From Haiti with Hope:
A Journey of Resilience and New Beginnings
Haiti, established in 1804, is located on the island of Hispaniola that shares along with the Dominican Republic and is the second-largest island in the Caribbean Sea. It a country vulnerable to natural disasters and 15 years after the devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake, Haiti continues to face immense challenges due to poverty, displacement and gang violence. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the violence has led to the internal displacement of 1.3 million Haitians – the highest number of people displaced as a result of violence. As for international migration the main destination countries are the United States, the Dominican Republic, and Canada, as well as some countries f South America, particularly Brazil.
Meet Steve Seide
Steve Seide, a 22-year-old Haitian, is currently a part of the Labor Office Team at Missão Paz in São Paulo, Brazil. Before emigrating, Steve was studying Law, Political Science and Philosophy in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Due to the country’s political and economic instability, he made the difficult decision to leave his family, friends, and beloved dogs behind, in search of a new life in Brazil.
“When I arrived in Brazil” recalls Steve, “I felt a sense of accomplishment because it was a goal of mine to move here. I also felt deeply grateful towards God because it was a tiring and difficult journey for me.”
Since arriving in São Paulo in May 2024, Steve has been taking Portuguese courses offered by Missão Paz, a Scalabrinian philanthropic institution that supports and welcomes immigrants and refugees in the city of São Paulo, active since the 1930s.
Thanks to his command of Portuguese and knowledge of Creole, French, English, and Spanish, he was hired by the institution to welcome and support other migrants and Refugees who are looking for a job and enter the Brazilian job market.
“I have contacts with firms, and every week I share the names of interested candidates with these firms. I also assist with digitizing curriculum and register new immigrant people who wants to be part of this program. The registration process includes collecting key information and work experience, which takes place twice a week.”
When people are forced to flee their homes, they leave many things behind – but not everything. Their skills, knowledge and resourcefulness remain with them, along with a desire to serve and contribute meaningfully to their new communities.
Today, Steve lives in São Paulo with his sister and is preparing for the entrance exam at the University of São Paulo.
He dreams of studying law and reuniting with his family in Brazil in the future, offering his parents a better life.
“Do your part, stay calm, and God will provide for what you need,” is the mantra that helps him through his journey.