FEJ Blog
A new school year has begun, the students and teachers were all eager to return to school this October. 2011-2012 was a very successful school year. Thanks to the dedication and leadership of the school Executive Committee that governed the school as a team, working collaboratively to meet last year’s objectives. The outcomes were as follows:
476 students were enrolled in the school. Certain improvements were implemented in schools program, following from the Bernard reform. The contribution of Alex Doriscar, the assistant principal, was very productive and positive. The quality of education absolutely improved within the team. A Academic Supervisor was hired in January, 2012 to help in surveillance and improvement of the capacity of the teaching staff. The performance of the teachers was assessed twice a month by the Academic Supervisor, for the day care, preschool and the elementary school. In May we performed an evaluation of every teacher to assess their performance for 2011-2012 school year.
The Bernard Reform in Haiti involves using Creole as the first language to enhance literary skills for the children in the primary year of their education. While in the past all classes were taught in French, so children had to learn fundamentals while struggling with an unfamiliar language. Since we have converted to this method, understanding, and reading skills have improved, because Creole is the children’s mother tongue.
During observation of kindergarten classes at the EEJ, it was found that teachers often mixed Creole and French, which resulted in confusion among the children. Our repeated supervision has resolved this issue.
We used four external sources for continuing education of teachers:
1. Madame Simone Castera served as an onsite psychologist and consultant for curriculum development from October 2011 to January 2012;
2. Staff attended national Ministry of Education workshops at Lamardelle;
3. Workshops were offered by TIPA TIPA for preschool and the primary classes;
4. Henri Deschamps center conducts teacher training for preschool and elementary classes.
Quarterly parent meetings were held to inform parents of changes to the curriculum and to promote exchange regarding the school activities. The most recent meeting was in June 2012.
A music class was offered three times a week since October 2011 to children from second through sixth grade, led by Isaac Gesse. This provided students with the opportunity to practice instruments (flutes were donated by Mireille Granger SDN, Canada; guitar, drums and other instruments by Stefan Khram FEHv, Germany). The basic concepts of music theory were taught. The school has initiated a small choir and orchestral group. The children gave their first performance on July 5, 2012.
In the absence of a librarian, the library has not been utilized. We plan to have it up and running next year. Hiring a librarian is a priority for October 2012. The library has been used as a resource for teachers.
Health (medical and menu)
A medical surveillance system was implemented in collaboration with the Clinic Communitaire Enfant Jesus. Content and techniques for conducting an annual review were developed with the help of Dr. Pierre Gontier, ESV Belgium.
In January 2012, Dr. Pierre Gontier visited Lamardelle and worked with Dr. Pedro and clinic staff to implement a program of annual medical surveillance for children CCEJ. Tests include vision and hearing, and comparison of height and weight with normal values based on age.
Common problems include malnutrition (almost half of the children examined were malnourished to some extent), dental problems and respiratory diseases, and some physical deformities requiring surgery. These results are recorded in student records and information will be used to identify children who need care when specialized services are available.
Having recognized that intestinal parasites were likely to be a common problem for students of the school, CCEJ in collaboration with a German organization named Caris Foundation provided us with an anthelmintic for deworming children, called Mebendazole. This was distributed to all the children to school on March 22. Caris Foundation also participated in an initiative to promote hygiene, where students of the third through sixth grade received a basic hygiene kit including soap, a toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, sanitary napkins, etc. A clinic nurse (Miss St. Louis) gave training on hygiene before distributing kits to 125 participants.
The menu for breakfasts and lunches was planned ahead of time beginning in April 2012, which facilitated the allocation of new funds for ingredients that have been placed at our disposal by Amis des Foundation Enfants Jesus (AFEJ) of France.
Energy.
Energy Assistance, a non-profit organization that conducts humanitarian projects around the world in the energy sector, made a generous donation of time and expertise to install solar panels in Lamardelle. This project has been realized with help from Magali Gontier. Thanks to this support the administrative office of the school, the warehouse for storing school supplies and food provisions, the school kitchen and the community clinic have reliable power continuously.
The administration of the school is now able to communicate throughout the day, and can write reports without wasting time.
Sponsorship
The sponsorship program was made possible through the support of FEJ’s international partners. Contributing partners include ESV Belgium, SDN Canada, VVHF United States, AFEJ France, FEHV Germany.
In total we have 249 out of 505 children attending the school sponsored for the year 2012-2013.
In conclusion, the past school year has been positive; we have achieved our goals for 2011-2012. Teachers return August 20, 2012 for teacher workshops; classes begins October 1, 2012.
