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’s Back to School Campaign!

k to School 2023 campaign header with group of smiling students in uniform

Have you heard? THP has launched its fundraiser Stepping Up, Not Back: The Haitian Project’s 2023 Back to School Campaign—an online fundraiser to raise $30,000 through the middle of October in support of Louverture Cleary students as they begin their new school year.

Louverture Cleary School outside of Port-au-Prince continues to be a lifeline to our community there, as well as a beacon of hope for what Haiti will become. At the same time, THP continues to push forward with its transformative plans to build more schools across Haiti to create the Louverture Cleary Schools Network.

Haiti needs Louverturians more than ever, because there can be no lasting peace, prosperity or justice in Haiti without those who are willing and able to serve those ideals.

So together—let’s do more, not less, for our students and their country. Join the campaign today!

So, how can YOU help? 

1. Donate to the campaign! 

2. Visit the campaign site to get your own unique fundraising page. Set a goal and personalize your page with a few sentences about your connection with the Project. Then share your page with your friends and family. It’s an easy way to help make your friends, our friends!

3. Setting up a fundraising page seems like too much? Then simply email the campaign homepage to 3—5 friends, family, or colleagues and ask if they would consider a donation to one of the best programs in Haiti.

Thank you for supporting education in Haiti!

Not able to launch a fundraiser at this time? Simply donate to the campaign to show your support!

“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.

 

Louverture Cleary School Opens for Its 36th Year!

Louverture Cleary School students gather for morning assembly as LCS starts its 36th year!

Louverture Cleary School's 36th school year is in full swing!

Classes at LCS began this week, including the newest Louverturians in the incoming Sizyèm (7th grade) class! Given the tremendous challenges Haiti faces, it would be hard to overstate the importance of this accomplishment.

We cannot give enough thanks to the administration, staff, junior staff, teachers, cooks, security, and outreach team whose dedication ensures LCS runs smoothly each and every day, especially during the ongoing insecurity in the Port-au-Prince area. Their incredible work made opening on time possible, and we look forward to the great things our students and community will accomplish this year.

And, of course, thank YOU for your support of Louverture Cleary School and the hope that comes with each new generation of leaders. 

Please join us in wishing the students, faculty and staff a wonderful and successful school 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.

 

Spreading the News at LCS

As we look forward to the start of a new school year in Haiti, we thought you might enjoy this update on a very special extracurricular activity at LCS — Newspaper Club. Read all about it!

LCS students reading the school newspaper, posted on a wall near the school’s cafeteria. In keeping with the school’s dedication to stewardship of resources and using tools that are available, the school “newspaper” is not printed in quantities and handed out.

When LCS Economics Department Head Djim G. (LCS ’14) was a student and saw his fellow Louverturians participating in a newspaper club that shared news of the school and the world from the student perspective, he knew he wanted to be involved.

Now, as a staff member and teacher, he is bringing this opportunity to a new generation of Louverturians.

In keeping with the school’s dedication to stewardship of resources and using tools that are available, the school “newspaper” is not printed in quantities and handed out. Instead, one copy is printed and posted on a wall near the cafeteria for students to read and reflect on as they pass and glance at the news of the week.

Some students even wait by the wall to be the first to read the club’s latest work each Friday.

“The purpose of the club was to provide the community with information on what is going on in the various clubs and extracurricular activities so that everyone was aware of what others are doing at school,” explained Djim. “As time went on, the project expanded to include national and international news on aspects such as politics, economy, and sports. The members of the club are very dynamic and collaborative, and they learn quickly.”

What do Louverturians say about Newspaper Club?

Rising Philo (13th grade) student Annie F. reflected:

“I am very open-minded and l like to read and learn. I present the column of economy and politics, and I supervise some columns such as sports, ‘Je Partage’ [meaning ‘I Share’] and more. My goal is to continue to inform and entertain every Louverturian. I like when others see our work. It makes me proud.”

Recent graduate Jonathan F. added:

“I was the one who makes everyone laugh, and I was in charge of the humor section called ‘As Soon as You Laugh You Lose.’ The purpose of the newspaper club is to inform everyone about some internal activities and information at the national and international levels like politics, soccer, society, economy and technology, with the aim of keeping the Louverturian community in a happy and informative atmosphere.”

