Full Name

Mirielle Nelichica Rivien is 13 years old, and the eldest daughter of her family of four children and she is in 8th grade. She used to live in the neighborhood of Carrefour Feuille, in Port au Prince, but in September she experienced the horror of gangs setting fire to her house. The family lost everything they owned and ended up on the street. They barely have a shelter in the town square and there are not many people around to provide protection, so it was very dangerous for teen-aged Mirielle.

Our friend Claudine has taken Mirielle into her home, where several people already live. In addition to Claudine, her husband and her two children, Claudine’s sister Achecaina (Achou) and another neighborhood child named Mina also live there. But Claudine wants to protect Mirielle as best she can, and since Mirielle’s family can’t pay for her to go to school, Claudine applied for a scholarship. The board at ONE feels, along with Claudine, that the best thing Mirielle could be doing is going to school and finding some sense of normalcy. Claudine says that Achecaina and Mina love having her there, and Achecaina is able to help her with schoolwork, since Mirielle is a little behind due to her circumstances. We are paying for Mirielle to get some extra tutoring as well, to help her catch up.

Claudine is so dedicated to helping these girls that when she and her husband were forced to move out of their home, they looked only for a home in the same neighborhood, so that Mirielle, Achecaina, and Mina could stay in the same school. We are happy to be able to help Claudine support Mirielle, and happy to give Mirielle something to look forward to every day, and perhaps a path to a brighter future.

Mirielle sent us a letter telling us a little about herself and what she hopes to do in life. We have translated it here.

A big greeting to you who are going to read this letter. It is a pleasure for me to talk to you a little about me.

My name is Mirielle Nelichica Rivien. I am the eldest in a family of four children. I see my father work very hard to earn the daily bread, to build our house. All that was in vain, because now we are on the street.

I am a very joyful, kind, intelligent and very interesting girl. My passion is reading. I love most to play with my sister and my little brother; unfortunately, I am not with them now.

At my auntie Claudine’s house everything is going better now for me. I have Achecaina, Mina, Jahood, for play and for work, I have days that are filled with joy.I love to participate in all the activities in my classes and at home, and sometimes I distract myself with my activities as a reaction to forget everything.

Someday I would like to become a great obstetrician to help and relieve pregnant women. Last June I saw my mother suffering due to lack of care while giving birth to my little sister.

A big hug to you for having said yes to Auntie Claudine, who solicited aid for me to go to school. Without your help this year I would not be able to take the first step in my dream.

May the good lord in his compassion come to you and protect you.

Mirielle Nelichica Rivien

December 2024

Mirielle is back living with Claudine and her family, and we couldn’t be happier. We received some pictures from Claudine, and Mirielle looks so happy! We know she loves her family and wants to be with them, but to be more protected is so important, and we are grateful we can help.

September 2024

Mirielle is now in 9th grade. She has been living with her family for the past few months, despite the fact that they don’t have a home. It’s a worry to us, but we understand that Claudine does not have the money or the band width to care for another person in their already crowded household. The ONE board decided to send Claudine enough money to support Mirielle. Claudine said she enjoyed having Mirielle there, and Achecaina loves having a sister, but she just can’t afford another mouth. We are worried enough for Mirielle’s safety and her ability to study and focus that this seems to be an important educational support.

We also bought Mirielle a tablet, since her teachers have requested that all students have one so that they can participate online when things are too dangerous in the streets to go to school. We hope this will let her keep up and participate as fully as possible.

Her most recent letter to us is translated here.

Dear Christa

I am very happy to write you this letter to tell you about my school year. I lived through an extremely difficult year. I had to leave my neighborhood, my school, my friends to go live in a very public place. One good thing was the friendship of Auntie Claudine, who hosts me at her house because I had to undergo too much in that public place. Being at auntie’s house, she helps me with school by contacting you for help with school costs. It was not very easy to adapt because I was very scared. I couldn’t concentrate, but with the help of a psychologist I’m getting better now. Last year didn’t have many good things, but I hope for this year.

I like natural sciences. I would like there to be a calm in my country so that I could work better. Stability will help me to center myself so that I can do well in school and get a good job.

With my tutor and Achecaina I will do everything I can. I thank you for your attention.

Mirielle Rivien

We hope for calm in your country, too, Mirielle. Everyone in Haiti deserves to be at peace, safe, and be able to study and work. We will hope 2025 brings a better year for you.