Colby Bowker
Why Haiti, Why Now
Why Haiti, Why Now
Colby Bowker
“The Haitian Project: A Blueprint for Solving ...
“The Haitian Project: A Blueprint for Solving Big Problems” - Ever Widening Circles

You are invited…

Join THP at St. Mark Church graphic

The Haitian Project often notes that a mission is only as strong as the community that sends it.

Thanks to the Diocese of Providence's Office of the Propagation of the Faith and St. Mark Church in Jamestown, RI, the Project will have the opportunity on June 14th and 15th to share its authentic Catholic mission work with a new audience through the diocese’s Mission Cooperative Program.

The Mission Cooperative Program is an annual initiative, both locally and globally, when missionaries visit parishes to increase mission awareness and bear witness to, and raise support for, their work. Please join us!

St. Mark's Address & Mass Times
 

Celebrating World Environment Day with Composting at LCS

In celebration of World Environment Day, we wanted to share about environmental stewardship through composting at Louverture Cleary School.

Every day, students and staff place compostable food waste like egg shells and fruit and vegetable peelings in designated containers to be taken to a large compost pile on campus. During netwayaj (clean-up), the containers are emptied at the campus’s environmental center — an area divided for composting, recycling, metal, and materials to be burned.  

Five days a week, LCS students and staff turn the compost — flipping it from one side of a cinder block divider to another — taking note of sections that may be ready for removal. 

Watch the video above to hear Philo (13th grade) students Lorvencia D. and Jean Emmanuel C. talk about the school's composting process, which will eventually make rich soil that will be put to good use nourishing the school’s gardens of trees, flowers, and various fruits and vegetables.

“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.

 

To All Our THP Fanmi...

Young women seated with white gowns and red caps and cowls

The Haitian Project is counting down to Louverture Cleary School Graduation AND our annual Graduation Fundraising Campaign!

From Wednesday, June 18th, to Wednesday, June 25th, the Graduation Campaign will be raising funds in celebration of the LCS Class of 2025 and to support the continued mission for generations of Louverturians to come. 

Want to be part of the fun? There are many ways to do so!

 Be an Anbasadè (Ambassador) by creating your own fundraising campaign — or multiply the fun and campaign as a team! When just $2,400 covers the cost of education, room and board at LCS for one student for one year, your fundraiser will go a long way!

 Be a Zanmi (Friend) of The Haitian Project and help us spread the word about the campaign! Share THP's posts and calls to action on your social media and directly with friends and family. You can even host an event to support THP in your home, work, church, or wherever you gather with friends!

Whether in honor of a loved one graduating this year, your birthday, or just because you love THP, join us! Reach out to Amanda at development@haitianproject.org, and she will be happy to work with you every step of the way!

Look for more details coming soon! THANK YOU for celebrating the LCS Class of 2025 and for being a part of The Haitian Project Fanmi (family)!

 

Celebrating Teachers' Day at LCS

Line of nicely dressed adults standing on grass with trees in background

Teachers at Louverture Cleary School are often thought of as the foundation of the campus community. These caring and dedicated educators are fundamental to the achievement and development of our students.

May 17th was Teachers' Day in Haiti, and the entire LCS community came together to honor our favorite educators.

Under the coordination of the LCS Academic Office, students organized a heartfelt celebration that began after morning assembly and then continued with a ceremony in the library. Speeches, both from students and teachers, were inspiring and well received.

As part of the day, the Academic Office recognized three teachers with plaques of honor for their long-standing commitment to Louverture Cleary School: John B. for 11 years; Beethorens S. for 14 years; and Joseph A. for 18 years!

Please join us in paying tribute to all of the dedicated, hardworking, and talented educators at Louverture Cleary School, as we thank them for being great role models and mentors for our students.

“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.

 

Challenges and Hope

Smiling man in blue suit standing with young man in graduation cap and gown

Patrick B. (left) with an LCS graduate.

The Haitian Project recently interviewed Patrick B., president of Fondation Haitian Project, THP's partner foundation in Haiti, regarding the security situation in the country. For almost 30 years, Patrick has been THP’s key partner on the ground in Haiti, playing an integral role in advancing the mission and vision of the Project.


How are people being affected by the security situation in Haiti?