Newspaper club is a great opportunity to expose Louverturians to the field of journalism as they learn about career paths and opportunities for when they leave LCS. Building on the Louverturian values of transparency, equality, and truth (and equipped with fluency in the school’s four languages of Kreyòl, French, English and Spanish), forming Haiti’s future journalists, editors, and others in the field of communications is just another way that LCS and its alumni lay the foundation for a brighter future for their country.

A version of this Community Update recently ran as an article in the June issue of Haitian Project News. If you would like to receive our newsletter, either electronically or on paper, email THP at [email protected] 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.

 

THP President and Vice President Quoted in Boston Globe Article

““The instability of the political situation has allowed or created a vacuum where the gangs have so much power. However ... The Haitian Project is in this for the long haul. People who believe in education as an equalizer and as a path forward, they’ll always believe in what we’re doing.” ”
— THP President Reese Grondin, The Boston Globe, August 4, 2023

The Haitian Project (THP) President Reese Grondin was quoted, along with THP Vice President and Chief Communications Officer Colby Bowker, in an article by Brian MacQuarrie that ran on Friday in The Boston Globe about the challenges in Haiti. 

There is no question that the situation is extremely difficult and complex. But ours is a generational commitment and vision. We will continue to proceed as if this mission will outlast us all and ultimately be fully supported and run by Haitians—because that’s exactly the plan, and that is what the entire THP Community is working for. 

 
 

“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 July Special Graduation Issue of Haitian Project News is Here!

Head of THP’s partner foundations in Haiti Patrick B. stands with LCS graduate Camille S.; at the podium, (at left) LCS Principal Marjorie M. (LCS ‘07) stands with LCS Head of School Esther P. (LCS ‘02).

What's featured in the July 2023 special issue of Haitian Project News?

GRADUATION!

The Haitian Project and Louverture Cleary School celebrated the school’s 28th graduation on Saturday, July 15th. 

The July issue of Haitian Project News celebrates these 46 new Louverture Cleary alumni and features photos and quotes of their hopes and plans for a brighter future for Haiti.

Read all about the incredible young men and women of the LCS Class of 2023 in the July issue of Haitian Project News! 

““My dream for Haiti is to do my best to help Haiti walk the path of development. As one of the school’s sayings indicates so well, as I always say:
I am ready to rebuild Haiti,
and you?””
— Sophonie S. (LCS Class of 2023)

“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 the LCS Class of 2023!

Congratulations to the LCS Class of 2023!

Last Saturday, the Louverture Cleary School community celebrated the graduation of the 46 students in its 28th graduating class!

Looking back over their seven years at LCS, this class stood out with their accomplishments. Their academic success included a national laureate in 2019, when member Marquez M. had the top score on the Katryèm (9th grade) state exam. The students craved knowledge and creative expression: trivia, music, and the written word were some favorites of this talented class. When the pandemic temporarily curtailed some outreach programs for the surrounding neighborhood, this class was especially eager for them to resume, recognizing the need to serve the community and to set the example of service for the newest students.

As LCS Economics Department Head Djim G. (LCS ’14), who taught this class both in the classroom and through extracurricular activities, reflected:

"I have had the privilege of witnessing the unique qualities of this graduating class that set them apart. They will be remembered for their intellectual curiosity and their optimistic and proactive approach when facing new challenges. Their commitment to community service and their tireless efforts to uplift those around them will definitely leave a mark to guide the future generations of LCS."

We are so proud of our graduates! We know that they are taking with them the values, skills, and hopes for a just and prosperous future for their country that they learned at LCS, and we look forward to seeing the great things they will do! 

A Selection of Quotes from the Class of 2023

Young woman in graduation cap and gown

My hope for Haiti's future is to have educated people, because education is the first step towards development. If we ever want to rebuild Haiti, it should start with educated citizens who are aware of their responsibilities and have the capacity to contribute to Haiti's development. I also hope that citizens have the morality to care about their neighbors, their friends, and the people around them. I believe that if Haitians have these two things (good education and morality), they will be able to find good solutions to Haiti's problems. 
—Joovica Jenny J. 

