Issue Three- November 2020:
By Mercedes Barreto
Created in memory of Carl Jeudy who dedicated his life to developing and empowering the Community of Grand- Goave. “Our mission is to establish a community that will create sustainable pathways to academic success and self-empowerment for young people in Haiti. Our vision is to foster a safe space for children to reshape their story.”
Before the earthquake, nearly 500,000 school-aged children were not in school and 25 percent of the rural areas did not have schools according to UNESCO. Haitian Educational System yields the lowest total rate in the education realm of the Western Hemisphere. Haiti’s literacy rate of about 61% (64.3% for males and 57.3% for females) is below the 90% average literacy rate for Latin American and Caribbean countries.
What does the name and the words Carl’s Village mean to people, in terms of the help they receive? Do people feel relief or instant gratification, by the help that is provided to these students?
“Carl’s Village is named after my grandfather who was a pillar in Grand-Goave Haiti. This is in his memory and dedicated to the building of the community. We offer after school tutoring and youth development programs for kids who were in danger of failing school. We provide daily meals and support to the youth and have started a community garden to build sustainability.”
Why is Carl’s Village a priority for not just students and children, but for a community of people in Haiti who cannot afford the luxuries of certain amenities, and depend on your organization?
“Education is unfortunately a privilege in Haiti, the dropout rate is 6th grade. We are assisting that the community needs, to be able to fully immerse them in education.”
If you could pitch the mission behind Carl’s Village to a large audience of people, considering some of those individuals would consider donating, what would be the first things that you would say to influence positive action towards Carl’s Village?
“Carl’s Village is a direct response to community needs. Our goal to build sustainability for family and education is at the very root of that.
If the families are working hard to pay for their kids to go to school, then we want to ensure that they have the support they need to make it to the finish line. We are breaking the cycle of illiteracy and being the change we want to see in Haiti.”
How does someone get involved, either by donating, becoming a member/volunteer or just by informing themselves somehow?
“Be part of our village by sponsoring a child for the school year! Be the extra push a child needs by donating $40 a month to provide tutoring, clean water, healthy food, as well as educational field trips.
We will be sure to keep you updated on the scholars’ progress with little notes and pictures throughout the year.
Support the youth development of Haitian scholars with your charitable activities for the duration of a year or more.
Sponsor a fundraising event and share our message with family and friends.
We are grateful for financial support, as well as goods and services.
Carl’s Village
www.carlsvillage.org
