Friends of Matenwa Inc

Friends of Matenwa supports programs that offer the Matenwa, Haiti community and, by extension, other communities of Haiti opportunities to improve their education, social justice, community and cultural development, health and welfare. Friends of Matenwa emphasizes building local capacity and maintaining a high level of respect for local priorities. Friends of Matenwa supports the Matenwa Community Learning Center (MCLC) and its unique educational program that is based on the following core principles that offer a fundamentally different approach to learning: 1. Elementary grade classroom instruction is delivered in Creole. Thus, students learn to think, read, and write in their native ton... read more Friends of Matenwa supports programs that offer the Matenwa, Haiti community and, by extension, other communities of Haiti opportunities to improve their education, social justice, community and cultural development, health and welfare. Friends of Matenwa emphasizes building local capacity and maintaining a high level of respect for local priorities. Friends of Matenwa supports the Matenwa Community Learning Center (MCLC) and its unique educational program that is based on the following core principles that offer a fundamentally different approach to learning: 1. Elementary grade classroom instruction is delivered in Creole. Thus, students learn to think, read, and write in their native tongue. French is taught as a second language. 2. Students learn in an environment that prohibits corporal punishment and promotes mutual respect and dialogue between school administrators, teachers, parents, and students, with an emphasis on respect and equal opportunities for women and girls. 3. Elementary grade students learn to read by writing and illustrating Mother Tongue Books in Creole to be read by their classmates. These books are age-appropriate and culturally relevant. In this way, children solidify their reading skills, and develop their creativity through storytelling and art. 4. Teachers follow a curriculum that includes art, music, and physical education as well as organic gardening that promotes concrete skills as well as food security. 5. Teachers receive training to ensure that excellence in educational content, communications, support and positive reinforcement is sustained in each classroom. 6. Parents and community members are encouraged to replicate the practices of mutual respect and group-level problem solving that are used in the classrooms.