– painting by Sallie Ann Glassman
The terrible tragedy in Haiti cannot be accepted, and it cannot be redeemed.
The only use the tragedy can have, the only gift it can confer, will be if the calamity leads to fundamental change in the people’s consciousness, capability, and control of their nation. This can only occur only from upon a platform of universal, locally supported, locally meaningful education.
This site is written by an experienced educator with many trusted friends in key professional fields. We will use the gifts and experience we have been given in life to create Ecole Haiti.
Ecole Haiti will have many branches, linked to orphanages that own student-developed and student-maintained farms and fisheries.
In the beginning, there will be no traditional western grade levels or curriculum. Everyone will live together, study together, work together, and advance together.
Students will study only what most matters for Haiti’s circumstances and needs. Initially, remedial literacy in English and French/Creole, foundational mathematics, science principles linked to health, wellness, agronomy, husbandry, and fishery, and essential life skills. As learners advance in confidence and capability, emphasis will be placed on advanced language, mathematics, science, and history; leadership in community-building and nation-building; business and other life skills; and university readiness. At all stages, learners will study Haitian heritage, culture, and faith traditions.
Ecole Haiti will operate on an all-year basis. At the end of the instructional day, students and staff will maintain the school’s farm and fishery. The yield will feed the community. Excess production will be sold.
The schools will operate with minimal equipment in inexpensive, earthquake-safe, easily maintained tents with locally managed electric and septic capacity.
Students will pay no fees. All staff will be volunteers who will receive compensation only if the school’s finances eventually permit. Retired international teachers and other retired or active professionals will be welcomed as faculty.
There will be no capital drive plan, although successful athletes and entertainers from Haiti will be encouraged to help. The Divine will provide.
A detailed plan design follows in PowerPoint format.