Happy Haitian Heritage Month!

L’Union Fait La Force... Unity Makes Strength

May is a month to celebrate the proud history and people of Haiti.

If you follow news about Haiti, then you have probably noticed how the words “poorest country in the Western Hemisphere” are consistently appended to Haiti’s name. Yet, people are much more than the state of their economy. They have talents, hopes, dreams, and indeed a history that transcends per-capita income. This is important to remember always—but especially during Haitian Heritage Month.

Haiti, in fact, is the world’s second oldest republic and the first nation to permanently ban slavery. Haiti was an example and beacon of freedom for its neighbors in the Americas and especially those enslaved in the U.S. antebellum South, including Frederick Douglass.

Haiti has certainly faced significant headwinds over the years, driven by the international community and natural disasters, as well as internal politics. But, challenges are not the definition of a people; they are only mountains to summit together.

Haitian Heritage Month is a time to remember to always elevate Haitian voices. To celebrate Haiti’s history, here are the voices of the proud students at Louverture Cleary School outside of Port-au-Prince:

Nia C., Rheto (US 12th grade)

Being born in the first black country to end slavery is the greatest legacy one could have from its ancestors. This heritage does not only bring pride to me, but it also brings a responsibility which is to preserve it from fading away. I am very proud to be a Haitian, and it is my duty to live up to my ancestors and encourage my fellow citizens to honor our heritage.
–Nia C., Rheto (US 12th grade)

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Mosanto P., Philo (US 12th grade +1)

Being Haitian makes me feel free, strong, and valuable. I consider myself as raw gold being refined. Being Haitian provides me with a high-rated pride because we are very resilient people. We are strong, but stronger when together. Our specialty is deeply rooted in our history as the first republic of black people who fought for human rights and helped abolish slavery around the around.
–Mosanto P., Philo (US 12th grade +1)

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Makinista B., Philo (US 12th grade +1)

As a Haitian, I am very proud of what we have achieved in the history of humanity. We are a strong people. Even though we are poor, our ancestors fought against slavery; we are still struggling today, but we keep a strong mindset and have pride.
–Makinista B., Philo (US 12th grade +1)

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The Haitian flag states L’Union Fait La Force... Unity Makes Strength. Together, we work to ensure that Haiti’s future servant-leaders are able to build a bright future for themselves, their communities, and their country.

Thank you for being a part of The Haitian Project community.

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“Keep In Touch” to receive periodic updates on our students, activities at Louverture Cleary School, and progress on the LCS Network. Together, we can build a bright and enduring future for Haiti.

Go to Community Updates Page

Join Us May 5th for a Virtual Discussion about THP's Expansion Plan

Join us on Wednesday, May 5th, for a virtual discussion on creating The Louverture Cleary Schools Network.

On Wednesday, May 5th, from 5:00—5:40pm ET, The Haitian Project will host its inaugural “Community Roundtable” virtual event featuring a moderated discussion with THP Board Member and head of THP's partner foundations in Haiti Patrick Brun and THP Director of New School Construction Jimi Grondin.

Patrick and Jimi will discuss The Haitian Project’s Network Plan and progress to date in developing the next Louverture Cleary School — the Model Campus — in Haiti’s Central Plateau region. They also look forward to answering questions from the community.

This is a great chance to have your questions answered about THP’s expansion plan and meet some of the people making it all happen. Attend if you can—and please feel encouraged to bring a friend (or two!).

To RSVP, simply reply to this email to let us know you’d like to attend.

THP Board Member and head of THP partner foundations in Haiti Patrick B. (right) and THP Director of New School Construction Jimi Grondin (center) look out over a potential school site in Les Cayes, Haiti.

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“Keep In Touch” to receive periodic updates on our students, activities at Louverture Cleary School, and progress on the LCS Network. Together, we can build a bright and enduring future for Haiti.

Working for a Brighter (and Greener!) Future

In a country lacking the infrastructure and capacity to support a sanitation system, Louverture Cleary students prepare recyclables with a commitment to environmental stewardship.

With an education and a commitment to sharing their talents with others, a Louverture Cleary School (LCS) graduate is equipped with the tools to escape the threat of poverty AND be a good environmental steward of their country.

Long before your local superstore had bins designated for recycling, paper, and plastic waste, LCS students and Missionaries were sorting and repurposing waste, turning compost, and being a good environmental neighbor to the other residents of Santo 5, ensuring that no piece of trash ever left campus.

