Founded in 2013 by Fr. Rodlin Rodrigue, the Children Hispaniola Organization (CHO) is a U.S.-based nonprofit dedicated to improving the quality of life and education for children in Sapaterre, Haiti. Fr. Rodrigue firmly believes that education—both academic and in self-care—is key to breaking the cycle of poverty in his home country. His mission began in this small village and continues to grow.

Before his ordination as a Chicago priest and the founding of CHO, Fr. Rodrigue worked with his brother and other community members in Haiti to support Mauraus Siriaque, a local man who had built a school using palm trees. This humble structure served as a classroom where Mauraus educated as many children as he could, entirely on his own.

Today, CHO operates as a partnership between U.S.-based volunteer directors who raise funds and CHO Haiti volunteers who implement the mission on the ground. Together, their efforts have transformed education in Sapaterre. They replaced the original palm tree hut with a durable steel and concrete building, divided into six classrooms equipped with benches, tables, uniforms, teachers, and books. The school now serves over 200 village students, with teachers’ salaries funded by U.S. donors.

Recognizing the need for further growth, CHO secured grants and donations to expand its impact. Construction began on a two-story school building, a kitchen, and a medical office. The land, generously donated by Mauraus Siriaque, has been cleared, and construction is underway. While the kitchen and medical office are complete, the school building remains under construction, with only half the costs covered by current grants.