Founder’s Story

My name is Marilyn Rousseau, and I was born and raised in Haiti.

As a young child, I lived a sheltered life, unaware of the true extent of poverty that surrounded me. I moved to the United States as a teenager and completed my education in Boston, MA. In 2010, I returned to Haiti after a devastating earthquake that killed close to 300,000 people. Witnessing the harsh reality of poverty, especially among children and families, struck me deeply.

It wasn’t until I embarked on mission trips in 2012, that I confronted the stark reality of the situation. I was deeply moved by the dire circumstances, especially among young children. This experience fueled my determination to make a difference.

Despite volunteering on mission trips for many years, I realized our efforts were amazing, but they were not creating lasting change. As a child of two educators, I have a profound belief that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty. It is a gift that cannot be taken away, with the power to transform lives forever. So, in 2017, I founded Right To Learn Global Literacy Project, a Florida-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, dedicated to empowering families through education in South Florida, and the Caribbean.

With the steadfast support of volunteers and donors, we’ve brought hope and joy to hundreds of families. Yet, the need remains vast, with thousands of children requiring assistance for necessities like food, healthcare, and education. Unfortunately, the pandemic has intensified the need for support particularly in marginalized communities. Our journey is ongoing, and we invite compassionate individuals to join us in making a positive impact in our local communities, enabling needy children to reach their fullest potential through education.