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

Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) Continues Haiti and Greece’s Legacy of Support

At a glance, it might seem like Haiti and Greece do not have much in common other than miles of beautiful coastline. What is little known to non-historians is that the two countries have a shared history.

On March 25, 2021, Greece celebrated the 200th anniversary of its independence from the Ottoman Empire, commemorating the date when the War for Greek Independence began. Less than a year later, another milestone occurred: January 15, 2022 marked 200 years since Haiti became the first country to officially recognize Greece as a sovereign nation.

At the time, Haiti itself had recently achieved independence from French rule in 1804, after a brutal 12-year war that was the only successful slave-led revolution in history.

Jean-Pierre Boyer, former President of Haiti

Eager to stand with its fellow nation in the fight for freedom, then Haitian President Jean-Pierre Boyer wrote the following in a letter to the prominent Greek scholar and political figure Adamantios Korais: “We, like the Hellenes, were for a long time subjected to a dishonorable slavery and finally, with our own chains, broke the head of tyranny... Convey to your co-patriots the warm wishes that the people of Haiti send on the behalf of your liberation."

Today, The Haitian Project is proud to be part of the legacy of support between Haiti and Greece through a partnership with the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF), one of the world’s leading private, international philanthropic organizations, supporting arts and culture, education, health and sports, and social welfare in Greece and around the world. In the spring of 2021, SNF awarded THP a significant two-year grant to help support Louverture Cleary School outside of Port-au-Prince and to increase THP’s capacity to build its second school—the Model Campus in the Diocese of Gonaïves, which will be replicated across Haiti to create the 10-school Louverture Cleary Schools Network.

SNF Program Officer Casey Russo shared, “For decades, The Haitian Project has shown an unwavering commitment to educational opportunity, regardless of students’ means. SNF is proud to partner with THP in its efforts to expand its reach, creating more opportunities for students to grow into citizen-leaders and increasing university access across the country.”

It is through the generosity of SNF and all supporters standing with THP during this difficult time in Haiti’s recent history that allows Louverture Cleary Schools to be a continued beacon of hope and opportunity in Haiti.

Photo Credit of Jean-Pierre Boyer: Pôlehistoire, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

“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 Network Featured in New Entrepreneurship Book

Just this week, Executive Director of the Nelson Center for Entrepreneurship at Brown University Danny Warshay released his paradigm-shifting book See, Solve, Scale: How Anyone Can Turn an Unsolved Problem into a Breakthrough Success. Focusing on the entrepreneurial process, this book contains anecdotes about people and organizations that found a solution to a problem and scaled it in a sustainable way—including The Haitian Project and the Louverture Cleary Schools Network!

In the book, which CEO Today has called “One of the 10 Most Inspiring Business Books For 2022,” Danny tells the story of how he encouraged his Brown University classmate THP President Emeritus Deacon Patrick Moynihan to think big and develop a model to scale the proven solution of Louverture Cleary School (LCS) so that it would impact the entire country of Haiti.

Reflecting on the book, Deacon Moynihan remarked, "Danny's guidance literally lifted my eyes from the trench to the horizon. It made seeing the path to the big vision back to today as easy as doing a maze from end to start."

THP had long envisioned a future where there were enough LCS alumni in Haiti to fully transform the country’s economy and institutions from within. But Danny’s advice took this idea from merely a vision to a detailed plan of action: the Louverture Cleary Schools Network.

"I can't thank Danny enough for his advice and friendship over the past 35 years," commented Deacon Moynihan.

For more of this story and countless business insights from Danny, check out See, Solve, Scale!

“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.

 

Louverturians in the Lead!

In the fall of 2021, Haiti’s Commission Nationale des Marchés Publics (National Public Procurement Commission, or CNMP) held a national essay contest for final year and graduating university students. Entrants were invited to write three to five pages on the topic “Public procurement: an effective tool for the implementation of public policies.”

When the top ten finalists were announced in November, not one, but TWO Louverture Cleary School (LCS) alumni were among them: Jothsaïna P. (LCS '14) and Jacob K. (LCS '15)!

Jothsaïna went on to be among the final three competitors and, at a December ceremony commemorating the 17th anniversary of CNMP, was named the winner of the contest and the J.F.R. Marcello Prize.

Jothsaïna P. (center) at the awards ceremony for the Commission Nationale des Marchés Publics' national essay contest.

