Photo Gallery of School
Please see the photos here: https://buildon.smugmug.com/BuildOnGlobal/2018/Haiti-2018/La-Hatte-de-Barreau/i-nMRq8gK/A
The Walter McCollum Education Foundation, in partnership with BuildOn, had the incredible honor of building a primary school in the Nippes Region of Haiti. But this school was different—it marked a historic shift. Traditionally, the teams that traveled to Haiti to construct schools were either Caucasian or from other ethnic backgrounds, not Black American or Haitian American. I believed it was vital for the local community to see their own people leading, motivating, supporting, and building, reinforcing the idea that Haitians have the power to shape their own future.
I assembled a team of seven young Haitian men, ages 18–25, all part of my mentoring group. Some were studying international relations, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering at Quisqueya University. I emphasized the importance of volunteering—how it builds character, fosters greatness, and cultivates a deep sense of servitude. These young men came from poverty, on an island where finding food is a daily challenge and where literacy hovers at only 60%. Education remains difficult to access, as even primary school requires tuition. Yet today, they are paying it forward, offering their community a new perspective on Haitian leadership and potential.
A moment of celebration and commitment made this experience unforgettable. Hundreds gathered, greeting us with song and dance, proudly waving the Haitian flag. We were ushered to the site to sign a covenant—a powerful symbol of collective commitment to education and sustainability. The project required at least 125 community members to sign in support, ensuring that the school’s development would be a shared responsibility. Among the signatures were mine, the mayor’s, and countless villagers—many of whom could not read or write but dipped their thumbprint in ink, marking their place in history.
After heartfelt speeches, children recited poetry, sang songs, and the community reviewed the school’s blueprint with engineers and builders before breaking ground. It was a moment of hope, empowerment, and unity.
As I reflect on that moment today, I am filled with immense pride. In 2018, the school opened its doors to an inaugural class of 208 students—equal numbers of boys and girls. This was more than just a school opening—it was the beginning of a legacy, transforming not only children's lives but also the lives of parents and grandparents. We were shaping generations to come.
Achieving something as monumental as building a school demands an unwavering passion for literacy, poverty reduction, and creating opportunities for those who might otherwise never have access to education. My advice? Align your purpose with your passion, and inspire others to believe in your vision—because when people believe in something bigger than themselves, they will journey with you toward change.