Journeying into the Desert this Lent

Into the Desert.

“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil.”
(Matthew 4:1)

As I was reflecting about entering this season of Lent—still in the midst of so much tension in our world, so much uncertainty and separation—the image that came to mind immediately was that of Jesus being led into the desert. Perhaps we, too, are invited into the desert. What will we encounter there?

I think back to my time as a Volunteer in Haiti, and I remember how I left many things behind in order to begin life as a Volunteer. Committing to living as a Volunteer in Haiti meant leaving behind many little comforts. It meant accepting limited communication with family and friends. And, it meant learning to trust God to provide. I would have never anticipated it at the time, but looking back, it was like entering the desert.

Jesus is tempted and tested in the desert. It is precisely through that time that the identity that had just been spoken over him, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17), is questioned and tested (Matthew 4:3; 4:6). And yet, through the grace he had to resist, it is also where his identity is strengthened.

THP Volunteer Kristin Soukup ('13-'15), center, with students at Louverture Cleary School in 2015.

When everything else is stripped away, we come face-to-face with the most essential questions. What matters the most? Who and what do I love? Where can I find hope?

It is through seasons that are like deserts that I believe I have grown the most in my relationship with the Lord. When I have stepped away from little comforts and distractions, a job, a home, when I am far from family and friends—these are the times that fundamental questions have arisen. When faced with the intensity and challenges of the work in Haiti, I had to come close in prayer to the only One who could provide the strength I needed. It was only in depending on God and trying to keep my eyes on Him that I could persevere in the hardest moments.

I wonder if going into the desert is an invitation. An invitation to ask those questions. To discover where we have been relying on ourselves or seeking hope in other places but God. And, most importantly, to go to Him and grow closer in relationship. Everything else flows out from this.

May we allow the Lord through his Spirit to lead us into the desert this Lent. Even if tempted, even when uncomfortable, if you let Him meet you, let Him provide, you will grow closer to Him. And, from Him comes our hope and the strength we have to give of ourselves in love.

LCS Enhances Economics Curriculum

Louverture Cleary School (LCS), long recognized as one of the top education programs in Haiti, recently rolled out an enhanced economics and business curriculum—an initiative as exciting as it is important.

Josh Daly, a Regional Director with the Rhode Island Small Business Development Center, teaches an introductory business module to LCS students.

Economic growth is essential to a brighter future for Haiti, which is why Economics has been a capstone course for Philo (US 12th grade + 1) students at LCS since 2012. With the help of Harvard economist N. Gregory Mankiw, who generously donated his first-year college economics text to our program, Economics at LCS has become extremely popular with LCS students, who appreciate understanding the very tangible implications of economics on their lives in Haiti.

Now, LCS is incorporating accounting and finance into the curriculum to provide the practical tools necessary to turn economic theory into economic growth. The finance and accounting curriculum was developed in partnership with Economic Growth Initiative for Haiti (EGI), which worked closely with LCS Economics Department Head Djim Guerrier (LCS ’14) to bolster the current instruction provided to LCS students through the addition of introductory modules taught by Djim and guest lecturers.

LCS Economics Department Head Djim G. and members of the Philo class participate in an introductory business module.

Reflecting on the first lesson, The Haitian Project's (THP) partners at EGI express their enthusiam for this new program:

We at EGI have been so pleased with the opportunity to deepen our partnership with THP and LCS to develop a robust business curriculum. To see that work start to come to fruition is a real delight. Even in the first sessions—done remotely through the new computer lab at LCS—students are engaged and eager to learn. Amidst a world turned upside down with the COVID-19 pandemic, through a great deal of hard work and persistence on all sides, we've been able to start something new and exciting together.

This is an exciting step for LCS in the use of the new computer lab, the growth of THP's partnership with its sister organization EGI, and continuing to provide a top-notch education to the students of LCS as they continue to work to make Haiti's better tomorrow a reality.

As ever, it is your support that we have to give. Thank you!

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THP VP Colby Bowker Featured in America Magazine

We’re excited to let you know that THP was just featured in America Magazine.

