An Update on Nikenson Romage

Do you remember Nikenson Romage? Nicholas Kristof, celebrated New York Times writer, interviewed Nikenson back in 2014 when he was a student at HELP. (Opinion | The Gift of Education - The New York Times (nytimes.com)). Studying business administration at the time, Nikenson always worked hard to create a bright future for himself.

Raised by a single mother who sacrificed a lot for Nikenson, he recognized the importance of education. But unable to consistently pay the fees, Nikenson would often be turned away at the school gate. It was an unsettling and humiliating experience for him, and he realized then that, “It was up to me to change our lives for the better.” Recognizing that “your mind is your greatest asset,” and motivated by his devotion to his mother, Nikenson would go to school every day and listen through the classroom window. He felt alone and outcast, but never stopped pushing himself, and his perseverance soon paid off. His headteacher offered him a partial sponsorship, and his church clubbed together the rest, enabling him to finish school and be elected class president.

While at HELP, Nikenson grew and thrived. He said while in the program, “[My HELP] courses have allowed me to improve, and suddenly, I am more prepared for the job market. This year I learned new approaches to leadership and researched and presented a PSA as a year-end project." He was also in charge of the English Club at HELP for four years!

Now a HELP graduate with a degree in business, Nikenson has forged an impressive path. He now works as the program manager for Jou Nouvou, a nonprofit in Haiti that works to make education accessible for all through tuition scholarships, a girls scholar program, adult literacy courses, and many more programs. (Check out Jou Nouvou’s work here.) He is also an active KOREMist, meaning he makes regular payments to support future HELP students. We at HELP are proud of Nikenson and his story, and we’re excited to see where he takes his journey in the future.