old, I was welcomed into NPH Haiti. From age 1 to 15, I grew up in Sainte-Hélène, Kenscoff — a place that, sadly, has now become a conflict zone. But for me, it will always be the home where I learned to read and write, where I felt safe, and where I was surrounded by love. I shared countless happy moments with my brothers and sisters at NPH.
After leaving Sainte-Hélène, I returned to Cité Soleil, where life was very different. Poverty and insecurity were constant, yet NPH continued to support me through the Vie Don Bosco program. Thanks to NPH, I was able to continue my education — something few in my family could do. I am the twelfth of my father’s sixteen children and the second of my mother’s seven. Without NPH, I would never have had the opportunity to study, to dream, or to build a future.
Today, I serve as a Project Manager in NPH Haiti’s Special Needs Program, where I support children and young adults with disabilities. Every day, I see how the love and care we once received continue to transform lives.
One of the people who has most inspired me is Gena Heraty. She has devoted her life to serving the most vulnerable in Haiti, offering her strength, kindness, and compassion to everyone she meets. I first met her through a simple act of trust — she asked me to care for a few baby chicks that had lost their mother. Later, she invited me to help her in the Kay Christine henhouse. From her, I learned about responsibility, empathy, and the value of service. Gena embodies the spirit of NPH: unconditional love, humility, and dedication to others.
Haiti is living through difficult times. Violence, poverty, and instability affect millions. Yet I still believe in the power of love, unity, and education to heal our country. NPH remains essential in this mission. Without it, many children like me would have been lost to hopelessness or violence.
To our friends, donors, and partners across Europe and the United States: please continue to stand with Haiti. Your solidarity gives us strength and hope. Together, we can rebuild what has been broken and restore faith in the future.
My dream is that my daughter will grow up in peace, with access to education and surrounded by love, just as I was. My wish for Haiti is reconciliation and renewal. And for Gena, may she continue to inspire generations with her compassion and leadership.
Special thanks to NPH Spain for conducting this interview and helping share Pierre’s inspiring story with our global NPH family.