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

Join THP at Parishes in RI on April 20th & 21st

THP Mission Cooperation Banner

Please join The Haitian Project this month as THP participates in the Diocese of Providence's Mission Cooperation Program!

The Haitian Project often notes that a mission is only as strong as the community that sends it. Thanks to the Diocese of Providence and the parishes that will welcome The Haitian Project on April 20th and 21st, the Project will have the opportunity to share its authentic Catholic mission work with a new audience through the diocese’s Mission Cooperation Program.

The Mission Cooperation 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. THP President Reese Grondin will be speaking at Masses in two parish communities in the Westerly, RI, area this month. 

Please join us!

“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.

 

THANK YOU to All of Our 401Gives Supporters!

We are so grateful for the outpouring of support in honor of our mission of education in Haiti.

Special thanks to our Quahog Matchers and Littleneck Campaigners!

Thank you to our donors for making this event both possible and our most successful year yet, raising $75,124!

We took advantage of all $20,000 in matching funds, exceeded our goal with over 130 donors, and ranked #7 on the 401Gives leaderboard out of 597 Rhode Island nonprofits!

Thank you again to everyone who made this 5th annual online fundraiser such a success!

“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 March Issue of Haitian Project News is Here!

As a community of faith, LCS celebrates all-school Masses throughout the year to commemorate certain holy days and school milestones. Read more in "Gathering as a Community of Faith."

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

Update on the Situation in Haiti:
Many people have heard how the situation in Haiti, already difficult, took an especially worrying turn in early March. LCS has not been directly impacted by these developments, but students were asked to stay home as a precaution given the potential risks associated with traveling to campus.

2023—A Year of Hope and Renewal at THP: In 2023, despite the historic challenges in Haiti, the THP community helped the Project have a historic fundraising year—including achieving five major fundraising accomplishments—that set a strong foundation for future growth. 

Supporting Haiti's Future Leaders: LCS provides a quality education steeped in community service and academic excellence to 360 students each year. Though the school day runs from 7 am to 3:25 pm, LCS is a boarding school, and formation of its students— Louverturians—begins long before the first bell and continues long after the last.

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.

 

A Message from the Pope: "Kenbe fem."

Pope Francis with Sr. Paësie in Rome, late October 2023.

“
I think our missions, The Haitian Project, Kizito Family ... they are beacons of light and of hope in the lives of the people.

”
— Sr. Paësie

“Kenbe fem.” Don't give up.

These are words that Pope Francis recently spoke to long-time THP community friend Sr. Paësie when he called to encourage and thank her for her devotion to the children of severely disadvantaged families in Cité Soleil, a commune located in Port-au-Prince and one of the most impoverished areas in our hemisphere.

Founder of the Famille Kizito Religious Community, Sr. Paësie along with Famille Kizito have been valued partners in The Haitian Project’s efforts in Haiti since the community was established in 2018. LCS students have volunteered at the community’s summer camps. Sr. Paësie has frequently visited LCS to teach in the religious education program and to provide spiritual support for students. Prior to that, Sr. Paësie was integral in THP’s collaboration with Mother Theresa's Missionaries of Charity.

Famille Kizito, named for the youngest of the Martyrs of Uganda who died for their faith in 1886, serves 2,500 at-risk youth in Cité Soleil through education centers, food support, summer camp, Catechism programs, and other initiatives. 

Patrick B., head of Fondation Haitian Project, THP’s partner foundation in Haiti, reached out to Sr. Paësie to ask her about her phone conversation with the Pope, along with her thoughts on education and Haiti.

Patrick: We were so pleased to hear about Pope Francis contacting you.

Sr. Paësie: Yes, I did receive a call from the Holy Father. This was a great surprise and a great blessing. And what really struck me was the tone of voice of the Pope. I felt by him calling me, he was really addressing the most vulnerable and the poorest people here in Haiti, and he wanted to give a message of consolation and hope to them. 

Patrick: What role does education have in Haiti's future, and in particular, Catholic education?

Sr. Paësie: The role of education is extremely important for different reasons. Children who are going to school are protected. Just by the fact that they are going to school, they are being protected from the dangers of the street and from being enrolled into gangs. Gangs do not recruit soldiers from among schoolchildren. They recruit from children who are not going to school. So, this is one way education is very important.

But Catholic or Christian education especially is essential. I believe this is only thing in the long term which can transform the reality of Haiti. Transmitting Christian values, the values of forgiveness, that a stronger one should protect a weaker one, love of God, love of neighbor … these are the values on which a society can be built, and this can be done through school through Christian education.

