In the fall of 2024, the Le Flambeau Foundation awarded its inaugural Dr. Luc L. Colas scholarships to two students at Université Notre Dame d’Haïti in Cap-Haïtien. These scholarships cover their full tuition for their final two years of college as they pursue degrees in agronomy—a field vital for sustainable development and community empowerment in Haiti. Now, as they completed the first semester of their final Senior year, these students reflect on their journey and share wisdom for the next generation The photo was selected by the scholar, as one that captures their passion.
Below are remarks from scholar Fanequerlie Pierre, as she reflects on her past experience and prepares for her final semester, and college graduation in November 2026.
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Hello to all the members and supporters of the Le Flambeau Foundation ,
The 2024-2025 academic year has been one of the most motivating for me. It was a year during which I learned an enormous amount, both educationally and socially. As a student, I admit that not everything was easy: there were moments of doubt, fear, and periods of stress and discouragement. But despite this, my commitment, my determination, and my competitive spirit always remained intact.
At the beginning, everything seemed blurred and complicated. I knew what I wanted to accomplish, but I had no idea how to actually achieve it. Thanks to the various courses I took this year, several doors opened for me, new perspectives appeared, and my ideas evolved beyond what I had imagined. I eventually came to understand that having passion alone is not enough to succeed. You also need what we call courage, determination, and above all, discipline, which are very important for any young person who wishes to move forward.
My advice to all students nearing the end of their studies, as well as to new students, is to take your dreams to heart. Things will often seem difficult, but you simply must believe in yourself, know what you want, and where you want to go. Life is indeed rosy, but do not forget that it also contains a few thorns. In other words, you will always be faced with difficult moments, and it is your will, your inner strength, and your perseverance that will allow you to succeed.
University is not just a place to learn a discipline; it is also a space that allows you to grow, both morally and intellectually. It can help you discover a new version of yourself, even within a community, especially if you had ignored that aspect before. It is also a place where you can discover a new family.
In closing, I want to thank you for all the ways you have supported me.
Sincerely,
Fanequerlie Pierre (04/17/26)
To read the update provided by our other scholar, Rodné Trévol , click here.
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### How to Get Involved
There are a number of ways to get involved with the Le Flambeau Foundation . As a supporter, you can donate to the foundation, volunteer your time, or become a mentor to a young person in Haiti. Feel free to contact us by clicking here.