Throughout my seven years at LCS I have learned many lessons, but the one which has struck the most is a celebrated sentence written on a wall at school by Mahatma Gandhi: ‘Be the change you wish to see.' That sentence reflects 100 percent my life as a Haitian, because right now I know that I would like to improve or to change society. I have to start it by myself. I have to be the first and the best example; I have to be the model. I am ready so that after graduation, I shall start concretizing the change I always wish to see, which is Haiti’s development. 
—Roosevelt M. 

Since my childhood I have always said that I should make my own influential mark and at the same time be an influential woman. I really want to participate in my country’s development by giving a new education to the coming generation so that they can see things in a different way. This is for me the best way to achieve that goal.
—Emie Christina Marthe F.

I would like to see Haiti safer, with more people educated and less insecurity. I would like to see humans living better. I would like to see them claiming their rights and respecting the rights of others. I would like to see more people influencing good things. I would like to see people sharing what they have. For myself, I know it is going to be hard, but I will do my best to influence others in good things. As I am a debater, I will convince them there are good reasons to do good!
—Bill James-Sky V. 

LCS gives to me a chance to be a helper for my country. After my seven years at school, I can see in myself a responsible leader. After LCS, I would like to be a judge so that I can begin to build Haiti by making justice in my environment. I would like to be a source of motivation for each Louverturian and for every single person around me.
—Withney C.

Young man in graduation cap and gown

As we can all notice, the situation in Haiti is getting worse and worse every day, and because of that, living a good life is really complicated. For the future of Haiti, I hope that the leaders of the country will consent a lot of effort for its development. As a Louverturian, I am going to do all possible to participate in this development. Even if I don’t start by doing huge things, I know that making little steps is going to have a big impact in the future. 
—Holdy Bertrand C. 

The LCS Class of 2023 proves that The Haitian Project is still succeeding at its mission despite the significant challenges in Haiti. But it wouldn’t be possible without you — our wonderful and dedicated THP community.

Please consider making a special gift in honor of the incredible young men and women of Louverture Cleary School's 28th graduating class, so that we may continue to educate the future servant-leaders of 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.

 

Join THP this Summer at Four Rhode Island Parishes

Mission Cooperative Program Summer 2023 Banner

Please join The Haitian Project this summer 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 this summer, 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 four parish communities in Cranston, RI, during the months of July and August. 

If you are in the Ocean State this summer, 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.

 

Presenting The Haitian Project's 2022 Annual Report

The Haitian Project 2022 Annual Report is here!

As you read it, we hope you are proud of what YOU have made possible and the work we did TOGETHER for Haiti.

Here are some of our favorite sections of the 2022 Annual Report, especially this quote from graduating Philo (13th grade) student Mckenley S.:

“Louverture Cleary School is helping us to rebuild our country. The school is teaching us principles that help us to become better people. Since I was a child, I always wanted to be an entrepreneur.... I would get enough money to change the situation of my family, and I will be able to employ people who need a job. My hope for Haiti is to see one day my country among the greatest ones."

See Mckenley's quote, along with others from the LCS Class of 2022, on pages 10 & 11 of the Annual Report. 

And did you know?

Despite challenges in 2022, the first phase of construction on The Haitian Project's second school, the Model Campus in the Diocese of Gonaïves, is complete—and a site for an additional Louverture Cleary School has been identified in Haiti's southern peninsula in the Diocese of Anse-à-Veau and Miragoâne!


Be sure to check out more on the progress of the LCS Network on page 4.

And...

Drawing on The Haitian Project's Charism (spiritual identity), service has always been at the core of LCS formation. The LCS Community Outreach Program is just one more way the LCS community lives its commitment to put others first in pursuit of a brighter future for their country. 

Read more on the Outreach Program's service to the LCS community on the Inside Back Cover.

