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Sae-A Trading, a leading South Korean textile and apparel exporter, proudly announced the hiring of the first graduates from its S&H School in Haiti as full-time employees. This milestone celebrates a decade-long commitment to providing high-quality education and creating sustainable career opportunities in the region.

From Classroom to Career: A Decade of Impact

S&H School was established in 2013 with support from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) as part of Haiti’s reconstruction efforts. Starting as a kindergarten and elementary school, it expanded to include middle and high school in 2017, evolving into a premier comprehensive educational institution. This year, six graduates from the first cohort of 47 graduates have been hired by Sae-A Trading’s Haiti subsidiary.

After a rigorous selection process, which included a three-month internship, these new employees were placed in various departments including Quality Assurance, Production Planning, Operations, Raw Materials, General Affairs, and Compliance. Their roles are a testament to the robust educational foundation provided by S&H School, where students are taught in Creole, English, French, and Spanish, preparing them for global opportunities.

Empowering Dreams and Building Futures

Jessica Saintil, now part of the Operations team, shared her excitement: “During my internship, I learned to check the 7-points of the containers and assist customs officers in the process of opening containers. Sae-A Trading is the most coveted employer in Haiti, and I am committed to contributing to its growth and success.”

Lentz Starly Atilus, a new recruit in the Compliance team, reflected on his journey: “During my internship, I learned several valuable skills and gained significant insights into regulatory frameworks and the importance of adherence to both internal and external regulations. This experience has deepened my appreciation for compliance in maintaining a company’s integrity and ethical standards. In the future, I aim to play a strategic role within the company, contributing to its growth and sustainability through strong leadership in compliance.”

Marceline Innocent, who joined the General Affairs department, described her diverse internship experience: “I had the opportunity to learn diverse operations because I was in two teams. In Quality Assurance, I learned to write reports on the usage of threads within the factories using Excel and prepared reports for auditors. Later, in the General Affairs department, I learned to track expenses through the EKP, coordinate meetings, and archive materials. My goal is to work hard and help the company to the best of my abilities. I want to also become a role model for future students to thrive for their dreams.”

A Paradigm of Corporate Social Responsibility

S&H School stands out in Haiti for offering free tuition, meals, and educational supplies, removing barriers to education for many children. This initiative reflects Global Sae-A’s broader corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy, aimed at investing in the future of Haiti through education.

Global Sae-A Chairman WK Kim, during the first graduation ceremony last year, emphasized the transformative power of education. “The small seed of education we planted ten years ago has grown into talented individuals who will lead Haiti’s future. I encourage our graduates to believe in their potential and embrace ‘courageous challenges,’ a core value of Global Sae-A, to drive new history in Haiti,” he stated.

Sae-A Trading continues to support the integration of education and industry through initiatives such as internships and job placements for graduates. This year, the group plans to extend its internship program to more students, facilitating seamless transitions from education to employment within its global operations.

The success of S&H School and the subsequent hiring of its graduates exemplify Sae-A Trading’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering sustainable development in Haiti. This model of educational investment and employment creation sets a benchmark for CSR initiatives globally, demonstrating how businesses can effectively contribute to societal progress.