Nerette, Hope in the Heart of Adversity: A Rebirth in Cap-Haïtien Thanks to World Vision
Marthe Michelle Nerette, a woman of indomitable courage, saw her world turned upside down by the grip of violence. She was forced to flee her home in La Plaine, in the West Department of Haiti, carrying with her the burden of insecurity and the responsibility of caring for her mother and children. Gangs turned her life into a nightmare, forcing her to leave behind everything she knew.
Despite the danger, Nerette initially chose to stay, working tirelessly as a cashier during the day and a juice seller in the evening to provide for her family, who had taken refuge in Cap-Haïtien. Every Friday, she sent the hard-earned money, a vital lifeline to her loved ones.
But the violence caught up with her. One day, a shooting claimed the lives of her colleagues, leaving her miraculously alive, but deeply shaken. This tragic event was the turning point, pushing her to join her family in Cap-Haïtien, where she found refuge with her cousin, Natacha.
The newfound safety, however, did not erase the difficulties. Without a job and far from her network, Nerette felt lost, unable to provide for her family. She was overwhelmed by despair. Tears flowed, reflecting her helplessness in the face of an uncertain future.
Before this tragedy, Nerette lived a difficult yet dignified life. "My children went to school normally, and I had no trouble taking care of them. I wouldn’t say I was comfortable, but could earn a living to raise them." As a 36-year-old mother of three: her eldest was in university, the second was in high school, and the youngest was in the third grade of elementary school, she managed to provide for them by working.
Despair consumed her, but her cousin gave her hope. Natacha comforted her and told her about World Vision's programmes in the community. Natacha testified to how World Vision helped her, and Nerette found a support system to rebuild her life.
Far from her former life, Nerette had to start over. In Cap-Haïtien, the challenges were immense, but her determination was stronger. Thanks to World Vision Haiti, she found invaluable support. With financial assistance and wise guidance, she was able to start a small business, selling essential items: sugar, milk, peanut butter, cremas (a Haitian coconut rum cream), and candies. She expanded her business by delivering cremas to homes, regaining her autonomy.
Today, Nerette is a transformed woman. She has regained her dignity, financial independence, and, most importantly, hope. She no longer depends on her cousin but instead actively participates in her own life. Her small business symbolizes her ability to overcome adversity.
She is grateful to World Vision, the organization that believed in her and gave her the means to rebuild her life. She hopes to become a catalyst for transformation for other internally displaced people: "I want to be able to welcome others who are in this situation, forced to leave their homes and start over. I hope World Vision’s support can help grow my business so I can assist them, because so many are suffering due to insecurity."