Patrick: What role do you feel established mission work, such as the work of Famille Kizito and The Haitian Project, plays in Haiti?

Sr. Paësie: I think our missions, The Haitian Project, Kizito Family … they are beacons of light and of hope in the lives of the people. The life in the school is a very important part of the lives of the children. And not only of the children who attend the schools, but their mothers and their families are impacted by the school.

AS ALWAYS, thank you for your support of our work for Haiti. Together, we can continue to make a difference and help build a brighter future for Haiti.

“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.

 

An Update on Haiti

Most Appreciated Community Members,

We wanted to make sure you were aware of the status of our program given that you have likely heard how the situation in Haiti, already difficult, took an especially worrying turn this week.

(For background, you can read the Miami Herald’s Jacqueline Charles’ recent reporting by clicking HERE.)

Louverture Cleary School has not been directly impacted but is on limited operations this week after the escalation in gang activity that occurred over this past weekend, with only the residential staff remaining on campus. Students have stayed home for safety reasons given the current volatility of the situation.

As with every temporary disruption resulting from political instability over our mission's long history, we are constantly assessing the situation with the safety of our community in mind and expect to resume operations soon. 

Throughout this multiyear crisis, we have been a lifeline to our students, faculty, staff, and the surrounding neighborhood. And as difficult as it is right now for our community, it would be much worse without the prospect of a brighter future that Louverture Cleary School represents.  

Needless to say, it is your support that keeps our doors open and that hope alive. Our work together is vital now; it will only be more so when the crisis of the moment has passed.

To put a fine point on this, I’d like to share a quote from LCS staff member and 2018 graduate Widler J., which he wrote for our upcoming newsletter:

My hopes for Haiti's future revolve around stability, prosperity, and progress. I envision a Haiti where its people have access to quality education, healthcare, and employment opportunities, fostering sustainable economic development and inclusive growth. I aspire to see robust infrastructure, effective governance, and institutions that support the well-being and advancement of all citizens.

Additionally, I hope for unity, reconciliation, and peace among all Haitians, fostering a sense of national pride and solidarity.

As Louverturians, owing to the quality education we received at LCS, we can position Haiti for a better future. With the increasing number of Louverturian alumni each year, I believe we can significantly contribute to Haiti's rebuilding, as our motto states: "L'union fait la force."

Thank you again for your support. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me by responding to this email.

And please keep our community and the country of Haiti in your prayers.

Peace,

Reese Grondin
President—The Haitian Project, Inc.

“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.

 

Here's Why LCS is One of the Best Secondary Educational Programs in Haiti

As LCS Principal Myriam J. (LCS '10, pictured with students) states, "An LCS education focuses on the citizen-leader. Not just intellectuals, but future leaders who will be able to fulfill a social role in the pursuit of a better Haiti."

For nearly four decades, Louverture Cleary School has provided quality Catholic education to hundreds of students each year who would otherwise be unable to attend secondary school, a critical step toward ending poverty for the students and their families.

LCS’s rigorous academic education and formation steeped in community service create a solid foundation for its reputation of excellence. Through times of calm and crisis alike, LCS has provided stability for students, staff, and its surrounding community, while continuing to graduate high-achieving individuals who will go on to transform communities, workplaces, industries, and their country.

Louverturians study a variety of subjects over their seven years at the school in a curriculum that doesn’t just adhere to the Haitian Ministry of Education’s requirements, it exceeds them. The curriculum includes four languages—Kreyòl, French, English and Spanish—religion, mathematics, sciences, computers, social studies, literature, physical education, citizenship, music, and more, including a business curriculum which features economics, finance, and accounting.

Classes not only challenge bright minds but also help create well-rounded people.

In return, much is expected of Louverturians who know that the top-notch, tuition-free education they receive is not for them personally, but for their country. When such an academically-rigorous program requires students to regularly participate in Work Hour and perform community service for the school and its surrounding community, the message is sent that service to others is an integral part of life.

As Philo (13th grade) student Cardley M. believes, “Excellence at LCS is about attaining the highest levels of personal and professional growth, not just for oneself, but to serve others."  

The culmination of the secondary education LCS provides is going on to university, the workforce, and leadership roles in Haiti. The Dulcich Center for Career Advancement operated by THP’s partner foundation in Haiti, Fondation Haitian Project, supports graduates by providing crucial university scholarships, and assisting in job placement and professional networking opportunities for alumni. 

