Keslin A. (LCS ’16) works breaking rocks on the Louverture Cleary School Santo 5 campus.
Keslin A. grew up in a family that could not afford his education in Cite Soleil, Port-au-Prince’s most impoverished and densely populated neighborhood. As a young boy, Keslin learned about LCS when he overheard people talking about the tuition-free boarding school—exactly what he knew he needed to succeed.
In 2009, Keslin entered LCS and embraced community life, especially the work and language programs. Throughout his seven years, he nurtured his skills and volunteered by translating for foreign doctors at the local medical clinic. Working to be like the student leaders he admired, he led the students as a “Super Monitor” during his Rheto (US 12th grade) year.
Keslin graduated from LCS in 2016 and went on to study political science at Université Quisqueya on a scholarship provided through LCS’s Junior Staff program. LCS Head of School Ernst V. appreciates working with Keslin for his sense of responsibility and humor. “He always tries to be better,” says Ernst, “and he brings joy to any group he is in.”
Keslin also holds a unique role as a resident of the St. Francis and St. Clare House Community, living with US In-Country Staff and Volunteers as well as other Haitian staff and Junior Staff. Keslin reflects, "Living in this house means a lot to me. The fact that we pray together, we eat together, we go to church together, we work together. I feel like I’m surrounded by my family.”
As Keslin continues his studies, he is working toward a bright future for himself and his country—with no shortage of ambition. “During my professional career, I would love to be an ambassador, representing and protecting Haiti’s interests,” he says. “In the long term, I wish to be President, because Haiti needs someone who really cares for it, who really wants change.”