Empowering Haitian youth: Building diasporic literacy programs with a Vodou theoretical framework

• In Event: Education in Haiti: Alternatives for Social Transformation

Proposal

This proposal seeks to present a unique approach to supporting Haitian youth through the development of diasporic literacy programs. Drawing upon a comprehensive seven-year summer program focused on the decolonization of Haitian youth, we developed the Literacy Initiative For Empowerment (LIFE) for high school students and the Haitian Empowerment Literacy Project (HELP) for middle school students. These programs, operating in Haiti and South Florida, aimed to cultivate empowered Haitian youth, foster socio-cultural awareness, and build crucial literacy skills. The presentation will highlight the unique curriculum developed for these programs, which integrates Vodou principles and teaching strategies for liberation. By utilizing intergenerational collaborations and establishing a ceremonial learning space, community space, and family space, we demonstrate how the classroom becomes a Lakou—a sacred relational space that ensures intergenerational participation and ownership in communal affairs.

The development of the LIFE and HELP programs involved extensive collaboration between various stakeholders, including youth participants, youth mentors, college students, elders, spiritual teachers, professors, community leaders, psychologists, and healers. Together, these individuals brought their unique expertise and perspectives to create a comprehensive curriculum that fostered critical thinking, cultural pride, and personal growth. By utilizing the principles of Vodou, we infused the curriculum with a framework for liberation, encouraging youth to challenge oppressive systems and envision a better future for themselves and their communities.

Through a Vodou theoretical framework, the curriculum encompassed academics, Haitian culture, wellness, psycho-social development, and spirituality. By drawing upon the strengths of intergenerational collaborations and the power of communal ownership to foster an environment conducive to holistic growth and liberation. The LIFE and HELP programs have witnessed significant positive outcomes for Haitian youth. Participants have demonstrated improved literacy skills, including reading, writing, and critical analysis. Moreover, their socio-cultural awareness and pride in Haitian heritage have been strengthened, enabling them to navigate their identities with confidence. The integration of wellness, psycho-social development, and spirituality has contributed to the holistic growth and well-being of participants, empowering them to make positive life choices and pursue their aspirations.

The presentation will provide valuable insights into the design and implementation of diasporic literacy programs for Haitian youth. The aim of the programs were to inspire educators, community leaders, and researchers to embrace innovative approaches that foster empowerment and liberation among marginalized youth populations. The programs created transformative learning environments that supported the holistic growth and development of Haitian youth, enabling them to maximize their personal, interpersonal, and communal potential.

Author

• Charlene Desir, Nova Southeastern University