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

Radical Hope: An Easter Reflection

A special Easter reflection from THP Volunteer Betsy Bowman ('09-'10)

Mary Magdalene announces the good news to the terrified twelve Apostles as they hide from reality, huddled behind locked doors in a closed room on that first Easter morning.

All four Gospels name her by name as the one to whom the Risen Christ appears first. It is she whom Jesus calls by name. It is she who embodies the whole Church on earth in those first hours, on that first day: the Apostle to the Apostles.

Why Mary? Perhaps, because she’s the one who never gave up. She bore witness to Jesus’ passion and his violent crucifixion, and she kept vigil at his burial. Then she came back to the tomb on the third day ─ or maybe she had never left?

In the face of so much pain, terror, sadness, and violence, Mary’s faith did not fail. She knew ─ or she hoped ─ that Jesus’ promises were true.

In our times, we behold the fear and suffering of our brothers and sisters in Ukraine, and the hopelessness of our neighbors battling addiction, and the persistent chaos and violence surrounding our friends in Haiti. As we offer encouragement to have faith, and to not lose hope, and to trust in God, we may begin to worry that our words ring false, like platitudes. Do we actually believe all this resurrection stuff?

And yet ─ we do. The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus are an invitation to wild and radical hope. They are the blueprint for all of human history.

Meanwhile, Mary reminds us that we are called to action, not simply to elegant statements of belief. She invites us to join her on a path of accompaniment, of witness, of love, of showing up and never giving in to the fear and cynicism that surround us.

As we celebrate this Easter mystery of radical love, may we, like Mary Magdalene, embody unshakable faith and hope in the face of fear and suffering. May we, like her, commit ourselves to show up and act with love even when violence and chaos seems to swirl around us. And like her, may our faithfulness and hope bring us to experience the very real presence of Christ in our midst, so that we may have the courage to share with everyone we meet, “I have seen the Lord!”

“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

The April issue of Haitian Project News features the rigorous process that takes place each year to select those who will become Louverturians.

Read all about it...

Have you ever wondered how someone becomes a Louverturian? Louverture Cleary School is well known in Haiti for educating and forming excellent students, employees, leaders, and citizens. But did you know there is a rigorous multi-step process of exams, interviews, home visits, and orientation carried out by a team of seasoned LCS administration and staff that takes place each year to select those who will become Louverturians? Read all about it in the latest issue of Haitian Project News!

What else is new in this issue?

  • In the fall of 2021, Haiti’s Commission Nationale des Marchés Publics (National Public Procurement Commission) held a national essay contest for final year and graduating university students. When the top ten finalists were announced, not one, but TWO Louverture Cleary School alumni were among them!

  • Every year on Jan. 1st, Haitian Independence Day, Haitians everywhere celebrate with traditional pumpkin soup, or soup joumou. Some THP community members have shared their soup joumou recipes—find out where you can find them.

  • And more of the latest THP happenings—you are not going to want to miss the April 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.

 

Mèsi! Thank You to Everyone Who Was Able To Support THP Through 401Gives!

Mèsi, mèsi, mèsi!

To everyone who was able to support The Haitian Project through 401Gives, THANK YOU!

We raised a total of $25,390 from 140 donors, unlocking the $2,000 challenge gift and bringing our grand total to $27,390!

We are beyond grateful for the outpouring of support in honor of this giving event and our work expanding access to education and economic opportunity in Haiti. Please know that your generosity has a direct and immediate impact on our mission and is what makes the Louverture Cleary Schools Network possible.

From all of us at The Haitian Project, thank you, thank you, thank you!

“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.

 

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.