Haiti Reborn, a project of the Quixote Center, is a supporter of Beyond Borders’ adult literacy program on the island of Lagonav. On a recent trip to Haiti, the coordinator of Haiti Reborn, Melinda Miles, had the opportunity to observe a discussion about the importance of literacy. Here is her summary of that vibrant gathering.

Dreaming of Literacy
by Melinda Miles

Our circle of Haitian adult literacy teachers, elementary school teachers, and visitors from the United States had a breathtaking view of the valley beyond Matenwa on the island of Lagonav.

“What would a completely literate community look like?” one person asks.

People began to respond to this question slowly, thoughtfully at first. But as the answers began to flow, their excitement picked up. “With literate communities, we would see a country that is reforested. Everyone would be healthy because they would know about boiling water and the sanitary preparation of food. We would take responsibility for ourselves and participate in the politics of our country. We would be organized and working together. We would be equals.”

Eddy Sterling, a co-director of Limyè Lavi, Beyond Borders’ sister organization in Haiti. shared with the group his dreams about literacy; and as he spoke we all found ourselves leaning closer to his voice, catching more of his passion. “The country is dark. Literacy is a huge light, and with it we can begin a process of development. It is not others who control our development; it is we ourselves.”

The literacy program on Lagonav has been developing for eleven years and has used a number of different books and approaches. Through a process of experimentation and with help from Beyond Borders, the literacy teachers’ associations of Lagonav have created their own methodology that emphasizes student participation rather than the traditional rote memorization. Each year the pedagogy grows and evolves, adapting to better fit the lives of people on the island. This year several centers are changing their schedule of classes to conform to the agricultural calendar of harvesting and planting with the hope that the students will have more time and energy for class.

One teacher among us shared how he used to teach using the traditional method, but his students would not finish the course. During a training session he learned how to engage his students more fully. Now they return excited for each class! We observed one of these training sessions, and teachers shared stories of what had motivated them to begin this work. “The situation of illiteracy is what makes our country sink. We should hold each other’s hands until everyone can read; then we will be able to come together as a country,” one teacher explained.

Adult literacy programs, and popular education in general, are the keys to unlocking the potential the people of Haiti have to control their own future. On an individual level, literacy allows women to run more efficient businesses. It allows parents to read their children’s report cards and to sign their names on documents instead of using a thumbprint. On a larger level literacy enables them to form organizations and to work together more effectively, to understand their rights and to fight for them as a community. We dream with our Haitian sisters and brothers that this goal of 100% literacy will soon be realized.