Jothsaïna, who attended law school in Haiti with help from a scholarship from LCS’s Dulcich Center for Career Advancement, was preparing her thesis on public contract law in her final year of her degree when she learned of the opportunity to use that knowledge in the contest. She reflected on her winning essay:

“The most important thing to make clear was transparency in contracts. The public administration has to put the information out to the public. What is the state doing, does it have a result, is it efficient? Money should be used to serve the general interest. Contracts need to be transparent.”

Additionally, Jothsaïna was recently awarded the Pauline Parris Scholarship that will send her to Trinity College in Ireland to pursue a master's degree in international peace studies. She plans to bring what she learns back to Haiti to support a brighter future for her country. Speaking to a Haitian news outlet about the award, Jothsaïna said:

“Currently there are many conflicts in Haiti, whether at the level of the gangs or the public authorities. In applying for this scholarship, I thought to myself that it could really help me in this area. It would allow me to analyze and understand the mechanisms of conflict management.”

Jothsaïna and Jacob are both excellent examples of how Louverturians continue to excel both professionally and when it comes to giving back to their community.

While studying law at Quisqueya University, Jothsaïna returned to LCS to teach Education Citoyenne (Citizenship) class. She also serves as a debate coach with the organization FOKAL—a way for her to give back to the same debate program she and her fellow students participated in while at LCS. Now working as a licensed lawyer, she and her colleagues support and encourage women to increase their participation in fields like politics and other social interests.

Jacob K. (left) volunteering at a free community clinic with other LCS alumni in the medical field.

For his part, Jacob earned a highly sought-after spot in the State University of Haiti’s medical school after graduating from LCS, then volunteered his time at free medical clinics with other LCS Alumni in the medical field for the community around LCS. He served as the junior staff medical assistant at LCS during his studies as well, assisting the school and local community as they weathered the COVID-19 pandemic.

Reflecting on the impact of LCS on his work and on Haiti, Jacob says,

“Rare are the institutions in the country that teach us to be good students but also engaged citizens. In addition to academic values, LCS ​​instills moral and patriotic values ​​in us. LCS is a valuable social actor whose mission is to rebuild Haiti.”

A Louverture Cleary education can indeed change a life. And, through that life, a thousand more.

Congratulations to Jothsaïna and Jacob, and to all our LCS alumni who continue to work hard to build a brighter, more transparent and just future for their country!

“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 Scholarship Recipient Pursues His Passion

For the mission of The Haitian Project to remain successful, there is a pressing need to support Louverture Cleary School (LCS) students after they graduate. The Dulcich Center for Career Advancement (DCCA) at LCS provides post-secondary assistance to alumni to allow them the opportunity to pursue their passion while creating lasting change in Haiti.

One of these bright and passionate students who was awarded a university scholarship through the DCCA is LCS Santo 5 graduate Claud C. (LCS '18). The scholarship is making it possible for him to study computer science at the Université Quisqueya.

Claud C. (LCS '18) is currently studying computer science at the Université Quisqueya.

“University studies in Haiti are crucial for the country given the current standard of living of Haitians. Haiti needs more people with the knowledge to lay the foundations for national sovereignty. In short, university studies are crucial for the development of the country.
”
— Claud C. (LCS '18)

THP: Why did you choose to study computer science?

Claud: When I arrived at the end of my classical studies, I needed to choose and be wise in my choice because my life depends on it. So, day and night, I reflected on what my life should be after the seven years spent at LCS because this new stage requires a lot of concentration and determination. Fortunately, I received a helping hand from some LCS Alumni studying and working in professional fields in Haiti when they came to school to guide the students in my class during our final year at LCS. We received orientation sessions about different fields of study. One group was composed of medical students and another was composed of economics students. When we received a visit from computer science technicians, that is when I found my career choice: computer science. I have never regretted choosing computer science because I realize that it is crucial for the future, and I am very passionate about it.

THP: Why is getting a university education so important to you?

Claud: At the end of my studies, I understood that university was where people go and, at the end of their courses, leave with their diplomas in hand to find a place in the labor market. But, when I got to college, I immediately learned differently. Indeed, I have learned that university studies prepare the intellectualism of a country. Universities provide students with the capacity to research and produce to help the country organize itself better. So university studies in Haiti are crucial for the country given the current standard of living of Haitians. Haiti needs more people with the knowledge to lay the foundations for national sovereignty. In short, university studies are crucial for the development of the country.

THP: Why is this scholarship important to you?