Patrick: The impact is major. It affects every family, every level of society. There are people who had reasonable jobs, and from one day to another, their business closed. They have had to abandon their homes, sometimes with only a backpack.

Even with the businesses that are open, there is not a lot of activity. There are street markets in the roads because that is where people can shop. Very few hospitals are open; many have been destroyed. For the general population, it is very frustrating.

How has Louverture Cleary School been affected?

Patrick: Our students, our whole community … we know we are in a battle. Our way of resisting is to be working, to be in session. You can call it resilience, but we are fighting evil. And the way to fight evil is to continue to keep the school operating.

Our staff is very committed. Because of the insecurity, some students are dropped off by their parents on Monday morning instead of Sunday afternoon, and occasionally some teachers have to wait for things to calm down before they can make it to campus … but the Junior Staff, the staff, and the administration
are always there to step in. That is dedication. That commitment runs through the whole school community.

What gives you hope despite the challenging circumstances?

Patrick: Recently, we sent an invitation to every beneficiary of the LCS Dulcich Center for Career Advancement to come to the office, to connect with them about what they are doing and about the difficulties they are going through. They spoke of their challenges and what they have to go through to attend university, if they are able. But they are not giving up. They will carry the torch. They are the future.

What gives me hope? The Network gives me hope. Because I was recently sitting with 123 LCS alumni. When the Louverture Cleary Schools Network is complete, I will be sitting there with 1,230 alumni.

And that is hopeful. That is where the hope comes from.

 A version of this Community Update ran as an article in the April 2025 issue of Haitian Project News. If you would like to receive our newsletter, either electronically or on paper, email THP at development@haitianproject.org today!

“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!

Hand planting seeds in a row in soil

The April issue of Haitian Project News is here!
What's featured in this issue?

Powering a Brighter Future in Haiti

Completed in December 2024, a solar upgrade project at Louverture Cleary School marks a significant step forward in providing sustainable and reliable energy for the campus. 

A View from Haiti: Challenges and Hope

Haitian Project News interviewed Patrick B., president of Fondation Haitian Project, THP's partner foundation in Haiti, regarding the current situation in the country.

LCS Garden Club: A Place to Learn and Grow

There is a sense of stewardship and possibility on the Louverture Cleary School campus, in a country where both can be scarce. It is in this environment that the LCS Garden Club flourishes.

Also ... THP welcomes its first chaplain, LCS Student Views, and much, much more!

“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.

 

LCS Garden Club: A Place to Learn & Grow

Students in row planting seeds in rows in dirt
““I was really happy to see how excited the students were when we started the Garden Club. They come with motivation, ready to learn, plant, and do something good for the environment. They work together, help each other, and they are proud of what they grow. For me, being in charge of the Garden Club is more than just a responsibility — it’s something I truly enjoy.””
— Club Advisor Jeff M. (LCS '23)

The Louverture Cleary School campus is often referred to as an oasis of growth and learning. There is a sense of stewardship and possibility on campus, in a country where both can be scarce. It is in this environment that the LCS Garden Club flourishes.

Garden Club is much more than just an extracurricular activity; it offers students a unique opportunity to gain practical knowledge in gardening, ecology, and sustainable development. In addition to raising awareness about the importance of nature and the environment, it also encourages a sense of responsibility, teamwork, and respect for one's surroundings.

Working throughout the school year, club members meet two times a week to learn and share ideas. In addition, students also water the plants every day during Work Hour.

Club advisors Naphtary S. (LCS ‘18), the LCS assistant head of outreach, and Jeff M. (LCS ‘23), a member of the LCS Junior Staff work study program, are joined by the LCS gardener and maintenance team to work closely with the 20 active student members. The club also involves other students, even if they are not members of the Garden Club.

The garden on the roof of the LCS Chapel features a variety of vegetables, including peppers and eggplants. There are also plans to plant papayas soon. When the plants grow larger, they are moved to the campus garden on the grounds.

Close up of hand sprinkling seeds in soil

“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.

 

Thanks to You, We Had Our Most Successful 401Gives Ever!

We are beyond grateful for the outpouring of support during an exciting two days of giving in honor of our mission of education in Haiti. You helped to make 401Gives 2025 our most successful year yet!

Thanks to YOUR support, we:

  • Raised over $100,000 (actually, $103,806!)

