Empowering Haitian Communities: Education, Biodiversity, and Impact
By Safina Center Fellow Kike Calvo
Students in a Haiti elementary school coloring in pictures of birds native to Hispaniola in the French and Creole bilingual book Birds of Hispaniola, by Kike Calvo. ©Digicel Foundation/Little Explorer, Big World
As we ushered in the new year, it's heartening to reflect on the impactful strides made in Haiti through a collaborative effort between Little Explorer, Big World (formerly The Adventures of Pili), Haiti National Trust, and Digicel Foundation. The joint initiative has set in motion a series of activities aimed at fostering biodiversity awareness and education among Haitian school communities.
At the heart of this initiative lay an orientation session for trainers, generously supported by the Digicel Foundation, with a keen focus on biodiversity. After this session, the torch of knowledge was relayed to school communities, where the distribution of our Little Explorer, Big World French and Creole children’s books opened a gateway for children to delve into the captivating avian wonders of Hispaniola. Collaborating closely with Haiti National Trust, we successfully crafted our bilingual books, printed in the Dominican Republic, and transported to Haiti.
A classroom of students in Haiti coloring photos of bird species in the French and Creole bilingual book Birds of Hispaniola, by Kike Calvo, supervised by a teacher. ©Digicel Foundation/Little Explorer, Big World
The commitment to raising awareness on biodiversity and environmental protection was evident as trainers conducted sessions that drew the participation of 89 parents, a remarkable turnout that included 72 women and 17 men. This enthusiastic involvement underscored the collective dedication toward nurturing a generation cognizant of the importance of preserving Haiti's rich natural heritage.
A pivotal phase unfolded as 42 teachers underwent specialized training, equipping them to effectively guide students through the colorful journey of exploring and understanding the avifauna of Hispaniola. With the distribution of books came the provision of colored pencils, marking the commencement of vibrant coloring sessions within schools.
A teacher in Haiti giving a lesson to students about birds and biodiversity using the French and Creole bilingual book Birds of Hispaniola, by Kike Calvo. ©Digicel Foundation/Little Explorer, Big World
These engaging activities were led by dedicated teachers, supported by trainers assigned to schools established by the Digicel Foundation. The impact was tangible and inspiring as, during December alone, 602 students enthusiastically participated in the coloring sessions, embracing the opportunity to delve into the fascinating world of these winged creatures.
As the calendar turns to January and classes resume, these educational initiatives are set to continue, promising an enduring impact on the young minds of Haiti. The commitment to nurturing a generation passionate about environmental conservation remains steadfast.
Teachers in Haiti helping students during a lesson using the French and Creole bilingual book Birds of Hispaniola, by Kike Calvo. ©Digicel Foundation/Little Explorer, Big World
Haiti National Trust played a pivotal role in driving this impactful project forward, serving as a guiding force by printing the books and fostering environmental stewardship and conservation within Haiti's school communities.
To provide a glimpse into the heartwarming moments and the active participation of students, we're thrilled to share some captivating images capturing these invaluable experiences.
This commendable progress wouldn't have been possible without the unwavering support extended to the school communities. Your dedication to this cause is instrumental in paving the way for a brighter, more environmentally conscious future for Haiti
Together, through education and active engagement, we're fostering a generation of conservationists and environmental stewards. We are excited to announce that we will soon embark on creating a black-skinned version of "The Girl Who Planted a Forest" for our series "The Adventures of Luna." This adaptation aims to resonate more deeply with local readers, fostering a stronger sense of identification within the community. Thank you for being an integral part of this transformative journey.
Warm regards,