2017 summer reading program

The 3rd annual Summer Reading Program - which is officially called “M’Ap Li Ak Kè Kontan” (I Read With Joy) - had its closing ceremony on August 10th, in the Grand-Goave church.

Parents and students enjoyed a ceremony with reading demonstrations by students, congratulations from the wonderful teachers, the presentation of certificates, medals, and small gifts, and a snack afterwards.

Approximately 120 students were invited to participate from grades 1 and 3, to boost their reading skills in Haitian Creole and French over the course of a 5 week program.

Etzer, our Grand Goave School Director, shared this final update on the Summer Reading Program:

In all honesty, the 2017 edition of “M’ap li ak kè kontan” [the name of the summer reading program] was a real success from every point of view.  The quality of the teachers was a determining factor in this.  Nothing disappointed us about the program, from the beginning until the end.

The closing ceremony of this 2017 edition will be a day which will last a long time in the memories of all.

On the program, the guests [the parents] found many reasons be happy:

The way the children presented themselves, the involvement of the school management team and the teachers. The atmosphere of the ceremony was so warm. This wonderful environment gave all the opportunity to discover the unsuspected and unexpected talents of the children.

It was emotional for the young, and emotional for the parents. And under the impact of emotion, several parents asked to be able to speak. Here are two samples:

(1) "I am convinced that teachers and pupils have gained as much as possible.  The performance of the students is proof of this."

(2) "The program has proved to be a necessity, as important changes have been made not only in the work of the teacher but also in the reaction of the students who are no longer the same."

The instructors worked extremely hard during this 5-week marathon, and they also worked hard with the students in the planning and preparation for this program.

The school management team is delighted with the impressive results that the instructors have achieved, which none could deny in terms of the quality of their work.

The team of the school would like to express its sincere thanks to Ms. Julia Keener, who has made all her contributions during each of these summer programs, each one more exciting than the next. The team also hopes that the experience will continue, for the happiness of our little schoolchildren. A thousand thanks for your collaboration, Madame.

Parents testify that these efforts have borne fruit.

At Lifeline, we appreciate the donors who have generously given to initiate and sustain this new program for the Haitian children!  You are giving these children a step up in their education that, otherwise, they would never have received.  Thank you!