Our Story
What happens when two people from different worlds meet—and decide to reimagine what learning can mean for a nation? It’s the spring of 1995 at a crowded bus station near Site Solèy. The air hums with vendors’ voices and diesel smoke.
Philosophy & Mission
What if the answers we seek are already here—rooted in the wisdom, experience, and courage of the people themselves? At the Matènwa Community Learning Center (MCLC), we believe that the people of Lagonav know their own communities best.
Governance
Friends of Matènwa and its board of directors walk beside MCLC, helping to connect resources and build local capacity—not to direct the work, but to ensure the people leading it have what they need to succeed.
Case Statement
MCLC was co-founded in 1996 by Haitian educator Abner Sauveur and American educator Chris Low to rethink what school could be—starting in Matènwa on the rural island of Lagonav. The school’s approach is built on six core commitments.
Partnerships
Friends of Matènwa works alongside foundations, NGOs, faith communities, schools, corporations, and individual volunteers who share a commitment to child-centered, Haitian Creole-based education.
Financials
We maintain full financial transparency through independent annual reviews and detailed reporting, and we are proud to hold a Four-Star Charity rating from Charity Navigator and a Platinum Transparency seal from Candid.