Our community based approach to learning focuses on not only academic excellence, growth, and development but on implementing the practical concept of “learning to do by doing”. Children learn that they can be the difference and make a difference when they look outside themselves to care for their community. They accomplish this through their involvement in the Garden Share, Food Share, Clean Water Share, Visitation, Repair Team, Cleaning, Dental Care, and Food Preparation Programs.

(Thank you to Wylie Electric partnering with Friends Of Haiti in purchasing our solar panels. Their generous donation allows us to light up our school, power our computers and smart tv, and ultimately reduces the use of our gas generator daily. Thank you for caring about our community in Haiti.)

Friends of Haiti have developed gardens in the Community Living Center (Asylum) for those in need. The school is a learning initiative as part of the children’s curriculum to learn how to plant gardens while also in service to the community. 

Since 2017, our time spent preparing, delivering meals, and visiting with the locals has been invaluable and a testament to the community that we care about them. Involving school aged children in this process will:

Firstly, teach them how to prepare food in a safe and healthy manner.

Secondly,  the children will be involved in the distribution of food in the feeding programs. Learning how to care for the community by befriending and visiting those in need. #NoOneGreaterNoOneSmaller 

Thirdly, the children will learn that we are all part of the solution. The concept of coming together to care for one another in a team atmosphere is an important part of providing stability in your community.  #StrongerTogether

On a daily basis the children at the school always share a portion of their lunch meal to distribute to a few individuals who need it the most in their community. 

Since 2018, Friends of Haiti have provided basic dental care for volunteers as well as community children. Their dental needs are prevalent and although the demand is vast, Friends Of Haiti are actively caring for emergency dental needs and dental cleanings, as well as day to day hygiene within the school community. Learning the essential basics of oral hygiene is encouraged and taught in the school curriculum. Brushing their teeth daily helps promote good oral hygiene not only at the school but in their homes too. 

Everyone knows that having clean water is an essential need in life. Friends of Haiti specifically sought out the location of the Community and Learning Center because it was beside the village well. In school, children are learning the ways and means of providing clean water.

Also, several residents in the village who are disabled are assisted by community volunteers in obtaining water. Children, by being involved in this process, are learning that they can be the difference and make a difference when they look outside themselves to care for others.

Our most recent repair was on the well for the village and now we are currently raising funds to assist the village in providing clean water through alternative measures. There is excitement for the future as we progress to obtaining this goal.