Matènwa Community School

Children and teachers engage in hands-on education, critical thinking, and mutual respect.

Institute for Learning

Teacher training for schools seeking to find a more effective way to teach.

Mother Tongue Books

Empowering children to become literate by reading and writing in their native language.

Women’s Leadership Fund

Seven Matènwa graduates are now continuing their university education—fully supported for the year—thanks to this community.

Creole Gardens

Students cultivate organic produce, practice environmental stewardship.

Summer Camp

Inspiring meaningful exchanges that strengthen community ties and inspire collaborative learning.

Art Matènwa

Nurturing creative expression by supporting women artisans.

Community Outreach

Help students and families care for elders and build lasting food security.

College Scholarships

Matènwa grads who've earned full-tuition scholarships need your help to cover costs like housing, meals, books, and more.

Support Matènwa programs

Fania Bijoux is one of the 10 students in MCLC's 2018 graduating class that just passed the national (Philo) exam! In fact, she earned the classes' highest score! Fania graduated at the top of her class, and has been offered a scholarship to study at Quisqueya in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Fania has high hopes and amazing dreams for her future, and FoM is delighted to have had the opportunity to support Fania's journey.

While I was in Matènwa, I was lucky enough to speak with several members of the Class of 2018, and Fania was one of them! Fania has been at MCLC since pre-school and absolutely loved the variety of subjects she was able to take, such as computer science, woodworking, music, art, and physical education. Her love for MCLC stems from her knowledge of how incredibly different other schools in the area happen to be. Fania was able to go to school in her mother tongue, which has made a world of difference. MCLC also allows kids to write in pencil (they do not punish students for making mistakes, and understand that they help us learn better) and provides them with the materials they need to succeed. In Fania's opinion, one of MCLC's best attributes is the mutual respect and understanding between teachers and students.

Fania dreams of studying medicine, and becoming a general practitioner, so that she can return to Matènwa and serve her community. She wishes to give back to the community that has given her so much, and has helped her get to where she is today.

More Stories

Thank you Greater Good A Video in Celebration of your 10 Year Anniversary.

Proudly teaching in one's mother tongue in a non violent encouraging learning environment which values children's opinions and creativity....

Update from Meg - March 2016

Maureen Plaisimond, MCLC's newest long-term volunteer, arrived in February and has quickly taken charge of our computer lab and elementary computer classes. As well as […]...

Trying to figure out a way YOU can help Matènwa?

Pam Smith, our dedicated volunteer, long-time friend, and talented mixed media artist had an exhibit on display at Lexington Pierce Gallery November and December of […]...