Check out "The Road to Racial Justice Must Also Run Through Haiti" by THP VP Colby Bowker.

“As the Biden administration takes shape, there are several things that the United States and the international community can do for Haiti to ensure that the issue of racial justice is being addressed both at home and abroad.”

— THP VP Colby Bowker

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Thank You for Believing

Thank you. For your support. For your prayers. For caring. For being a part of something amazing. YOU made 2020 a success, and we couldn't be more grateful.

The approach of a new year is always a great time to reflect on everything you make possible for our students and alumni. Your belief in The Haitian Project's (THP) mission enables Louverture Cleary School (LCS) graduates to use their education to break the cycle of poverty for themselves and their families. Thank you!

Here are just a few of the many milestones from last year:

• Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and unrest in Haiti, LCS remained successful and supportive to its students and community in Haiti, providing direct assistance including food supplies, potable water and 2,400 reusable masks to our neighbors, while ensuring that our 90 teachers and staff had the financial stability to care for their families through the pandemic.

• LCS’s 25th graduating class achieved a 100 percent pass-rate on the national exam and joined an amazing group of successful alumni who are staying in Haiti to make a brighter future for their country.

• LCS once again proved its academic excellence with another National Laureate and a high-placed winner in a national essay contest.

• And... THP had a successful transition year as new THP President Reese Grondin took the helm, bringing a tremendous amount of expertise and skill from her many years of service with THP, along with a dedicated family to help lead the mission.

Looking ahead to a bright new year, there is much work still to do. But it is good and important work. And we couldn't be more happy to be doing it together with you.

• Building on the decades-long success of LCS outside of Port-au-Prince, The Haitian Project is preparing to break ground on its next school—the Model Campus—as part of the Louverture Cleary Schools Network, a national system of 10 schools stretching across the country. Each new school in the Network will be established in a different diocese / department of Haiti, increasing access to quality education outside of the nation’s capital.

Thanks to you, Louverture Cleary School students go on to professional careers IN HAITI to make a brighter future for their country.

Because you believe, 90 percent of LCS graduates are in Haiti working, or in university, or both. They are working as teachers, accountants, doctors, and lawyers. They are earning an average of $12,000 per year just several years into their careers—having come from families who struggle to survive on $1,000 per year.

Because you believe, graduates of Louverture Cleary School can attain professional careers and build strong families and communities—IN HAITI. They are able to send their own children to school, buy their own homes, pay for their own medical care, and support their extended families.

All with your support.

And when 25 percent of Louverture Cleary School graduates go on to study medicine (in a country that has one-tenth the number of doctors per capita as the U.S.), the need for MORE Louverture Cleary Schools has never been been more clear.

Thank you for believing in them. And in our work together.

Best wishes to you and yours for a safe and happy new year!

A Day in the Life of a Louverturian

Daily life at Louverture Cleary School (LCS) is a structured routine of purpose, hard work and service. As everyone in the LCS Community goes about their day of classes, communal work, mealtimes, and play, putting others first is a common theme.

This year, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the routine looks a little different, but the purpose and goals of the community are as clear as ever.

Every student, teacher and staff member embraces their responsibility to each other’s health and safety so that the LCS community may continue to push forward with its mission to educate the future servant-leaders of Haiti.

And they are succeeding, despite both the pandemic and the political unrest that has made 2020 an especially challenging year.

With 50 percent of the student body on campus at any one time, lots of hand washing, social distancing and, of course, face masks, here is a look at A Day in the Life of a Louverturian right now:

• 5:00 am The bell awakens students for the day. Students prepare themselves in their dorms and then, grouped by class, proceed to the cafeteria for breakfast. With plenty of space between students, they eat their meal and clean up before the next group arrives.
  
  

• 7:00 am Students are in their designated classrooms and the school day begins. This year, students remain in the same room for all their courses and only teachers move from class to class throughout the day. Rooms are constantly open to the air, thanks to the beautiful Haitian climate.
  
  

• 7:40 am The bell rings again to call students, staff and teachers to the front basketball court for the reading of the Gospel of the day, the raising of flags, and announcements from the Administration.
  