Private sector leader Patrick B., head of Fondation Haitian Project, sees the importance of LCS not only around Port-au-Prince, but throughout Haiti: “The broader impact Louverturians have on their families and communities as they embark on successful lives of service in Haiti is significant, which is why THP often says, ‘a Louverture Cleary education can change a life, and through that life, a thousand more.’ Once the LCS Network operates at scale, the entire nation will feel the transformative impact.”

As Philo student Keynia J. sums up, "LCS's excellence serves as our constant motivation—a guiding compass that keeps us on the right track toward realizing our vision of a better society."

“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 Haitian Independence Day! There Are Many Reasons to Celebrate!

On today, Haitian Independence Day, we would like to say mèsi—thank you—for your outstanding support!

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 thank you. For your support. For your prayers. For standing with Haiti at a time when Haiti needs our mission the most. For being a part of something amazing even through one of the most difficult periods in Haiti's recent history. 

We thank you for stepping up and helping us to raise $200,000 in three weeks time to maximize our End-of-Year Match and reach our goals for 2023. We cannot express our sincere appreciation enough for this amazing achievement!

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. And we think this is a cause for celebration!

Here are just a few of the many things to celebrate about Louverture Cleary School—that you helped make possible:

  • LCS is one of the best secondary programs in Haiti.
    For nearly four decades, Louverture Cleary School's rigorous Catholic education and formation steeped in community service have created a solid foundation for its reputation of excellence. Classes not only challenge bright minds but also help create well-rounded people. 

  • LCS has a 100 percent pass rate on the baccalaureate, Haiti's national exam.

    In 2023, Louverture Cleary School once again achieved a 100 percent pass rate on BOTH the Katryèm (9th grade) state exam and the Philo (13th grade) baccalaureate exam. Not only that, but the Philo class had two national laureates (pictured above with LCS students) placing #3 and #5 in all of Haiti!

  • LCS has been an innovator and trendsetter in Haiti since its opening nearly four decades ago.
    Ahead of its time, Louverture Cleary School included art, music and sport in addition to economics across its four-year secondary curriculum, long before the Haitian Ministry of Education’s requirements for schools to do so. LCS's approach to teaching languages is another example of the school's educational vision. Perhaps one of the more apparent attributes of a Louverturian is their fluency in four languages—Kreyòl, French, English, and Spanish. 

  • LCS has always modeled the change it wants to see in Haiti.
    The Louverture Cleary School community has always challenged gender bias and inequality by creating equal opportunities for males and females. A great example of this is LCS's impactful “Celebrate Women” program.

  • The LCS culture prepares students to be leaders in rebuilding their country.
    Louverture Cleary students collectively conduct over 1,500 hours of structured community service each week through The Haitian Project’s various community outreach programs. This is by design, living out the school’s motto of Matthew 10:8: "What you receive for free, you must give for free." 

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.

 

Jwaye Nwèl / Celebrations of the Season

As we celebrate Christmas, we wanted to share celebrations of the season—and some recipes—from some of our THP and LCS community members:

"Christmas was one of the most celebrated holidays when I was growing up in Haiti. On Christmas Eve, people will have reveyon, which is a gathering of family and friends to eat bouyon (https://www.savorythoughts.com/haitian-bouillon). Typically, the food is consumed around midnight to ring in Christmas. Everyone dances, drinks, opens gifts, and has fun. Some communities will gather and do the same."

—THP Board Member Sabine Guerrier

Shilove Charles

"Christmas in Haiti is celebrated from Christmas Eve to New Year's. On Christmas Eve, people often celebrate with goat soup, baba au rhum (cake soaked in rum) and lots of crémas (a sweet and creamy alcoholic beverage). On Christmas, we celebrate with turkey and rice and beans (https://loisa.com/blogs/comida-real/haitian-rice-beans). Then on New Year's Eve, we celebrate with Haitian fritay, an assortment of fried foods, which for us always included griot (fried marinated pork), pikliz (a spicy slaw mixture), and fried plaintains."

—THP Bookkeeper and Office Manager Shilove Charles

Myriam J. (LCS ‘10)

"In Haiti, we eat Congo beans with rice and fried chicken (of course) during the whole month of December. On December 24th, we spend the whole night dancing, eating fried meat and plantains with macaroni gratin, and drinking with family and friends."

—Louverture Cleary School Principal Myriam J. (LCS '10) 

Over the holidays and especially on New Year's Day, Haitians everywhere celebrate with soup joumou, a traditional pumpkin soup (which can also be made with squash). This soup, which is a celebration of Haiti, is a perfect dish to celebrate the holidays, too!

Craig Elstak

THP Board Member Craig Elstak shared wife Martinna's soup joumou recipe. See the recipe here.

