Our Founder, Monrovia Richardson, Tells Our Story...
I was born and raised in Haiti. At age 14, I came to the United States with full residency in 1978. I attended high school, became a U.S. citizen, and adopted this country as my own. However, I never forgot my roots and am passionate about helping the people of Haiti.
Grateful for the opportunities I've received in the U.S. I always knew I wouldn’t be the type of person who gets the opportunity for a better life and forgets where I came from and the struggles I endured or watched my people endure. I felt compelled to do whatever I can to give back what I learned and the opportunities I was given to the people and country I was born to. I feel that the young people growing up in Haiti need an opportunity to learn and do for themselves; unfortunately, circumstances beyond their control make this extremely difficult.
Knowing our history of service to Haiti, our friends and family encouraged us to form a nonprofit to provide immediate and long term help. Thus, The Monrovia Foundation for Haiti was born. The people of Haiti have suffered so many hardships, and yet they remain incredibly strong. So much needs to be done to rebuild the country that the task at times seem daunting, however to us; not impossible.
I believe the education of the new generation is the key to strengthening the countries social and economic state and reinvigorating a rich history of culture, art and pride that was almost stripped away by the 2010 earthquake and years of neglect of these very youth and the systems needed to help them, help themselves. We must improve the lives and living conditions of these future leaders. They need to be current with technology and given access to a better education; this is where we focus our efforts..
—
Monrovia Richardson
Founder & President