  

• 8:00 am Classes resume and change every 40 minutes for 11 periods each day, with lunch taking place between 11:00 am and 1:10 pm, rotating by class groups.
  
  

• 3:25 pm The school day ends, and students put on their work clothes for Netwayaj (clean-up). Student groups, led by Guides and Monitors—the leadership titles given to Philo (US 12th grade +1) and Rheto (US 12th grade) students—report to their designated areas of campus to clean.
  
  

• 4:30 pm Netwayaj ends and Play Hour begins. Students all remain outside for recreation, trading the usual favorites like soccer or basketball games for penalty kick practice, dance club, playing drums and guitars, card games, and reading—all with masks and socially distanced.
  
  

• 5:30 pm Students finish Play Hour and return to their dorms to clean up for dinner. Again grouped by class, they rotate in the cafeteria to eat their meal and clean up.
  
  

• 6:55 pm The bell brings all students back to the basketball court, still mindful of social distancing. The school prays together and receives any additional announcements from the Administration. From there, they move to their designated classrooms for Study Hour.
  
  

• 9:30 pm Study Hour ends and students return to their dormitories for bed.
  
  

• 10:00 pm The final bell of the day rings, lights are out, and the campus goes to sleep for the night to recharge for the coming day.

Whether it is gathered to start the day with the school song and flag raising, in class, or assembled with their classmates, a Louverturian's day is filled with purpose.

YOU are the reason why talented, civic-minded Haitian students whose families cannot afford the cost of their education are able to receive one of the best educations in the country, tuition-free!

Please keep the wind in our sails—make your year-end gift today!

LCS National Exam Results Are In! And They Are Perfect!

This fall, Louverture Cleary students from the Philo (US 12th grade +1) and Katryèm (US 9th grade) classes sat for their respective state exams, a success in itself given the COVID-19 pandemic and political unrest challenging the nation.

Passing the Philo Baccalaureate Exam will allow the graduates of the Class of 2020 to gain admission to university, and the Katryèm state exam allows students to progress from the Fondamentale curriculum to Twayzèm (US 10th grade), the beginning of the Secondaire curriculum and their final four years at LCS.

We just received the results, and we are thrilled to report a 100 percent pass rate for both the Philo Baccalaureate and Katryèm state exams!

With these results, LCS celebrates the continued tradition of success it has come to be known for in Haiti.

Patrick B., Haitian private sector leader and head of THP’s partner foundations in Haiti, reflects on the perfect results:

Despite a very difficult year, during which LCS students were repeatedly distracted by the confusion of unrest, the fears and restrictions that came with the COVID-19 pandemic, and the uncertainty of knowing whether official exams would even be programmed, LCS is proud to confirm a 100 percent pass rate for the Katryèm and Philo 2020 national exams. Once again, the focus and determination of each and every one of our Louverturians has been remarkable.

We're Excited to Announce the December Issue of Haitian Project News!

Read all about it…

The COVID-19 pandemic and instability in Haiti have made travel and other activities in the country considerably more challenging, causing many activities to take much longer than usual. Nevertheless, The Haitian Project is moving the Louverture Cleary Schools Network forward despite these challenges.

What's else is new in this issue? Read about:

• Louverture Cleary School hosted the Katryèm (US 9th grade) class and the 2020 Philo (US 12th grade + 1) graduates separately for a week of exam prep and then again during their actual exam periods.

• 2020 Louverture Cleary graduate Lyncée Charles placed third in Haiti in national essay competition about the COVID-19 pandemic.

• And more!

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Long-time THP Community Member Partners with Pope Francis

Brian Moynihan (second from left) with then THP President Deacon Patrick Moynihan (center) at Louverture Cleary School in Haiti in 2012.

Brian Moynihan, an early THP board chair, supporter for nearly thirty years, and brother of THP President Emeritus Deacon Patrick Moynihan, has partnered with Pope Francis to work together to create a more inclusive capitalism.

Brian, who is the CEO of Bank of America, is joined by Salesforce.com’s Marc Benioff and other prominent business leaders in announcing the Council for Inclusive Capitalism with the Vatican, which describes itself as a movement to build a more inclusive, sustainable and trusted economic system that addresses the needs of our people and the planet.