The results of the final national government examinations for sixth grade: EEJ’s 23 graduating students successfully passed the 2011-2012 national exams!!! Congratulations to the students.
What has been accomplished during the school year 2012-2013 so far…
The playground surface was dirt which caused respiratory problems and skin infections. The organization Education Sans Violence (ESV) supported the paving of the courtyard. This work was carried out during the summer of 2012 and completed in September.
FEHev (Germany) contributed a complete catalogue of books for the use of the children. These have been distributed under a loan agreement to the students.
What is still needed?
· The construction of an emergency staircase in case of fire or earthquake is crucial to avoid an overload of number of students attempting to exit the building.
· For the year 2012-2013, we would like to continue the training of teachers, institute computer courses for teachers and students in the sixth year, and add a functional library, and integrate physical education into the curriculum.
· For new students entering the daycare, institute introductory programs to ensure that they are in good health and well prepared for the new school year.
· Improve sponsorship rates throughout all classes.
· Rebuild the damaged wall surrounding the daycare.
· Library needs remodelling- specifically, the floor needs to be tiled.
Posted by Andy Lira on Feb 12, 2013
Dear Family, Friends and Colleague,
I am here, made it safe and well to Haiti, our flight had three hour delay in Newark but the remaining of the trip was smooth. My first whole day in Haiti, I basically walk around in our home taking it all in. It is good to be home surrounded with green healthy plants, flowers blossoming in the yards and the spectacular view of the mountains from our front balcony. Yes I am home and in good health too enjoy it all. My emotions when, seeing Sarah who has just grown so much .She is in a dazed that I am finally home to stay. Eager to share with me all she has been doing and all her plans of thing we need to do together. Every time she turns to look at me she gives me a big smile and hug saying ” Your here mommy I missed you so much!”
Today, I went for a long walk in the mountains just taking it all. Reflecting on how nothing has change the pine trees scent smell just as pleasant as before.
At the end of my walk I made my way to the crèche in kenscoff surprising the staff and the children. The staff expressing their joy, lots of hugs. All the staff gathered laughing, smiles, all sharing with me and expressing how much they all have missed me. Soon after the older children came running calling Mommy Gina!! Mommy Gina!!!Jumping, dancing around me. The older ones telling the new children this is Mommy!! Some of the older children reached for my hands all speaking at once, each having something to share. It was a joyful moment.
I made my way into the infant room where there was a new infant baby boy in his crib I sat on the rocking chair holding him. He looked so peaceful, content, so was I. It has been a long time since I had done that, it felt so good. As I looked around I took a deep breath remembering myself to just enjoy this special moment with the staff and children that I have not seen in such as long time. Instead of observing everything I saw that needed my attention or fixing. I was here to stay and would have time. I need to give myself time and to be patient! I kept saying to myself!!! As walked around the crèche.
As I walked back home, I felt gratitude that I could be here too share this moment with the children and the staff. Knowing many more special moments and challenges are ahead. I prayed Oh lord!! Let me be able to assimilate it all with serenity, grace and your guidance. Let the many who understand I am here because it is your will and believe in the work that you have given us to do at FEJ, and those who join with me to make things better for all the children, women and families that rely on us in some way or the other.
Returning home I sat quietly on the outside porch listening to the sounds of the tress and the soft wind blowing, my thoughts drifted to the time I have spent away in solitude. My doctors who often reminded me I was a miracle!!!! It is victory to have recovered from my illness as I have. I believe miracles are possible from love. My thoughts were of the many that have prayed for me or reach –out to me during this past year. I feel so grateful to have all of you be part of my journey and bless to know how all of you cared and express your love. I would like to express my appreciation and thank you to all of you who kept me going and FEJ alive during my absent.
Another, chapter begins in my journey! As my new journey evolves I count on all of your, continuous prays, wisdom, know how, participation, and guidance. I cannot imagine this journey without everyone involvement and support.
As I sit at the computer now and saw the two thousand e-mail that wait my response or input. Again, I take another deep breath asking for everyone understanding and patience. Even though, I am eager to hear from all and wait everyone’s inputs, suggestions, ideas on how to make things better. I may not respond immediately but promise to get too all your mails in the days to come. I thank you all profoundly. Look forward to welcoming you all in Haiti soon.