Salomon A. (left), LCS alumnus class of 1998 and partner at Haitian solar company Energy Central, installing solar panels with a technician on the roof of the Louverture Cleary School Radia Laboratory of Science and Technology.

LCS is also a trailblazer in using solar energy and remains a solar-powered school. Through being active participants in environmental stewardship while on campus, LCS students are constantly learning how caring for the environment benefits the world around them.

To celebrate Earth Day 2021, we are sharing what Louverturians over the years have had to say about being part of a green community...

"My favorite work on campus is to take care of the trees or plants, putting compost to them, and watering them. The importance of this work is based on the good care of the campus, which will make everyone appreciate nature more."

“I like the incinerator and the compost. The incinerator helps us remove our trash from LCS. The ash from the incinerator helps the compost. The compost helps the growing of the plants. These two environmental practices at LCS change our trash into treasures. In this way, and others, LCS makes gold for the community and the country."

“My favorite environmental practice at LCS is recycling, because I like when I am putting things in their assigned places and turning disorder into order. I don’t know of any other places in Haiti that do clean up, recycling, and management like at LCS, but hopefully there will be."

LCS Philo student (US 12th Grade + 1) Perkens L. turns compost at the school's Compost Center. LCS has a long history of composting for its environmental benefits. Says Perkens, "When we prepare compost and do it well, it becomes a very important substance for the plants, brings them nutrients, and helps them grow better to create a green world."

The Go Go Go Compost poem decorates the compost pile at Louverture Cleary School. The school has a long history of composting for its environmental benefits.

As an eco-friendly campus designed for positive social and environmental impact, LCS was and is a trailblazer in Haiti. Now, these green initiatives along with other sustainable technologies will be integral to each of the nine new schools of the Louverture Cleary Schools Network.

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“Keep In Touch” to receive periodic updates on our students, activities at Louverture Cleary School, and progress on the LCS Network. Together, we can build a bright and enduring future for Haiti.

It's National Volunteer Week!

Missionaries teach outside the classroom, too: students learn about plants and the environment as they develop the gardens on campus.

National Volunteer Week is a time to celebrate and thank those who volunteer their time, energy, and lives for others. Here at The Haitian Project, we are celebrating all those who serve in our community, with a spotlight on our many Missionaries (formerly called Volunteers) who have given a year or more to teach, live and serve at Louverture Cleary School in Haiti.

For over 25 years, The Haitian Project’s mission and charism have been lived out and exemplified at LCS outside of Port-au-Prince in Haiti by its vibrant community of Missionary teachers.

Missionaries of all ages have brought stability in chaotic times, determination in challenging tasks, and joy in daily life while embracing and participating in the greater Louverture Cleary School community.

Life of the Missionary Community includes:

• Living in community with other Missionaries and Haitian staff members
  

• Teaching classes, such as English, religion, and economics
  

• Leading extracurriculars such as sports and clubs, giving the chance for students to be enriched both in and out of the classroom
  

• Participating in the physical development and upkeep of the campus
  

• Participating in daily community prayer and weekly Mass

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Ever felt called to missionary service? Know someone who would be a good fit for our community in Haiti?

Email [email protected] for more information on being a Missionary at Louverture Cleary School. Apply for the program here:

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“Keep In Touch” to receive periodic updates on our students, activities at Louverture Cleary School, and progress on the LCS Network. Together, we can build a bright and enduring future for Haiti.

Remembering Fr. David Knight

Today, we remember the life of Fr. David M. Knight, a faithful Jesuit priest, prolific writer, and cherished member of The Haitian Project community.

Fr. David Knight at a THP community retreat in 2019.

Fr. David M. Knight passed away on Sunday, March 21, 2021 at the age of 90 in Guatemala, where he had traveled in 2020 before the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to his priestly ministry, Fr. Knight was best known as an author and retreat director. He held a doctorate in theology from Catholic University in Washington, DC and traveled all over the world performing his ministries, including the work of his non-profit ministry, Immersed in Christ.

Fr. Knight’s writing and teaching is ingrained in the fiber of The Haitian Project community. His first book, His Way: An Everyday Plan for Following Jesus, became a part of the Louverture Cleary School (LCS) community in a spontaneous way. It first served as an important part of the conversion experience for THP President Emeritus Deacon Patrick Moynihan and his wife, Christina. Deacon Moynihan recalls:

Thanks to Christina taking the book "His Way" from the table of books being given away as the Diocese of Memphis moved offices, Fr. David Knight sent me on a spiritual journey that continues to this day to increase my faith—and, hopefully my charity. His contribution to our community was integral to its formation.