“Inclusive Capitalism addresses society’s most important priorities such as driving prosperity, equality and economic opportunity for everyone,” Brian said in a statement. “It is critical that we align the capital, creativity and innovation from the private sector to solve for these pressing global challenges.”

We are grateful to Brian and to all our supporters who are creating durable economic, social and environmental progress in Haiti through education, and we applaud this most recent effort with Pope Francis to make the world a better place by ensuring we have an economic system that, as the Pope describes it, “leaves no one behind, that discards none of our brothers and sisters.”

The idea of putting others first is, of course, what The Haitian Project and Louverture Cleary School are all about. (Make sure you don’t miss the picture below!)

You can read more about Brian and the Council HERE.

Louverture Cleary School class of 2015 mural

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Our Mission

The Haitian Project through its support of Louverture Cleary Schools, a national network of tuition-free, Catholic, co-educational secondary boarding schools in Haiti, provides for the education of academically-talented and motivated students from Haitian families who cannot afford the cost of their children’s education in order to maximize their potential and enable them to work toward building a Haiti where justice and peace thrive.

Looking for a Gift that Really Matters?

Louverture Cleary School continues to provide a top-notch education to Haiti’s future servant-leaders.

Looking for a thoughtful gift for a teacher, friend, family member, or just about anyone else this holiday season?

Give the Gift of Education, it is the gift that never stops giving!

Make a donation in any amount to The Haitian Project in honor of a friend or family member this holiday season, and The Haitian Project will send a Christmas card notifying your loved one of the gift given in their honor!

Simply submit the form, either online or on paper to sign up.

Your gift allows The Haitian Project to continue to feed, house and educate 360 students—Haiti’s future servant-leaders—each year.

In order for your family and friends to receive a card notifying them of your gift by Christmas Eve, The Haitian Project needs to receive your donation by Monday morning, December 21st. Thank you!

Louverturian's Success Highlights LCS's Excellence

Lyncée C. (LCS ’20) at the Centre Muse Haiti award ceremony

Louverture Cleary School students and graduates are known as Louverturians because they embody the values of the school community: placing others before themselves, working hard, and committing to building a brighter future for their country.

Among the many stories of Louverturians impacting their communities and country is the recent success of Lyncée C. (LCS ’20). After the COVID-19 pandemic brought her final year at LCS to a halt in March, Lyncée and her peers had to return home to quarantine and continue their studies in alternate ways.

While looking for ways to stay engaged and active during this challenging time, Lyncée discovered that a Haitian cultural institution, the Centre Muse Haiti, was holding a national essay competition about the COVID-19 pandemic.

In response to one of five possible prompts, Lyncée wrote an essay addressing the mistrust and skepticism many Haitians feel toward their government and whether this mistrust permits citizens to disregard the government’s pandemic response policies. She reflected on how the people of Haiti may distrust the state because of corruption, lack of transparency, and a lack of support for even the basic needs of the population living in poverty.

In spite of these challenges, true to her Louverturian formation, her essay remained focused on the path forward, concluding that the seriousness of the virus and the importance of the protocols implemented should rise above negative feelings toward the Haitian government. This, she argued, was imperative to protect the health and well-being of Haitians and to not create another tragedy for an already suffering people. 

After LCS Principal Marjorie M. (LCS ’07) was informed last month that Lyncée had placed in the top ten entries in the country, she and Lyncée attended a socially-distanced award ceremony to learn that Lyncée had placed third overall in the national contest!

Principal M. reflects:

I am proud of Lyncée. She decided on her own to participate in the competition and was awarded third place. Once again, LCS is top in the country, proof that our students receive a great education. It elevates the reputation of the school and reminds everyone that LCS aims for excellence.

Congratulations to Lyncée on her success and congratulations to Louverture Cleary School for once again being among the top schools in Haiti!

We also want to congratulate YOU, our supporters, for continuing to be the help we have to give! If you are able to do so, we hope you will support our work at this time. Thank you!