You can see how Martinna makes it in this great video: 
https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cm-ch0yIlE0/?igsh=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng==

 

“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.

 

A Solar (R)evolution at LCS

The recent fuel shortage and supply chain disruptions in Haiti have made Louverture Cleary School's solar capabilities more vital.

The earth has circled the sun 18 times since the first solar arrays were installed on the flagship Louverture Cleary School campus.  

Since then, every building has been equipped with its own system of panels, inverter, charger, and batteries. The result—over 54 kilowatts (kW) worth of panels and 12 dozen batteries scattered across the rooftops and tucked in the niches of the campus.

This massive undertaking of talent and resources freed LCS from unreliable utility power and drastically reduced dependence on back-up generators.

Over the past 18 years, the batteries have charged during the day and discharged their stored energy at night more than 6,500 times. The state-of-the-art storage available back then was gel lead-acid batteries. These were heavy, expensive, and at best lasted 1,000 cycles under normal operating conditions. But the demands for power on a campus with over 400 people are high, and the prohibitive cost of assembling adequately large battery banks never allowed for “normal” operating scenarios. As a result, most of the batteries that have cycled through LCS over the years have been exhausted by their 700th charge. It has been a constant struggle to keep the battery banks at optimum output. 

Thankfully, in that span of 18 years, solar technology has evolved at the speed of light.

New systems are available that greatly increase efficiency and allow LCS to obtain optimum solar performance. The Radia Science Lab was the first building on campus to use paired inverters capable of delivering 220 volts, compared to the old inverters that could only produce 110 volts. And this fall, the east section of campus received the newest inverter—a hybrid model that combines several components into one powerful unit.

A technician from Energy Central, a local Haitian company co-founded by an LCS alumnus, installing the new hybrid inverter for the Agora (library) building.

This state-of-the-art model will also be used to power future campuses in the Louverture Cleary School Network.

The new inverters can also be paired with the latest battery technology. Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries provide 10 times the life cycles of lead-acid batteries and can be regularly discharged to 90 percent, instead of lead-acid batteries' optimal 20 percent discharge. Furthermore, LiFePO4 batteries can deliver higher amounts of current over longer periods of time, are less expensive to operate, and require less maintenance than lead-acid batteries. 

Solar panels, too, have increased in efficiency and decreased in price. Almost two decades ago, solar panels were selling for $7 per watt; today, costs are down to $0.42 per watt. The current campus is outfitted with panels that average about 350 watts; the new schools in the LCS Network will have panels with double that capacity. With the newest technologies requiring fewer individual panels, components, and batteries, the new schools will also reap the benefits of centralized power production, storage, and distribution systems.

LCS’s solar capabilities will continue to evolve and new technology will continue to be implemented. Lead-acid batteries and outdated components will continue to be replaced with lithium-iron batteries and hybrid inverters. Planning is underway to install a dedicated array providing 220 volt power to water and septic pumps on the LCS campus.

As the school's commitment to environmental stewardship continues with each cycle of the sun, more improvements to the solar energy system will be made, and for years and years to come, LCS — and all campuses of the LCS Network — will be shining points of (solar) light. 

Do You or Someone You Know Want to Invest in Solar Power at Louverture Cleary School? The school needs $100,000 in critical solar upgrades over the next 12 months and could use your help! Email development@haitianproject.org to learn 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.

 

The December Issue of Haitian Project News is Here!

Group of smiling students standing with hand raised

National Laureates and Class of 2023 graduates Marquez M. (left) and Joovica J. (right) visited LCS in November to encourage students.

LCS—One of the Best Secondary Education Programs in Haiti: For nearly four decades, Louverture Cleary School's rigorous academic education and formation steeped in community service have created a solid foundation for its reputation of excellence. Classes not only challenge bright minds but also help create well-rounded people. In return, much is expected of Louverturians who know that the top-notch, tuition-free education they receive is not for them personally, but for their country. 

A Solar (R)evolution on Campus: The earth has circled the sun 18 times since the first solar arrays were installed on the flagship Louverture Cleary School campus. In that span of 18 years, solar technology has evolved at a rapid speed. New systems are available that will greatly increase efficiency and allow LCS to obtain optimum solar performance. 

Ahead of the Curve: Louverture Cleary School has a long history of educational vision and innovation. Ahead of its time, LCS included art, music and sport in addition to economics across its four-year secondary curriculum, long before the Haitian Ministry of Education’s requirements for schools to do so.

Catch up with LCS Principal Myriam J. (LCS ‘10).

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.