We are thankful that one of the things RMI is known for in Southern Haiti is our leadership expertise. Benjamin Altema is the Haiti Field Director and has worked for RMI for 20+ years. He’s recognized in Southern Haiti as an outstanding, successful Christian leader, executive, businessman, and speaker.
Recently, the Man Dodo Humanitarian Foundation, a partner organization founded by the family of our Board Chairman, Jeff Lozama, asked him to participate in their fourth annual symposium in the Cayes area of Haiti as one of three panelists for an afternoon discussion.
The symposium aims to inspire, motivate, and equip high school graduates in the town of Cavaillon for their future endeavors, especially since surveys show that 90% of them have no path to higher education. Drawing on their experiences, the panelists shared insights and advice on how young people can prepare for the job market, develop their skills, make sound career choices, and build a professional profile that creates opportunities, all the while keeping their Christian integrity.
Over 350 high school graduates attended; the theme was “Professional Development”. The exchange reminded them that while a high school degree provides a foundation, continuous learning, discipline, adaptability, and sound decision-making help them grow professionally. It also helped the graduates understand that many vocations extend beyond being a doctor, engineer, or nurse. It is designed to help them think outside of their box. By bringing in Haitian experts in many fields, it exposes them to opportunities they might not have considered or even known existed.
Benjamin, along with the other panelists, shared how to prepare today for the opportunities they want to seize in the future. This is an eye-opening opportunity these youth need, and it helps expand their horizons. Pray that the Lord will use this and many other opportunities for Benjamin, as well as several others of our staff in Haiti, to impact lives as they share in a variety of settings.
