“Tell me, I forget.
Show me, I remember.
Involve me, I understand.”
---Ancient Chinese proverb
The 4Ekselans Community is a center of learning. Believing that education is the blueprint for nation-building, we designed the 4Ekselans curriculum to empower students with the life skills necessary to succeed. We give students a chance to learn about real-life experiences and current issues. At the same time, they develop as Haiti's future leaders.
However, to us at 4Ekselans, a comprehensive education includes much more than reading, writing, and arithmetic. Our programs focus on the education and health of the children's spirit, mind, heart, and body. We give hope to vulnerable children and challenge them to develop in all areas of their lives. The development of character, service, and social responsibility are stressed.
Investing in youth is one of the most effective ways to influence the future of a nation. If Haiti is to have a future, it will be realized by the next generation of leaders. We desire to develop leadership in those who only need a chance and to provide influential mentors and training to propel them forward. With the help of many others, we are committed to providing the tools and challenges to set their spirits free, protect their dignity, promote their God-given uniqueness, and enable them to become all they can be – people of great value and the next generation of leaders!
To develop excellence, we see four primary areas (spiritual, psychological, emotional/social, and physical). Since each part of an individual affects all other aspects, the programs and services of 4Ekselans are designed for the growth and development of the total person. As such, we provide education & tools to develop healthy, balanced & productive lives.
Taking up where the local schools leave off, 4Ekselans provides weekend programs for children 7-13. Boys & Girls of Promise Leadership Clubs are built around an enriched curriculum, hands-on learning experiences, opportunities to think critically and creatively, and tools that will help them on their way. We introduce them to ideas, principles, skills, behaviors, attitudes, and values that can make a difference for them. Activities are fun and have practical applications. They include a variety of modules: science exploration, character development, leadership skills, Bible, health & hygiene, financial education, creative activities (arts & crafts, dance, drama, music appreciation), sports, and technology.
When a child first enters a Boys & Girls of Promise leadership club, we try to understand his or her personal needs. When we ask a girl what her favorite activity is, she often replies, "cleaning the house," "washing clothes," or "washing dishes." When we ask a boy what his favorite meal is, he often replies, "mayi moulen ak sòs pwa," which is polenta and a bean sauce. These are their favorite things because they are what they know.
Those are hardly the answers we'd expect from a more privileged child. When we speak of the Haitian people and children in particular, we do not speak of all Haitians. Some are more privileged than others. We are speaking of the most vulnerable and underprivileged. They work hard, long hours - washing clothes by hand, hauling water from long distances, keeping house, tending to livestock, and caring for the younger children - often without adequate nutrition. Learning to be responsible is good, but some are too young to carry the burdens of survival.
Like all children, our students do have dreams. Unfortunately, they tend to quickly lose hope of ever having anything better than what they know. So many resources and potential become buried under disappointment, a battered self-image, and a sense of hopelessness. We can't make their dreams come true for them, but we encourage them to dream and teach them how to live effectively. We empower them to live out their goals by providing learning experiences to nurture their young, impressionable minds, heal their broken bodies, and free their spirits. Although some more lasting changes may take years to witness, if these children learn to think well, their behavior, attitudes, and values will follow.
These children need to believe they can succeed in having better lives. Better, to what degree? That depends on them. Unless they believe in possibilities and their ability to achieve, they will be limited in what they can and will do.
Will they all attend university, becoming doctors, lawyers, engineers, professors, or community leaders as their parents dream? That is unlikely. But with our help, they may all complete secondary education or learn a trade that highlights a natural talent and allows them to earn a living.