Report from Louverture Cleary School

  • Posted on: 15 December 2005
  • By: Bryan Schaaf

touissantI am pleased to have been introduced to Haiti Innovation and this community. This site plays an important role in bringing all of our efforts together to build a better future for Haiti.

Since 1995, I have been involved with The Haitian Project (a US tax-exempt charity) and the Louverture Cleary School (LCS) it operates in Haiti.

Louverture Cleary School is a five-day boarding school program that provides a secure and healthy environment while nurturing strong physical, emotional, ethical, moral, and intellectual growth. Admission is based upon the results of stringent academic testing, a strict evaluation of economic need, and evaluation of student commitment to Haiti’s future. Curriculum follows guidelines specified under Haiti’s Baccalaureate system. Consequently, students receive instruction in languages, biology, chemistry, physics, algebra, geometry, calculus, history, and philosophy. In addition to these traditional academic subjects, modern American educational philosophy and teaching techniques are incorporated in the classrooms. Moreover, as education at Louverture Cleary is rooted in Christian values and tradition, students receive instruction in moral theology.

Louverture Cleary’s campus is equipped with both a science and a computer laboratory, facilities that the majority of Haitian secondary schools lack. These labs not only give students opportunities to apply concepts learned in the classroom but also to experiment with alternative methods of learning. Moreover, work in the labs enhances skills that make students sought after by employers in Haiti.

Language acquisition also comprises a central part of student education at Louverture Cleary. Upon entering the school, students begin the first of seven years of intensive language preparation in English, French, Spanish, and Creole. Language learning is additionally supported through frequent interaction with visiting groups and through regularly designated “language days” during which students are encouraged to communicate only in the language of the day. The school’s unique approach to learning new languages is reflected in Learning Language from Language. This linguistic dictionary written by LCS staff demonstrates the shared routes and similarities of the four languages of the school.

Louverture Cleary remains committed to minimizing the gender gap in Haiti. In a society where access to education is dominated by males, LCS has an affirmative action plan requiring that all incoming classes be 40 percent female or greater. In 2005 the entering class is, for the first time, majority female at 53%. In addition, through its Celebrate Women program, the school strives to empower female students by involving them in year-round activities to increase self-esteem and strength both in and outside of the classroom.

The weekday boarding aspect of the school allows the Project to enhance student life by providing a safe, healthy environment with essentials such as a nutritious diet, recreational facilities, structured sports activities, scheduled study periods, adequate lighting, computers, and access to a library. Tutorial help from faculty and volunteers who live on campus allows students to have considerable individual attention from their teachers. While this contact has obvious academic benefits, it also gives the students, adolescents who live away from their families five days each week, sources of stable adult interaction. Living and working in community, in addition, enhances students’ communication and problem-solving skills and builds individual qualities necessary for effective leadership.

A model for nurturing the future leadership of Haiti, the Project recognizes the need to work closely with the local business community in order to succeed. Our goal is not only to equip students with the academic background needed to pass the Baccalaureate Examination, but to provide each student with skills that expand their opportunities for success after graduation. To achieve this goal, the Project continues to seek businesses willing to participate in Louverture Cleary’s job training program which provides students the opportunity to gain valuable skills and experience ahead of graduation. Through its Post-Graduate Support program, the school also aids graduates with finding job opportunities and support for further education. Over 90 percent of Louverture Cleary students find meaningful work or go on to university or professional school in Haiti.

Thank you again to Haiti Innovation for providing this valuable forum. I look forward to learning from everyone here and finding ways to leverage all of our efforts together.

Best regards,

Kevin Schuyler

Vice Chair of the Board, The Haitian Project

www.HaitianProject.org

Kevin@Birdwood.com

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