His Way responds to Vatican II’s call to the laity to be witnesses of the faith and to transform society. Building upon LCS’s call for Louverturians to rebuild their nation from within, the book became the foundation for LCS’s Philo (US 12th grade +1) Religion class, which Deacon Moynihan taught for over two decades. The text has also formed the US Missionary community year after year as they work to teach and live out THP’s charism and has been called upon in many other groups within the THP community.

In addition to his written works bringing members from all parts of the THP community closer to Christ, Fr. Knight was present to THP throughout the years to teach and lead in person. In October 2000, Fr. Knight visited LCS and spent two days teaching, speaking, and participating in the community life steeped in a culture of service that his writing helped form. In the summer of 2019, THP welcomed Fr. Knight to its headquarters in Rhode Island for a community retreat, building upon the foundation of His Way and relating it to the work of carrying out THP’s mission on the US side of the community. Of Fr. Knight’s life and impact, Christina Moynihan reflects:

I feel like Fr. Knight's entire life focused on teaching us how we could live simply, and that Christ's example was doable. His easygoing nature was welcoming and inviting which helped our students really absorb and enjoy "His Way". Fr. Knight's charismatic style and authentic "way" opened many people's hearts to the Holy Spirit. He was a terrific gardener who planted the seeds for the Holy Spirit. I am grateful to have been considered his friend.

We are grateful to have had Fr. Knight as such an important member of our community. Fr. Knight’s body rests in peace in Guatemala. Immersed in Christ and his community in Memphis, TN are marking his passing with a celebration of his life. His humor, wisdom, and faithful example of how to live a truly Christian life will not be forgotten, and we pray for the repose of his soul.

Fr. David Knight with a Louverture Cleary student (left) during a visit to the school in October 2000.

Deacon Patrick Moynihan (right) teaching "His Way" at LCS circa 2006; the book became the foundation for LCS’s Philo (US 12th grade +1) Religion class, which Deacon Moynihan taught for over two decades.

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As we remember Fr. Knight, we remember the humility and intention with which he reminds us to constantly pray, like the WIT prayer he wrote, prayed, and shared:

Jesus, I give you my body. Live this day with me. Live this day in me. Live this day through me. Let me think with your thoughts, speak with your words, and act as your body on earth.

http://immersed-in-christ.blogspot.com/2014/01/how-to-stay-aware-wit-prayer.html

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“Keep In Touch” to receive periodic updates on our students, activities at Louverture Cleary School, and progress on the LCS Network. Together, we can build a bright and enduring future for Haiti.

The April Issue of Haitian Project News is Here!

LCS Economics Department Head Djim G. and members of the Philo class (US 12th Grade + 1) participate in a weekend introductory business module of LCS’s new enhanced economics and business curriculum.

We're excited to announce the April issue of 
Haitian Project News!

Louverture Cleary School, 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.

What else is new in this issue? Read about:

• Whether navigating the COVID-19 pandemic or some of the other difficulties that have challenged Haiti in recent years, many Louverture Cleary School Alumni can be found on the frontlines, leading initiatives for positive change for their country. One such alumna is Linsey Francesca J. (LCS ’13), who has dedicated herself to the study of medicine.

• The Haitian Project continues to push forward with the LCS Network despite the challenges created by the pandemic and Haiti’s political instability.

• And all of latest THP happenings and feature stories in the April issue of Haitian Project News! You are not going to want to miss reading this issue’s Student Views!

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“Keep In Touch” to receive periodic updates on our students, activities at Louverture Cleary School, and progress on the LCS Network. Together, we can build a bright and enduring future for Haiti.

Save the Date: Double Your Donation on April 1st through 401Gives

By supporting one of the best education programs in Haiti, you are transforming lives and giving the hope of a brighter tomorrow to a new generation of servant leaders.

401Gives is back this year and better than ever! On April 1st, whether you’re in Rhode Island or not, everyone is invited to participate in this special day of online giving to support RI-based nonprofits like The Haitian Project.

Starting at 6:00am EST on April 1st, visit our 401Gives page to donate.

The first $50,000 of donations will be matched by the Rhode Island Foundation (up to $500 matched per gift), making this a great way to increase your impact. Your participation will help ensure that The Haitian Project can continue to weather the impact of the pandemic on our annual funding and move ahead with the construction of our second school in Haiti.

