Alumni Facing the Challenges of the Pandemic

Caleb A. (LCS ‘08)

Running a business during normal times can be challenging. With COVID-19, Haitian entrepreneur Caleb A. (LCS ’08) is facing a different set of difficulties.

Caleb studied business management in university and launched his own photography and videography business, LabelImage, in 2010. In an industry where photographing or videotaping weddings, parties or events can include significant groups of people, the recent prohibition of large gatherings has caused LabelImage's revenue to drop significantly.

"As an entrepreneur, I have to transform every obstacle to my business into new opportunities," says Caleb. "Due to the crisis, we are considering other ways to make an impact."

To adapt, Caleb implemented rotating shifts to allow his employees to work at least part-time, and he is looking into more online work. His company is also carrying out a campaign to raise awareness about COVID-19 and offers free services to other organizations and individuals that are doing the same. This is keeping his business active while reaching potential new clients.

Myrlande A. (LCS ‘10)

After receiving a scholarship from the Louverture Cleary School Office of External Affairs (now the Dulcich Center for Career Advancement, or DCCA) and a degree in administrative sciences, Myrlande A. (LCS ’10) now works at Unibank S.A., one of the largest banks in Haiti, where she has direct contact with customers. Although the bank has taken measures to ensure social distancing and to provide its employees with protective equipment, some customers do not take the same precautions.

“Naturally, working in a bank is stressful. Now with COVID-19, it is almost unbearable,” she says. “It would upset me if I brought the virus to my family. Because of my job, I am the only one who leaves the house.”

Recognizing that the population cannot stay at home, Myrlande tries to educate people in her neighborhood about the seriousness of the pandemic. She believes the most urgent action she can take is to increase understanding about the virus so that people will protect themselves and each other.

Stephane C. (LCS ‘11)

The disruption to Haiti’s economy and food production as a result of COVID-19 is expected to be especially problematic in a country that was in a precarious situation even before the pandemic.

A recent Integrated Food Security Phase Classification reports that over one third of Haiti’s population currently needs urgent food assistance. 

A drop in remittances from the diaspora in the US only exacerbates the situation.

Stephane C. (LCS ‘11) is well aware of her fellow Haitians’ situation. After graduating from Louverture Cleary School and receiving a university scholarship from its Dulcich Center for Career Advancement (formerly the Office of External Affairs), she decided to pursue her studies in agronomy.

"One of the best ways to reduce poverty and specifically hunger in Haiti is through agriculture," she says. 

Today, Stephane works for Acceso Corporation, improving the quality of peanut production and supply chain management. She continues to go to work regularly despite the COVID-19 outbreak. Her work has brought her in contact with families living in rural areas of Haiti and has given her the chance to raise awareness about the pandemic and preventative measures, an opportunity she welcomes.   

"Otherwise, many of them would not even have heard about the outbreak," says Stephane.