Why MCLC Students & Teachers Say Lagonav Isn't Poor
I’m sure you’ve heard the label: “Haiti, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere.” But at Matènwa, we’re interested in a different narrative—one that we write ourselves. This month MCLC held an Espas Ouvè (Open Space) at the school to answer this question: Is Lagonav poor?
The Mother Tongue Revolution is Spreading
People often ask me if what we’re doing in Matènwa can actually scale. They wonder if a local school can […]…
From Dirt to Dinner: The Eurofins Terracing Project
We are thrilled to announce that the Eurofins Foundation has awarded the Matènwa Community Learning Center (MCLC) a significant grant […]…
How Matènwa celebrated International Women’s Day
Students gathered under the shade trees at MCLC to celebrate International Women’s Day and honor the women who keep the […]…
Join our Newsletter!
Once a month you’ll get the very latest news from Matènwa and Lagonav Island
More Stories
Working Toward Clean Water for Four Communities
In the mountains above the Matènwa community on Lagonav Island, a place called Little Spring is a lifeline. Every day, families depend on this spring for the water they need to drink, cook, wash, and care for their homes. But getting that water is not simple. People…
From Matènwa to the Frontlines of Care
By Williamson Jacques | Matènwa Community Learning Center At the Matènwa Community Learning Center, we often say that education is not only about the classroom. It is about dignity. It is about responsibility. And it is about preparing young people to serve their…
How the “Matènwa Way” Travels
This is my third week on Lagonav Island, and yesterday I got to see—up close—the Hub School initiative, a next step in spreading the Matènwa approach to teaching across this island. In 2020, after years of training teachers in nonviolent, child-centered, Haitian…
What comes next . . .
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was clear about what justice meant. It wasn’t a theory or a slogan. It was about dignity—the dignity of poor people, the dignity of children, the dignity of communities that had been told, again and again, that their lives mattered less….
A Surprise Welcome Home
A reminder of what life is really about. Welcome home, Chris! Yesterday, I witnessed something that touched me deeply — a moment that felt like a reminder of what life is really about. Chris returned to Matènwa after a long absence. I traveled with her and Vince…
2025 Annual Newsletter
Step inside MCLC and meet the students and teachers whose stories of perseverance will stay with you. You’ll see what hope looks like, how it grows, and the difference that your generosity makes. View the 2025 Annual Newsletter
November 2025 Newsletter
Francia’s first graders learning to plant seeds in the school garden. Do you remember the first time you planted a seed — maybe in your family’s garden or a school science project? The mix of excitement and patience as you waited for that first green sprout? At…
October 2025 Newsletter
Classrooms where children grow curious instead of fearful and confident instead of silent. Classrooms that embrace dignity, equality, and a lot of creative play — because joy is part of justice too. The photo above captures one of those joyful moments — a…
Newsletter 2024
View the 2024 Newsletter
School Opens ENTHUSIASTICALLY!
I’m so happy to share this video. It was a joyful first day of school at the Matènwa Community Learning Center. They successfully opened their doors on-time despite the growing violence, insecurity, hunger, and uncertainty in Haiti. No matter what the political crisis…
Newsletter 2023
View the 2023 Newsletter
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 2021. All proceeds from the sale of her art were fully donated to the Matènwa Community Learning Center…
Working Toward Clean Water for Four Communities
February 18, 2026
In the mountains above the Matènwa community on Lagonav Island, a place called Little Spring is a lifeline. Every day, families depend on this spring for the water they need […]
From Matènwa to the Frontlines of Care
February 17, 2026
By Williamson Jacques | Matènwa Community Learning Center At the Matènwa Community Learning Center, we often say that education is not only about the classroom. It is about dignity. It […]
How the "Matènwa Way" Travels
January 31, 2026
This is my third week on Lagonav Island, and yesterday I got to see—up close—the Hub School initiative, a next step in spreading the Matènwa approach to teaching across this […]
What comes next . . .
January 19, 2026
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was clear about what justice meant. It wasn’t a theory or a slogan. It was about dignity—the dignity of poor people, the dignity of children, […]
A Surprise Welcome Home
January 15, 2026
A reminder of what life is really about. Welcome home, Chris! Yesterday, I witnessed something that touched me deeply — a moment that felt like a reminder of what life […]
2025 Annual Newsletter
December 8, 2025
Step inside MCLC and meet the students and teachers whose stories of perseverance will stay with you. You’ll see what hope looks like, how it grows, and the difference that […]
November 2025 Newsletter
November 22, 2025
Francia’s first graders learning to plant seeds in the school garden. Do you remember the first time you planted a seed — maybe in your family’s garden or a school […]
October 2025 Newsletter
October 12, 2025
Classrooms where children grow curious instead of fearful and confident instead of silent. Classrooms that embrace dignity, equality, and a lot of creative play — because joy is part of justice too. […]
Newsletter 2024
November 30, 2024
School Opens ENTHUSIASTICALLY!
December 7, 2023
I’m so happy to share this video. It was a joyful first day of school at the Matènwa Community Learning Center. They successfully opened their doors on-time despite the growing […]
Newsletter 2023
November 30, 2023
Trying to figure out a way YOU can help Matènwa?
February 1, 2023
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 2021. All proceeds from the […]