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“Keep In Touch” to receive periodic updates on our students, activities at Louverture Cleary School, and progress on the LCS Network. Together, we can build a bright and enduring future for Haiti.

Celebrating Our Alumnae Today and Every Day!

Earlier this month we celebrated International Women’s Day. Not only on that day, but every day, we are proud of what our female graduates have accomplished for themselves and their country. Here are a few:

Lynceé C. (LCS '20)

After the COVID-19 pandemic brought her final year at LCS to a halt last March, Lyncée C. (LCS ’20) looked for ways to stay engaged and active during a challenging time. After entering a national essay competition held by the Haitian cultural institution Centre Muse Haiti about the pandemic, Lyncée placed third overall in the contest.

Stephane C. (LCS '11)

Stephane C. is well aware of the many challenges facing her fellow Haitians. After receiving a university scholarship from the LCS Dulcich Center for Career Advancement, Stephane decided to pursue her studies in agronomy. "One of the best ways to reduce poverty and specifically hunger in Haiti is through agriculture," she says.

Myrlande A. (LCS '10)

After receiving a scholarship from the LCS Dulcich Center for Career Advancement and earning her degree in administrative sciences, Myrlande A. (LCS ’10) now works at one of the largest banks in Haiti, Unibank S.A.

AND COMING SOON...

Whether navigating the COVID-19 pandemic or some of the other difficulties that have challenged Haiti in recent years, many LCS Alumni can be found on the frontlines, leading initiatives for positive change for their country. One such alumna is Linsey Francesca J. (LCS ’13), who has dedicated herself to the study of medicine.

Read all about Francesca in the April 2021 issue of Haitian Project News!

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Seeking 360 Community members to support LCS!

As we prepare to break ground on our second school, we are relying on our strong community of supporters to ensure that our flagship LCS outside of Port-au-Prince is covered for the upcoming school year and for years to come. Specifically, we are developing a group of 360 donors—the number of students at LCS—to commit to an annual gift of $1,900, which is the direct cost of one year of education for one student at LCS.

Stepping Up

Below is a reflection by Betsy Bowman on giving back in times of uncertainty. Betsy was a Volunteer at Louverture Cleary School during the earthquake in 2010 and later served on The Haitian Project’s Board of Directors.

Like many US Americans during the recent months of the pandemic, I have felt simultaneously powerless to respond to the needs all around me, and deeply, undeservingly, lucky to be healthy and relatively financially secure. I work in a Boston public school, and the pandemic has brought much deeper and more widespread suffering to my school community than to my family and social circles. The racial and socioeconomic disparity of this impact in the United States is obvious.

From the beginning, I have been so concerned about Haiti. Having spent a year as a Volunteer at Louverture Cleary, I know how challenging basic sanitation can be for many in Haiti. And, as a witness to the 2010 earthquake and its aftermath, I saw firsthand the limitations of the medical infrastructure and the fragility of so many basic civil institutions in Haiti.

When my stimulus check arrived, I felt the nudge to just hide it away for safekeeping. There is so much uncertainty, even for me.

But I could not stop thinking about Matthew 10:8. "What you receive for free, you must give for free."

When have I ever so freely received unearned money? When has that well-worn verse from Matthew ever seemed so literally true to me? Of course, the call was obvious—to give to those in greater need than myself. I decided to split it in half: to contribute some to local organizations directly meeting the needs of people in my own community, and the remainder I contributed to The Haitian Project.

I know that so many families in Haiti rely on remittances from their families abroad, and I can only imagine how those financial gifts have been impacted by the pandemic. It seems only right that those of us who are able, should step in to fill those gaps.

We can provide the direct stimulus to the people of Haiti that the Haitian government cannot.

Of course, some may find ourselves in a position to donate part or all of a stimulus check, or to make a larger than normal annual contribution. And others will not.

No matter what our individual situation, I hope that the entire Haitian Project community will remain prayerfully united in solidarity with the people of Haiti in this time of so much turmoil.

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We are so grateful for the wonderful support of Betsy and every member of the THP Community. Please consider a gift today if you are able—you are the help we have to give!

Looking to make donating to The Haitian Project easier and more effective?

Consider setting up a recurring donation today!

Many community members have found it helpful to spread their giving throughout the year with automatic monthly donations through their credit card or bank account. This consistent support allows The Haitian Project to devote more resources to the thing that matters most to all of us—increasing access to education in Haiti!

Simply visit our donate page to select the amount and frequency of your gift. You can modify or cancel your recurring donation at any time.

Thank you for being the help we have to give!