Claud: Considering the economic means of my family, getting to university is no easy task. So having the privileges of a scholarship from LCS helps me a lot in my university life. Indeed, I no longer have to worry about payment, I know for sure that my studies will be fully paid for the duration of my studies. I only have to concentrate on my studies to progress towards my goals.

THP: How will you use your university degree to help Haiti?

Claud: I feel disappointed to see at what level technology is used in Haiti, by individuals and the state. Computer science opens the door to many fields of study. Haiti needs help especially in the way that people are using the new technologies because they are double-edged swords. Being able to use them correctly will help me a lot. I will be very helpful for the country because every young educated person in a country helps the country on its way to success. I will help other people by teaching them how to use their computer equipment. I will put my skills at the service of the Haitian state because they need them. The study of computer science will be advantageous for the country because technology will be vital for the world in the years to come.

“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 New Year! Time to Celebrate with Soup Joumou!

Happy New Year and Happy Haitian Independence Day!

On today, Haitian Independence Day, Haitians everywhere are celebrating with traditional pumpkin soup, or soup joumou, a classic dish served on New Year's Day. Before Haiti became a free nation, soup joumou was originally reserved for slave owners; others were forbidden from eating it. Then came the only slave rebellion in history that ended in the founding of a sovereign nation. The Haitian Revolution officially ended on January 1, 1804, giving Haitians two great reasons to celebrate on this day each year—and the soup became a symbol for freedom.

Even more reason to celebrate this year: the United Nations cultural agency, or UNESCO, added soup joumou to its Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list in December. UNESCO wrote in a statement,"It is a celebratory dish, deeply rooted in Haitian identity, and its preparation promotes social cohesion and belonging among communities."

In honor of this unique and important Haitian soup, we would like to share a few recipes from the THP community. You can download the recipes below, and we hope you enjoy soup joumou as it is intended: a celebration of Haiti!

Thank you. For your support. For your prayers. For caring. For being a part of something amazing. YOU made 2021 a success, and we couldn't be more grateful. Happy New Year! And Happy Haitian Independence Day!

“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, You Made All the Difference!

Mèsi, thank you! You did it!

Thanks to you, we surpassed our Special Match Gift goal of $10,000, helping to raise over $20,000 for The Haitian Project!

To EVERYONE who stood with our students, alumni, faculty and staff during an exceptionally challenging year for Haiti...thank you.

Whether you donated, volunteered your time, or offered your prayers—it made a real difference. We are incredibly grateful for all of it.

And just in case you haven't had a chance to give yet this year, there is still time. Just click below. But we won't be reminding you again, because we hope you are celebrating what we've accomplished together in 2021...and brighter days ahead for all of us.

Peace,

Team THP

“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.

 

Come, Let Us Adore Him

A special Advent reflection from THP Volunteer Mary Jo LeGrand ('00-'01).

Come to where my Spirit came upon my mother and yours. Come, meet your mother in the little house of Nazareth. In the womb she gave me, my heart beats for you. Come away with me to this quiet place and stay with us for a while. There is room for you in the stillness. You, too, will be filled with good things and not sent away empty; for my mercy is from age to age.

Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Make your journey to Bethlehem, the House of Bread. In the manger they gave me, I wait for you. For whom do you labor and what has taken from you your rest? Lay down your burdens as gifts to me. Give me your gold—your status, your title, your very well-formed perspective, your platform, and your problems. I will be your king. Give me your frankincense—all that you love so dearly, for I love them too, and I know that they are very good. I will be your God. Give me your myrrh—your sin, your shame, and all that you fear. Give it all to me and I will give you life. Here, in this place where animals live, take me as your king, your God, and your savior. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

Come to Jerusalem. Follow me. Be my disciple. Meet me at the cross they gave me. Walk with me to the tomb they prepared for me. It will not hold us, you or me. Do not be afraid. The tomb is not our home.

All you who are thirsty, come to the water! You who have no money, come, receive grain and eat; come without paying and without cost. Come to me, abide in me. When you look for me, you will find me. Yes, when you seek me with all your heart. Like a womb receives a child, receive me. Like a bride receives her groom, receive me. At the altar, receive me. I am the baby, the Son, and the Lamb. Come to the womb, the manger, the cross. Come, come to the feast! It has all been prepared for you. Eat, and be satisfied.

Come, let us adore Him!

THP Volunteer Mary Jo LeGrand ('00-'01), front row right, with Louverture Cleary students and other Volunteer missionaries from 2000-2001.

“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!

Read all about it...

The December issue of Haitian Project News includes a segment in the LCS Leadership Series featuring Director of Operations Esther P.

