Jesus taught that the Kingdom of God is like a mustard seed. Mustard grows from a tiny seed into a bush that rapidly reproduces and quickly takes over a field. Beyond Borders is working for change in Haiti from the roots up. We are sowing a liberating alternative to the traditional repressive paradigm for leadership and teaching. We do this by promoting two methodologies:

Several participants in a small group discussion during an Open Space gathering that focused on improving Haiti’s education system. This gathering in August brought together sixty leaders representing fifteen Haitian schools and organizations.

Here is what some participants in these initiatives are saying:

“The practice of Reflection Circles and Open Space changes traditional organizational roles [of hierarchical, rigid leadership] by making every person involved responsible for their ideas and activities. Everyone has responsibility for solving problems and addressing issues. These new experiences help people to develop self-confidence and real respect for others, instead of respect only for those higher in the chain of command, which is often a superficial respect. This emerging collaboration inspires new vision, and new ways to lead are born.”
Ulrick Denis, Literacy Instructor

“A careful analysis of Haitian society reveals mistrust at many levels. While one can certainly find distrust in group settings, that which is more profound to me is the mistrust, or lack of confidence, that many Haitians have in themselves. Our heritage of slavery and colonialism help explain this. The outcome is that many Haitians are convinced that they have nothing in terms of ideas, wisdom, or insight to share. It is others who have education or resources who must solve our problems. In a country where eighty percent of the population is illiterate and where being illiterate means that people believe they know nothing important, this is a crisis. Open Space breaks down this barrier that exists between people who do not know how to read and write and those who do. It helps people develop self-confidence. In Open Space, people who are invited to propose their ideas and to lead discussions feel empowered. They see that their ideas have merit and that others, even those who are educated, are interested in what they have to say. This practice unleashes in them energy that then becomes self-determination. Unless Haiti develops the practices that are at the essence of Open Space, we are not going to be able to solve our many social problems.”
Pierre Richard Pierre, Productive Cooperatives of Haiti

“Watching the students experiencing Open Space thrills me. Not only are they practicing a democratic process, they are also learning that they—their ideas and intentions—are important to us. In fact, the students are the essence of this school. They need to shape who we are together and what we become.”
Garry Delice, principal, The Louverture Cleary School, Santo

“By participating in Reflection Circles I have learned how to listen with more carefully and to not interrupt others when they speak. I have learned to not disregard others’ ideas even though I don’t agree with them. I am more tolerant and have a greater capacity for cooperating with and respecting others. And I am taking greater responsibility for educating myself. In Reflection Circles, we develop habits of asking questions, of inquiry, and of thinking with an open mind.”
Wilner Theodore, Christian Student Youth Group, Port-au-Prince