Monday, May 24, 2010

One Amazing Lady

Part of the reason for going to Haiti was to find a school or schools that needed help rebuilding after the earthquake so that our new non-profit organization formed in Montana, the Montay Community Partnership, could assist them. At the very first school I visited, I found the most amazing lady. I am absolutely certain that I was guided to this school for a reason.


Mirlene Vivens is the director of the Centre D'Etudes Classiques de Meyer School (CECM for short). The school was built in 2005 and has approximately 272 students from 1st grade to high school. It is a private school, and students pay about $150 US per year for their education. Approximately 25 of the students are orphans living in the area. Many Haitian schools will not accept students if their education level does not match that of other children their age. Ms. Vivens believes all children have a right to an education, so she doesn't turn students away. Some of her students start school for the first time at the age of 10. Currently, the oldest student is 26. During the entire conversation, she referred to them as her children. This school is a labor of love for her, as she supplements much of the school's expenses with a small income received for managing a boys orphanage in the area (which was forced upon her by the organization running the orphanage).

The school building wasn't completely destroyed, but it did have lots of structural damage. Currently, the classes are being held in tents on school grounds and in her yard at home.


Ms. Vivens is a Haitian-American who lived in the U.S. for a number of years in the Washington, D.C. area working as a professional in education. Once both of her daughters were in college, she sold everything she owned and bought a small piece of land in Jacmel, Haiti to build a house. First, she worked on a school project in town that started with 60-some students that has grown to over 600! Then, she started this school with another partner (who has since passed away) to serve another population outside Jacmel. Oh yes, did I mention she's also a recent cancer survivor?!?

In visiting Ms. Vivens, her passion for her children was evident. Her vision for Haitian education was brilliant. She is truly there to benefit the lives of others. She takes zero credit - she gives God all the credit.

Late last Thursday afternoon, I was able to return to the school for a brief minute to drop off a small backpack full of school supplies and rhythm instruments that were sent with as donations (thanks to Kim, Juliana, Mom, Dad & Music Villa!). She was so thankful and appreciative! She couldn't wait to use the instruments as props instead of just showing pictures in music class.

Ms. Vivens said that many people visit to see if they can help, but then they are never seen or heard from again. I promised her, this wouldn't be the last time she hears from me. And, trust me, it won't be.

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