The Strength of a Good Foundation: Louverturians are the foundation of the ultimate success of THP’s mission, and as new schools are built to create the Louverture Cleary Schools Network, Louverturians may also be the ones laying the literal foundations for the national system of schools that will ultimately graduate 600 servant-leaders each year. 

What else is new in this issue? 

  • To make certain students and staff at each Network school have the same opportunity to partake in the transformative power of the Project’s mission, THP has created a new role, chief program officer, to oversee THP’s program activity. THP is excited that board member and Volunteer alumna Aimée Maier (THP Volunteer ’98-’99) will be its first CPO.

  • Many people are aware of the acute challenges facing Haiti. The Haitian Project’s and Louverture Cleary School’s priorities are ensuring the safety of our community, supporting our students, staff and faculty in every way possible, and making sure that our mission can continue and expand beyond the current crisis.

  • And more of the latest THP happenings, including a segment in the LCS Leadership Series featuring Director of Operations Esther P. You are not going to want to miss the December issue of Haitian Project News!

“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.

 

Just Thanks!

Maybe you haven’t noticed, but we here at The Haitian Project ask for help—a lot.

We ask for financial contributions to run one of the best education programs in Haiti, to be good stewards of our common home by providing solar power to campus, to be good neighbors to those who live around the school, and now, of course, to create a national network of Louverture Cleary Schools.

We ask for volunteers to help us stuff, label and mail our newsletters and other correspondence, make phone calls, and bring food for potluck dinners.

We ask for people to give a year of their lives (or more!) as missionary volunteers in Haiti.

We ask for people to serve on The Haitian Project’s board and committees.

We could keep going. But the point is, the reason we opened our doors to just a handful of students 34 years ago and the reason why construction is now in full swing on our second campus are exactly the same.

It’s because at one point or another, each one of you just said yes, and in doing so, put someone else—our students—before yourselves.

And today, it’s time for us to just say thanks. Go ahead—look for a donate button. You won’t find one. We may have had to lock our VP Colby Bowker in the closet to pull this off but, hey—that’s how much you matter!

We are truly grateful (Colby, too) to each and every member of this community, whether, as our Charism says, you have chosen to respond with yes for a period of weeks, a year, or a lifetime.

And finally, because we here at The Haitian Project are all proud Rhode Islanders (by affiliation, at the very least), a Thanksgiving email wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t dust off the little observed “quahurkey”.

What is a quahurkey? Well, it involves a turkey and a quahog, and if you come visit us in the Ocean State one day, we’ll give you a complete lesson in Rhode Island lore. (You could Google it too—but, hey, where’s the fun in that?)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thank you to local illustrator and cartoon artist Nico Ecenarro for creating our quahurkey!

“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.

 

Update on the Security Situation in Haiti

Many people are aware of the acute challenges facing Haiti, especially the insecurity that has rapidly increased since the assassination of the country’s president in July.

Amidst this unfortunate reality, The Haitian Project’s and Louverture Cleary School’s priorities are ensuring the safety of our community, supporting our students, staff and faculty in every way possible, and making sure that our mission can continue and expand beyond the current crisis.

"Continuing [the mission of LCS in Haiti] produces better leaders through education... that is what Haiti needs to stand up."
—LCS Director of Operations Esther P. (LCS '02)

We are especially grateful to the local leadership team and for the relationship that has been built with the surrounding neighborhood over the years. Both have been invaluable in navigating the current challenges.

Still, the security situation in Haiti is extremely concerning. The quality of life has deteriorated for everyone as, aside from the uncertainty and violence, gangs have disrupted the supply of gasoline, aid, and other essentials.

The Haitian Project does not currently have any U.S. staff or Missionary Volunteers based in Haiti due to the increased risk it would pose to our community at LCS, as well as to themselves.

Every possible precaution is being taken to ensure the safety of faculty, students and staff, and THP is monitoring the situation constantly.

We will continue to do all we can to ensure LCS can provide stability to our students, faculty and staff now and into the future. Please pray for everyone’s continued safety and for relief to come soon to all of Haiti.

"For the future, I would like to be a good doctor and I will work hard for this. My hope is to have a better country.... It’s not only a hope, but it’s a goal for me because my LCS education is preparing me for this, to rebuild my lovely Haiti."—Sadrac E., LCS Katryèm student (U.S. 9th grade)

 
 

Please continue your support of our mission, especially now. Your help is the help we have to give. Together we can work towards brighter days ahead.

“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.