Lots of Love and Blessing to All
In Faith
Gina
Posted by Sandy Lucien on Aug 16, 2012
We are facing many challenges to maintain the continuity of the work Fondation Enfant Jesus (FEJ) is doing in Haiti. After a disastrous 2010, last year also was exceptionally difficult for us. We recognized the outstanding efforts of all our donators, partners and individuals whom have come forth to help us maintain our core programs and special projects. Thanks to all of you, we have made tremendous progress in different programs, some of them outlined below:
1) We built the first floor of the community clinic; the second floor is in the process being built
2) Obtained funds to improve the existing programs such as the School and community clinic
3) Early in 2012 we have been able to guaranteed ongoing flow of food for the children in the school program and finished to dig the wheel, thanks to AFEJ.
4) MARCH 2012, solar panels provided by Energy Assistance provided batteries, an inverter, and other equipment for the school and the clinic, and sent a team of three electrical engineers who volunteered their time to install the system on site. The reliable power supply we have now is extremely helpful for all of FEJ’s staff. One major advantage is that the clinic can now move ahead with offering childbirth/delivery services to the community. In the past we have been unable to use the clinic building after hours because we could not depend on having light, and we were unwilling to risk having a sensitive procedure like a delivery going on under such circumstances.
5) Partially achieved our objectives to assist FEJ with post-earthquake emergency projects to help vulnerable children and women affected by the earthquake.
6) Annual deficit was very high.
Your individual and collective support, persistence and determination have helped us get through some of the most challenging years Fondation Enfant Jesus (FEJ) had to face. We recognized that the destruction from the earthquake as well as many unexpected setbacks has not allowed us to move forward to manage all aspects of our mission in 2011. Most of all, these setbacks has put additional strain on FEJ‘s resources and all our programs continue to feel it aftermath.
On a personal basis, after more than a year of Gina’s severe illness which causes a tremendous amount stress on our family and the foundation .I am grateful that she has made lots of progress in her health and eager for her return to Haiti. I am confident she continues to get well and more than willing to devote her time and face all the upcoming challenges with your usual assistance. I thank all of our devoted staff, donors, partners and friends for the overflowing and consistent support during this personally difficult ordeal we faced since 2011 as couple and family.
Another note, we forecast many changes for FEJ and challenges for the remaining of 2012:
1) Restructuration of FEJ BOARD DIRECTOR, revision of FEJ governance with forecast of the following:
• Amendment to some of our existing bylaws
• Implementation of protocols and clear Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with all our partners working on our entire social program.
• Rebuilding of our main office in Delmas.
• Returning our administration office to a more central location
• Put and strategic plan in place to resolve the annual deficit in 2012.
• Repainting the school facility, the kitchen and the Guest house.
• Tile Floor and repair door of the school library.
• Repair computer lab door.
• Repair wall near the daycare, and doors.
• Repair/ replace, Crèche screens and windows, add screen doors.
• Electrical and plumbing repairs/modification to laundry room.
• Pave the school yard with stone blocs, and create play grounds areas (school and daycare) and green space
• Convert chicken coop to workshop.
• Roof of visitor house at the crèche.
• Extend Moringa plantation, to fight malnutrition.
• Support for the children in need for family reunion.
• More shelves for school administration, classroom, library and daycare.
• Replace school toilets doors at the school.
• Screens to be place between the school roof and wall to avoid birds and others get in the classrooms.
h3. 2) An immediate challenge we are faced with is the fact that we continue receiving from the government some children who need to be reunited with their biological parents.
Unfortunately, we have not had a family reunion for the last 5 months and have not received any financial help for the care of these children. Actually, we have 25 children on standby whose care represents a heavy load of our own organization’s resources.
3) In view of improving the child protection and adoption process in Haiti.
The general director of the Institute of Social Welfare and Research (IBESR) has envisioned suspending the reception of any new folder from May 2, 2012 to July 30, 2012. The IBESR wants to restructure its services and establish a new system to ensure better protection of children available for adoption, which fit our mission and our support has been solicited.
4) FEJ has decided to remain focus on the following program during 2011,
in order to respect his mission and vision and maintain the standards of its core programs. Therefore giving priority and primary l continue to focus on child protection within our main programs, school, adoptions, empowerment of women, nutrition, and deliver health care and combat child malnutrition in our new community health clinic.
We are in dire need of all our partner and friend support us to get through this delicate and particular situation that 2012 seem to be unfolding as obstacles and changes for FEJ.
We humbly ask you to stand with us and help FEJ with these new challenges and to work with us to achieve its objectives for 2012.
I am conscious that the challenges ahead will be many but I am confident with all of your support, we can find collective solutions that will help us get through these difficult times and ensure the longevity of FEJ Mission and Vision.
I thank you in advance for your generosity and collaboration. I look forward to hearing from everyone with suggestion, proposal and insight.
