A True Rehabilitative Trailblazer!
Interviewed by: Kathia Pierre & Bijoux Abellard
Written by: Kathia Pierre & Bijoux Abellard
Photographed by: Darlene Reese-Mannion
Cécile Romiette Auguste is Haitian-born and raised. Cecile had the opportunity to complete her studies in Physiotherapy and Hospital Administration in Taiwan on a
scholarship. Once she completed her studies, she returned to Haiti to pay it forward.
Cécile became an educator at the Faculté des Sciences Réhabilitation de Léogane (FSRL) and trained the next generation of Physical and Occupational Therapists. The University was established after the devastating earthquake of 2010, which gravely highlighted the lack of trained Physical Therapists. Her purpose is to help young Haitians who are interested in pursuing a degree in Physical or Occupational Therapy to achieve that goal without having to study abroad.
As a current board member of Haiti Rehabilitation Foundation, a non-profit organization founded to educate students in the fields of Physiotherapy and Ergotherapy; Cécile is devoted to raising more awareness about this noble yet mostly unknown profession in Haiti. This organization contributed largely to the establishment of the first and only school with an accredited four-year degree program in both Physical and Occupational Therapy. Haiti Rehabilitation Foundation raises funds to support those students attending the University.
There is a great need for rehabilitative therapy in Haiti, which has over 1 million disabled residents. Due to the lack of trained Physical and Occupational Therapists, the organization aims to promote the school on a broader scope by constantly recruiting volunteering educators from different parts of the world to train and form students.
Cécile is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. She aspires to write and publish books and her first book which will be available in French and Haitian Creole is scheduled to be soon published. Once published, her book will ease the language barrier faced by the students who are forced to utilize books predominantly written in English for their studies. She wishes to contribute a portion of the revenue generated from the sale of her book toward scholarships and tuition for the students who are unable to afford it. "One Hundred Fifty dollars is the measly amount needed to support a student monthly or just Two Thousand dollars yearly ", she uttered.
When asked for words of encouragement, Cécile urges her students and anyone in need to ask for help when needed, "Do not allow shame and embarrassment to take over you. It is better to get a no rather than assume the answer will be a no! Ask instead of resulting in illegal activities.,"
Cecile’s passion to educate and help the youth succeed; her determination to promote, and shed light on careers in Physical and Occupational Therapy in Haiti, are why Cécile is a Fanm Potomitan.
If you would like to support Cecile's studies with a donation, please: Click Here for more information.
Or
To help sponsor a student for $150 dollars a month. Thank you for your support!