  • Ranked #6 on the 401Gives leaderboard out of 644 Rhode Island nonprofits!

  • Took advantage of 100 percent of the match funds in the THP Board of Directors, Volunteer Alumni, and PC Friars Challenges

  • Took advantage of additional incentive funds from various RI foundations throughout the two days (including one at 6 am!)

To everyone who donated and spread the word (or simply cheered us on while being patient with all those emails!), mèsi anpil, thank you very much! Thank you to our Challenge Gift sponsors, too.

We couldn't do what we do without the support of our community. 

“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.

 

Happy Frederick Douglass Day!

Mural of Frederick Douglass with quote on exposing slavery

The Frederick Douglass mural on the Louverture Cleary School campus.

Born in slavery, Frederick Douglass never knew the date of his birth, or even how old he was. But the famous abolitionist and orator eventually chose February 14th to celebrate his birthday, recalling that his mother called him her “Little Valentine.”

After escaping into freedom, he became a powerful advocate for civil rights and the abolition of slavery. His life story remains a symbol of resilience and the fight for justice.

Douglass, who served as U.S. minister to Haiti from 1889-1891, gave a lecture on the history of the country at the Haiti Pavilion at the Chicago World's Fair on January 2, 1893. His speech revealed his great respect for the island nation and is a reminder of how Haiti became a symbol of hope and empowerment for people worldwide: 

My subject is Haiti, the Black Republic; the only self-made Black Republic in the world. I am to speak to you of her character, her history, her importance and her struggle from slavery to freedom and to statehood....

Until Haiti struck for freedom, the conscience of the Christian world slept profoundly over slavery. It was scarcely troubled even by a dream of this crime against justice and liberty.... Until she spoke, no Christian nation had abolished negro slavery. Until she spoke, no Christian nation had given to the world an organized effort to abolish slavery.... Until she spoke, the slave trade was sanctioned by all the Christian nations of the world, and our land of liberty and light included. 

To have any just conception or measurement of the intelligence, solidarity and manly courage of the people of Haiti when under the lead of Toussaint L'Ouverture, and the dauntless Dessalines, you must remember ... [Haiti] trod the wine press alone. 

Join us in celebrating the life of this great man, whose impact on American society is still felt today.

“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.

 

Mèsi Anpil & Bòn Ane! (Thank You So Much & Happy New Year!)

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.

We at The Haitian Project wanted to say mèsi anpil, thank you so much. For being a part of our community. For your prayers. And for supporting Louverture Cleary School at a time when Haiti needs Louverturians more than ever.

We thank you for your generosity — including helping us to surpass our goal and maximize all $250,000 in our Christmas Match! We thank you for supporting one of the best secondary education programs in Haiti. 

Your belief in The Haitian Project's mission enables Louverture Cleary School graduates to use their education to break the cycle of poverty for themselves and their families. 

Here are some highlights from 2024 at Louverture Cleary School:

  • LCS had the opportunity to share "all that makes [it] unique" — virtually. 
    LCS welcomed visitors to campus — virtually. Staff and students served as the group’s inspiring guides, including in this clip featuring the LCS Chapel, the Paul Mulé Memorial Garden, and a classroom in the Agora building.

  • LCS once again had a 100 percent pass rate on the baccalaureate and 9th grade state exams.

    In 2024, Louverture Cleary School achieved a 100 percent pass rate on BOTH the Katryèm (9th grade) state exam, required for the start of the Secondaire (high school level) curriculum, and the Philo (13th grade) baccalaureate exam, required for students to be eligible to attend university in Haiti.

  • LCS added a mental health professional for the well-being of students, adding to its already long-standing supportive staff.
    In 2024, the school hired a psychologist to provide mental health support to the LCS community. Also supportive and wonderful are the LCS cooks, or mommies, ever present in the cafeteria and truly the heart of the campus.

  • LCS continued to ensure that the Charism (spiritual identity) of the community is lived out daily.
    The LCS Campus Ministry provides pastoral support to students, facilitates liturgical and prayer activities for the school community, along with offering opportunities for students to begin or continue their Sacraments of Initiation within the Catholic Church — including the sacrament of First Communion.

Thank you for believing in our students and alumni. 
Best wishes to you and yours for a safe and happy new year!

“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.