Mission: provide primary education to the children of the EcoVillages and surrounding area.
This mission began 12 years ago as a 5-year project with these goals:
1st Goal: Build the school. Accomplished.
2nd Goal: Achieve accreditation from the Haitian Ministry of Education. Accomplished.
3rd Goal: As an accredited school, receive permanent funding from the Haitian government as dictated by the Haitian Constitution. Not Accomplished. Why? The government has disintegrated. It has no funds for schools. Without funds, most schools in Haiti have closed or teachers work without pay.
Our Partnership voted to keep our EcoVillage School open until the government accepts responsibility or until other means of financial support are realized. The mission is no longer a short-term project. We have evolved from a task force to a newly formed board of directors with by-laws, governance and a vision for the future.
“This is a noble cause. For many of my fellow Haitians, ‘the Atlanta people’ are God sent, their only hope for an education, therefore a future, for their kids. This is God’s work.” Claude Henry Pierre, Board Member
Much about our organization remains the same. We depend on a strong connection to the three founding churches. The Flavors of Haiti fund-raisers will continue to provide social gatherings of supporters and resources for our school. Our relationship with our partners in Haiti continues to grow and flourish. Members of the new Board of Directors formed the organization 12 years ago and remain firmly committed to the success of the mission.
“My board service is gratifying because I have the opportunity to develop friendships with extraordinary people. Together, we are involved in an important cause that challenges our intelligence, creativity and perseverance to offer a beam of light in the midst of such dark times in Haiti.” Susan Constantine, Board Member
Moving forward, we will seek support from new sources, such as corporations and foundations. We will communicate more consistently with our supporters. We will develop opportunities for people to contribute their talents. Members of the board serve one-year terms and openings for new board members will soon arise. If you are interested, please contact any current member to learn more about board membership and why it is such a rewarding experience.
Current board members are: Allison Bay, Ph.D, Secretary; Marie Blot; Chris Calia, Co-Chair; Jeanine Calia; Susan Constantine; Linda Curry, Treasurer; Becky Evans; Carolyn French; Gordon French, Co-Chair; Kristy Gordon, Ph.D; Scott Grosse, Ph.D; Kathryn Hornsby; Catherine Marin, Ph.D; J. Patrick Murphy; Deedee Murphy; Mike Nichols, Ph.D; Claude Henry Pierre; Ginger Stapley.
