Adoration Christian Centre - Part Two

Randy Lodder, director of Adoration Christian Centre (ACC) asked me if I would be willing to lead a workshop for the kindergarten and special education teachers on ‘Hands-On Learning”.  He told me that the workshop would begin at 10:00.  When I arrived at 9:45, Randy told me that they were running late.  It is normal for things to start later than advertised in Haiti.  I was thankful to arrive early and have them running late because it gave me the opportunity to hear Randy give his teachers a ‘pep’ talk reminding them of the vision and mission of the school.  Their mission statement is clearly written on the wall when you enter the school.

“Prepare and equip students to have an impact on their community and the world for the glory of Jesus Christ.” 

 In a recent newsletter, Randy expanded on this mission by saying “At its core our mission is to proclaim Christ, focusing on providing Christ-centered education that will equip, train, build up, encourage, and develop the community in which we are serving; helping and strengthening families who are in poverty and are “at risk”, meaning they are living in some very harsh conditions.” That day, he reminded the teachers of the difficulties their students are facing which block their path to effective learning.  He challenged the teachers by suggesting that if they were all doing their job well, they would equip their students to serve Jesus Christ by serving others as they become leaders in their community.  Their education will help them achieve this goal.  To help them understand their students better, he explained that many of their students come from difficult situations as they are trying to reach the poorest of the poor.  Then Randy asked the principal of each section in the school to give an example of one (or more) of their students to help the teachers better understand the community that they are serving. 

Ketia (Special Education and Kindergarten Principal)

Ketia shared with us that some of her students would not be accepted into other schools because they don’t have the means to get shoes, uniforms or basic school supplies.  She spoke passionately that these are the students that Adoration Christian Centre wants to help.  She suggested that her teachers are able to give more than what they would receive at a local government school because they try to share the love of Christ with each one.  She stressed the importance of loving each child and being sensitive and understanding knowing that so many of them have difficult lives.

Alix (Primary School Principal – Grades 1-6)

Alix shared that one of the main objectives of this school is to help families who are in great need.  He gave an example of a family with 13 kids.  Adoration Christian Centre has a policy that they can only accept two kids per family with a goal of reaching and giving hope to as many families as possible.  This family lived across the street from the school in the ‘tent city’ since the earthquake in January, 2010, but was recently displaced due to the government coming in and telling everyone they needed to move in order to build a new hotel on this land.  The school helped this family build a house in the place where they were ‘moved’.  It would take hours for these children to walk to school and the cost of a tap tap (public transportation) would be prohibitive.  For now, ACC is paying for their transportation, however, there are others in the same situation and eventually, ACC will no longer be able to provide transportation.  There are many students who were moved and are at risk of continuing their education at ACC.  Alix told teachers to show compassion and understanding to these students when their homework is not complete as they are likely exhausted by the time they get home and might not eat again until the next day when they receive lunch at school.  He reminded teachers that children don’t learn well when they are hungry.

Evenz (High School Principal – Grades 7-10)

Evenz shared a story about a student in Grade 12 who is currently at the ‘off-site’ location. This student asked if he would be able to go to afternoon school instead of morning school.  (Some schools offer two sessions so that more students will have the opportunity to go to school.)  Evenz thought that it was an odd request as most students desire to go to school in the morning as it is believed to be when the higher quality of education occurs.  Evenz probed the student and discovered that he lives in a tent very far from the school with his mom and aunt, both of whom do not work.  His dad is not in the picture.  If he can go to school in the afternoon, he has the opportunity to make 35 HTG (equivalent to $0.80 USD) which would help buy a few supplies or food so that he has enough energy to learn.  Although ACC paid for him to get to school, he often opted to walk for one and a half hours so that he could use his tap tap money for food.  He is determined to get his education no matter how high the personal cost so that he can get a job and help his family. 

When the principals were finished sharing, Randy continued by giving a portrait of what he hopes their students will look like upon graduation.  His desire is that they will be able to support themselves with a job, serve their community, become active members in their churches and above all have a relationship with Jesus Christ.  He hopes that they will excel in school and earn a Grade 13 education.

The task is daunting and would be impossible except that God is using an incredible staff of Haitians here and a host of supporters in North America!  I am thankful for the small roles that Erin and I can play while we are here this year.  Erin is teaching Art two days each week to all of the students together with a few others, we are both involved in developing Art Curriculum for the school.  I have also been involved in leading or helping with teacher training.

As mentioned earlier, I presented a workshop that day for the kindergarten and special education teachers on ‘Hands-On Learning’, but in the end I felt like I was the one who learned the most.  

We are able to do this because of the financial support and prayer of many of you. If you would like to learn more about this school or consider sponsoring a child yourself, check out www.adoration.net.