Lucien V. Duncan
Posted by Sandy Lucien on May 17, 2012
In November 2011, FEJ was connected with an organization named Trees That Feed Foundation (TTFF). Originally working in Jamaica, TTFF are seeking to combat deforestation and hunger simultaneously by planting fruit-bearing trees, especially the breadfruit. They are now expanding into Haiti, and were seeking partners who could help plant and care for trees and see that the fruit is made available to people in need.
After attending a meeting where the Fondation’s concept and plan in Haiti, in addition to the details of planting and maintaining fruit trees were explained, TTFF purchased 200 trees on behalf of FEJ. We received orange, lime, mango, avocado, and jave cachiman saplings, each a few months old and ready to plant. After bringing FEJ’s gardening staff up to speed on painting tree trunks to protect them from the sun, supporting them with stakes and loose ties, depth for planting, clearing an area around the tree, and most importantly, watering (!), we planted the trees in various locations near the school and the crèche.
We’re looking forward to seeing these trees grow, and before too long, provide us with delicious fruit to serve at the school and at the crèche! We’re putting together plans for distributing trees through our Chache Lavi program, which helps mothers of children in L’Ecole Enfant Jesus build small businesses, and through the school itself. Our experience gained through this partnership will be very helpful as we move forward with those projects. Many thanks to Mary McLaughlin and the Trees That Feed Foundation!
Click here to see more pictures
Posted by Sandy Lucien on Apr 27, 2012
Our school is moving forward on the path of quality and at the beginning of this new year a whole series of changes are taking place.
First of all, the school is no longer managed by a single Head but by a management committee of five members who will make sure to :
1. Manage the school files.
2. Maintain the link between the Ministry of Education and FEJ’s administration.
3. Guarantee a smooth running of the School
4. Organize various meetings (Parents, Teachers, FEJ’s administration staff)
5. Strengthen the sponsoring program
6. Hire professionnal staff for the School
7. Organize onsite training for the teachers.
After the the teachers were evaluated in May, 2011, we made the decision to strengthen the teaching staff to consolidate what was already accomplished and insure the continuity of progress and with the obvious will to hire new staff in the school area : all our teachers now come from Lamardelle community and their motivation is much stronger because they feel closer to the children.
Our July on-site training session emphasized the importance of conscientiousness and explained the long-term vision and objectives of EEJ’s educational program; the place and the role of our school were widely commented with everybody.
The methodology and the detailed program of each grade were explained to preschool as well as primary grades teachers.
Moreover, from July 19th to 21st, our Deputy Head Alex Dorisca enrolled in a training session on TIPA TIPA (the STEP BY STEP methodology we use with the preschool children) to get an in-depth understanding of the method and help the teachers to implement it in their classrooms.
In September, the teachers made use of a of pre back-to-school week to prepare the real start of the school year and review once more the detailed program of their grade. This time, the accent was put upon the importance of carefully preparing each lesson and a good schedule. An open strategy was set up, and all the texts on which the pupils of each grade will work during the school year were chosen.
During this same week, we also held meetings with groups of parents to discover the School regulation, the objectives of the year and our new strategy. Moreover every pupil received school stationeries and two brand new uniform shirts, generously donated by our partner in Germany FEHev.
By giving the staff the opportunity to enjoy a step-by-step start of the new school year, we gave everybody enough time to organize successfully their task with the parents and especially with the children without any confusion.
What’s new ?
For their own safety and a better management of the preschool pupils and daycare children, the Management Committee has decided to hand to each parent an identification card of their child.
A Music teacher is now available three times a week to teach flute and other instruments in order to set up a school orchestra.
Computing lessons will be given to teachers and sixth primary grade pupils.
The Community clinic is open to the pupils in case of emergency and before January every pupil will have a medical record there.
At the beginning of school year 2010-2011, our partner in Belgium ESV-HAITI had funded the purchase of all the textbooks; this year again, ESV-HAITI has allowed us to buy all missing textbooks and exercise books : that will help us to strengthen the books loan system to the pupils and insure its continuity for years to come.
Harmony and Serenity reign among us and with the cooperation of all we will meet our objectives for 2011-2012.
We are quite eager to thank wholeheartedly FEJ’s partners : AFEJ, AEM, ESV-HAITI, FEHev, Soleil des Nations, and VVHF who, in France , Belgium, Germany , Canada, and the USA support our work. It is thanks to their combined efforts that we can offer about 500 children of Lamardelle community a real education whose quality improves year after year: it is an inestimable present and an immense hope for the future.
Posted by Sandy Lucien on Dec 05, 2011
