Youth participants in Le Flambeau Foundation programming, specifically THE SPARK of Le Flambeau, were interviewed over the year 2014. Following is the candid feedback provided. The students live in Haiti and are between the ages of 17 and 25. English is their second or third language.
JACKSON
What does Le Flambeau Foundation mean to you?
The foundation is a lot for me. It allows me to believe in my work and hope to be someone tomorrow. The foundation gives me hope and the conviction that one day I can be useful to my country. In Haiti, young people are poorly supervised. The foundation is a space where they can flourish, cultivate benefit and share their views. It helps us build ourselves and realize ourselves as citizens to ensure the country’s future.
What do you see as the future of Haiti?
The future of Haiti depends on the Haitians. I believe anything is possible and that we can still realize great things. We must keep the faith and fight to achieve our goals. Leaders must be more responsible and we must prioritize education. I think building the country, it is the job of every Haitian. If everyone is trying to pursue his goal and to do his best to succeed that he undertakes is already a very good way to get the country back on track. If each Haitian builds himself, the country will be built.
What role would you like to play in the future of Haiti?
I would like to be of those who participate to rehabilitate the country. I want to be a devoted and useful architect to my country. Maybe I will return to the educational field. The country lacks centers of studies and training. I know that even if I leave one day Haiti ground, it’s only to return better equipped to work for its reconstruction. The architecture is still a relatively new profession in the country, but I know it has its place. My role as an architect will be to make the country a more structured and more livable space.
To read more youth interviews (click here)