Hey Everyone,
You know, in our voyage to live a life of impact, we often chase after the grand, sweeping gestures. But sometimes, the most profound transformation stems from a simple observation, a quiet act, or an unwavering commitment to address a need right in front of us. That’s the powerful truth I want to share with you today from Haiti, a story that truly embodies our 3…2…1 Impact framework: 3 points to ponder, 2 quotes to share, and 1 story of profound impact.
1 Story of Impact
Our dedicated Haitian teachers, who pour their hearts into educating the next generation every single day, noticed something heart-wrenching. Many of the children they taught came from homes where their parents couldn’t read. Imagine that – wanting to support your child, wanting to read them a bedtime story, but a generational gap in literacy stands firmly in the way.
But here’s the beauty of our local leaders: they don’t just see problems; they build solutions. They launched Lekol Alfa (First School), an adult literacy program, completely taught by Haitians, for Haitians. It’s a prime example of understanding a community’s unique mission and empowering them to live it out.
In the community of Sylvain, teachers Shedline and Sonide welcomed 17 adults to their literacy class. Three times a week for six months, these incredible individuals showed up, committed to 66 lessons. Talk about being Immersive! Merison Gerard, an agricultural worker, couldn’t even sign his own paycheck before this program. Today? He writes his name with dignity. And Djeniflore Metelus, a mom from our First 1,000 Days program, can now read to her three-year-old, laying a foundation that will shape a lifetime of transformation.
Meanwhile, in our Jean Boule community, Nayomi and Anne led another class of 16 graduates. The oldest? Solanie, a vibrant 73-year-old grandmother and cleaner at the school, who decided her time to learn was now. What an incredible testament that God’s call to grow and make an impact never stops! And here’s the kicker: one of Solanie’s teachers, Nayomi, was once a student in Lekol Alfa herself. This, my friends, is the pinnacle of our work—a virtuous cycle where the student becomes the teacher, and the community empowers itself from within.
3 Points to Ponder
The Lekol Alfa story offers powerful lessons for our own lives. Consider these questions:
- See a gap, build a bridge. Where in your world, or in the lives of those around you, do you see a need that feels like an invisible barrier? What’s one small step you could take to build a bridge?
- It’s never too late to grow or give. What new thing could you learn, or what long-held dream could you dust off, to continue growing and making an action-oriented contribution?
- True impact isn’t just about giving; it’s about empowering others to then empower more. Where can you be part of a self-sustaining cycle of good, allowing your efforts to be multiplied through the hands and hearts of others?
2 Quotes to Share
“Literacy is a bridge from misery to hope.” – Kofi Annan
“It is never too late to be what you might have been.” – George Eliot
The 33 adults who graduated from Lekol Alfa represent far more than a number. They represent dignity restored, futures changed, and generations uplifted. It’s a powerful reminder that when we change one life, we truly can change a generation.
What’s a “first step” you’re feeling prompted to take today to make an impact, big or small, in your community or personal life? Feel free to reply and share—I read every response.
Live with impact,
Tim
