Jieftha-Love, Haiti, enrolled in 2015
At just 22 years old, Jieftha-Love exemplifies the qualities of resilience, leadership, and the transformative power of education. A third-year university student studying Administrative Sciences, she is pursuing a degree in accounting—a journey made possible through the support of a scholarship from Mercy Beyond Borders (MBB).
Jieftha-Love became an MBB Scholar in 2015 and graduated high school in 2022. Raised in the tightly packed neighborhood of Siten, Haiti, her home was a place of calm and learning. Her parents, both primary school teachers, fostered a love for education in their five children. The family home was always full of books, debate, and music—where studying was accompanied by their father’s guitar and dinnertime included conversations about global events and their impact on Haiti.
Despite this strong foundation, Jieftha-Love’s first year at university contained a multitude of challenges. She faced the academic demands of a new environment while navigating the emotional toll of unstable housing. A falling out with a housemate forced her to relocate mid-year, testing her mental and academic resilience. But Jieftha-Love never wavered. She credits her scholarship not just with relieving financial stress but with giving her the hope and motivation to persevere.
Her commitment to community is just as strong as her dedication to education. Amid national instability and widespread school closures due to gang violence, she helped organize tutoring and recreational activities for local children, ensuring they remained connected to their studies and had a safe space for joy. She has also served as a youth leader and speaker, encouraging younger generations to believe in the power of discipline, time management, and hard work.
Education, for Jieftha-Love, is a family affair. Alongside her two sisters—also MBB Scholars—she is setting a precedent for the girls in her family and community. She dreams of a future where anything is possible for girls willing to work hard, and she is proving it through steadfast focus on her studies and service.
“I am humbled,” she says, “to know there are people I’ve never met who believe in my capacity to succeed.” That belief—and her unwavering drive—are opening doors for Jieftha-Love and those following in her footsteps.