Thanks again for your support last year. It is abundantly clear that Haiti needs more Louverturians—they possess the heart, skills, and purpose to transcend the challenges of the moment to create the positive, long-term change that Haiti needs! Please continue to stand with us as we push ahead with historic plans to increase access to education in Haiti through the Louverture Cleary Schools Network! 

Design work on The Haitian Project's 2022 Annual Report donated by Dan Wykes.

“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 June Issue of Haitian Project News is Here!

Group of smiling students in uniforms

Louverture Cleary School Class of 2023

Read all about it...

Looking Forward to Graduation! Every year, the Philo (13th grade) class looks forward to graduation as they savor their last months in the Louverture Cleary School community and make plans for university studies, careers, and lives after LCS. This year, the anticipation is no different, except graduation will be in July instead of June due to the late start of the 2022–2023 school year. 

You can also read more about this year’s graduating class in a special July 2023 issue of Haitian Project News—coming soon!

What else is featured in the June 2023 issue? 

  • Haitian Voices: 
    Haiti remains in the media spotlight due to the pervasive gang violence, economic pressures, and political instability impacting the country. Haitian Project News staff recently interviewed members of The Haitian Project’s community in Haiti to hear their thoughts. 

  • Spreading the News at LCS:

    When LCS Economics Department Head Djim G. (LCS ’14) was a student and saw his fellow Louverturians participating in a newspaper club that shared news of the school and the world from the student perspective, he knew he wanted to be involved. Now, as a staff member and teacher, he is bringing this opportunity to a new generation of Louverturians.

Read about these topics and more of the latest THP happenings in the June 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.

 

The Haitian Project Continues to Serve

“Ours is a generational commitment and vision. We are proceeding as if this mission will outlast us all and ultimately be fully supported and run by Haitians—because that’s exactly the plan.”

Most Appreciated Community Members,

On behalf of the team in the U.S. and our colleagues in Haiti, I want to express how grateful we are for your continued concern and awareness of the immense challenges in Haiti.

I want you to know that, with your support, The Haitian Project has been able to continue all operations at our flagship Louverture Cleary School outside Port-au-Prince AND advance the work being done to develop additional schools. (In fact, funding is the single largest impediment to expansion.)

There is no question that the situation is extremely difficult and complex. Our faculty, staff and students, their families and loved ones, are all under significant stress from the constant risks posed by pervasive gang violence, economic pressures, and political instability. Under these conditions, the tremendous talent, experience and dedication of our team, especially the remarkable leadership of our colleagues in Haiti, have been invaluable. 

Things are not easy in Haiti, yet this is precisely the time to invest more, not less, in our mission. It is always possible that we may have to temporarily pause operations depending on the reality on the ground. However, a pause of weeks, or even months, while incredibly difficult for our community in Haiti, is not a threat to our mission overall.

The Haitian Project has navigated extremely challenging circumstances for nearly four decades—from failures of government to natural disasters—and has never stopped growing or serving the people of Haiti. Our current plan to develop the Louverture Cleary Schools Network spans another 20 years.

Ours is a generational commitment and vision. We are proceeding as if this mission will outlast us all and will ultimately be fully supported and run by Haitians—because that’s exactly the plan.

Careful management and planning by the administration and the board prioritizes delivering our core programs and supporting our community at times of crisis in every appropriate way, knowing that our mission will emerge through this current moment in Haiti’s history.

This means making prudent decisions that ensure our ability to develop future schools. And, since future campuses will be located outside of Port-au-Prince where the worst of the instability is concentrated, each new school provides additional resilience to the mission overall.

Finally, it is critical to stress that our work has only become more important. Our community in Haiti needs the immediate stability, support and hope we are providing during this period of difficulty. And Haiti needs the servant-leaders (and more Louverture Cleary Schools!) who are ready to build a just and prosperous future out of the current situation.

That’s what the entire THP Community is working for. And that’s why it is imperative we all seize this moment as the opportunity to step up, not back.

If you ever have any questions, I encourage you to reach out. Simply reply to this email and I will be sure to respond. 

Reese Grondin
President—The Haitian Project, Inc.

Thank you for your support of our work together for Haiti!

 
The Haitian Project and LCS Network double logo
 

“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.