One Laptop Per Child

A new project is underway to try and bring technology to the students. We can teach them with books, we can teach them with song, and we can even teach them in the streets. However without knowledge of the world outside their own, these students will struggle to interact with other cultures, which is fast becoming an integral part of today’s business world. Thus, our aim is to bring them education of TODAY with the World Wide Web. Something like the internet (which is so basic to so many) could mean a world of difference for the students in our schools.

More to come on this project…

All Apostles Leadership Training

This program is very important to the success of our mission in Haiti. It’s ESSENTIAL that a certain number of leaders are formed from the ranks of our coworkers, assistants, and students. Obtaining the skill at speaking multiple languages, along with the ability to travel internationally and conduct business with people of other countries and cultures, AND be capable of organizing assistance from abroad by conversing about our goals. We are currently working with about 20 young adults to give them experiences in problem solving, teach them to rely on their own resourcefulness and personal initiative, and develop the necessary skill set to attain their goals. Traveling is an integral part of the program. It includes cultural awareness training, history excursions, retreats, short and long courses, traveling with the sick to available care abroad, and public speaking training. We reserve $50,000 a year to be applied to this program.

Father Wasson University

Reaching higher, we are proud of small initiatives to make our Haitian youth “Citizens of the World” using readily available technology. We provide opportunities far beyond what the oppressive conditions of Haiti can offer.

This is our experiment: The Fr Wasson Virtual University (For the next generation of young leaders). A St. Luke program promoting internet based learning for motivated youth held back only by lack of opportunity.

Phase one...

has already begun:

Refurbishing computers with internet connection, intensive language preparation in English, German, Italian, French and Spanish, with the ultimate goal of passing the national exam in the selected language.

Phase Two

High school equivalency study leading to enrollment in one of many online Universities around the world, possibly including limited on campus study.

Phase Three

Supplementary courses in leadership and management.

The facility itself hosts many programs, including the virtual university, a rehabilitation and education center for disabled children, and the administrative aspects of the St. Luke programs. Recently a group of children suggested we create a library at the Fr. Wasson Center Pétionville for everyone using the facilities. In the meantime we are very fortunate to have found opportunities abroad for select students: In Italy, in Mexico, in Dominican Republic and in Haiti.

Program for Disadvantaged Youth

The term “education” can be applied to multiple facets of a child’s life. It should include educating children in the social and cultural aspects of life. Instead of playing in the garbage, children gain the opportunity to play organized soccer games, form teams, and develop lasting relationships with their peers. These disadvantaged youth would not receive these opportunities otherwise. A soccer field has been developed on the Kay Germaine property behind St. Damien. St. Luke has its own soccer team that practices a few days a week. There are also plans to build a restaurant and stadium seating to improve the facilities and draw attention to the program.

University Scholarships

Hoping to have 12 by 2009, we currently have 10 students studying in universities. Among them are three in Monterrey, Mexico, two in Santo Domingo, DominicanRepublic and five right in Haiti. We have started three language labs, with the hopes of using the “Father Wasson Forum”, as a way of getting Haitian students degrees from abroad, online.

Only 3.5% of Haitians attend university with less than 1% holding a degree (Kaleidoscope).

Engaging students to achieve a university level education has been challenging. The goal for 2009 is to have 12 students enrolled. Currently there are five university students in Haiti, two in the Dominican Republic, and three in Monterrey Mexico.

Mexico cost per year per student $10,000 = $30,000

Haiti cost per year per student $3,000 = $15,000

DR cost per year per student is $10,000 = $20,000