Le Flambeau Foundation , Inc., contributions from Michael Parrott, February 7, 2022
Now in its 13th year, THE SPARK of Le Flambeau is one of the Foundation’s most beloved programs. The program aims to improve fluency in English reading and writing amongst Haitian students—both in Haiti and in the US—and runs two sessions coinciding with the two semesters of the typical academic year. At the end of each session, a single student is selected as THE SPARK of LF based on a variety of factors including: engagement with the material and with their peers, most improvement in their English abilities, best material substance, and demonstrated willingness to make mistakes in order to learn.
Photo: (left to right) Le Flambeau Foundation president Jean St.Lot-Gervais presents the award to Joseph Leonndy – THE SPARK of LF Fall 2021 grand winner .
Our English graders Michael and Alexis assessed participation and incorporated class feedback into making the final decision. The winner receives a certificate of achievement, a TOEFL test study kit (college prep), English vocabulary cards, and two years of free access to English learning on the Babbel phone app. We had a great discussion with grand winner of the THE SPARK of LF Fall 2021 session, Joseph Leonndy, as he shed light on who he is as an individual, what he gained from this program, and what he hopes to take with him. Following is the interview.
I. IS THERE ANYTHING ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR BACKGROUND THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?
My name is Joseph Leonndy, born in 1995, Cap-Haitian, Haiti. I am part of a family of three children and I am the second. After earning my high school diploma at Collège Pratique du Nord Cap-Haitien, Haiti, 2015, I studied Administrative Sciences at the Université Publique du Nord au Cap-Haïtien (UPNCH) and graduated in March 2020. Having a hobby is important for a balanced lifestyle. I am a musician and in my free time I try to compose Christian music.
II. WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM?
I chose to participate in THE SPARK of LF program because I want to improve my English skills, work with new people and have a new experience. I like this. I know successful people never stop learning, so I want to learn more in life. And I remember that Malcolm X said, “Education is the passport to the future, because tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for today.
III. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR EXPERIENCE? WHAT DID YOU LIKE BEST?
My experience at THE SPARK of Le Flambeau have been one of the best things that has ever happened to me in my life. After being the Winner of the week two times, I quickly realized that I have the ability to win the prize by becoming the Grand Winner. After being crowned Champion, I had more self-confidence, and I see that I can do better for myself to achieve my dreams. What I like the most is your slogan: “Learn English and change your situation”. I realized that by learning this language, I can benefit very much and realize my dreams. I like the initiative and I like THE SPARK of Le Flambeau too because I learned a lot from the others who had participated in the program.
IV. WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATIONAL GOAL? WHY?
I would say to study science and work in the medical field. Working in healthcare has been, and still is, one of my biggest dreams. However, due to the sad reality of my country, I did not have this opportunity. Despite the obstacles I have encountered along the way, I am determined to continue to grow academically, and my passion for this science continues to grow as well. I am motivated and determined. I would like to work in the medical field because I feel like it is one of the most rewarding careers for a person while providing excellent care. I will do my best to be very productive, have precision and improve my professional development. Career goals for nurses depend on the individual. If I will have the opportunity to study this science, once I complete the nursing program, my next dream is to become a specialist in a field such as cardiac nursing or pediatrics. Consequently, I want to be licensed and become an RN Practitioner in order to have greater opportunities to provide medical care at an advanced level. So I continue to move forward with English every day so that tomorrow I will be able to work in the medical field, be useful to my community, help those in need and go save the world.
V. HOW IMPORTANT IS LEARNING ENGLISH FOR YOUR FUTURE?
For my future, learning English is important because English is the Language of International Communication. Speaking English gives you Access the world. Although learning English can be challenging and time-consuming, we can see that it is also very valuable to learn and can create many opportunities. I realized that by learning this language, I can benefit a lot and realize my dreams. That’s why every day I study and I also practice, because I want to realize my dream of becoming a nurse. To do this apprenticeship in a foreign country like the United States, I have to be up to it. So, this language is essential for me. I must be able to speak and understand this language well.
VI. WE WOULD LIKE TO INCLUDE AN ENDING QUOTE FROM YOU. ARE THERE ANY WORDS ON YOUR EXPERIENCE OR WORDS OF WISDOM YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH READERS?
I am really delighted because I am the grand winner – THE SPARK of Le Flambeau. It’s not a chance, but I worked so hard to make it happen. Sometimes I don’t sleep at night to study. I like it. Sometimes I want to be discouraged but I don’t want to stop, I want to move forward. My goals are really big for my community, my country and for the world. I believe a lot in education, development, and progress. This is the reason why I work on my projects every day, and I wish that one day my dreams will come true. My message to anyone struggling in life: Never be discouraged. Wake up each day with a new goal. Pray, believe in God, believe in yourself. To succeed you need a goal, to have determination, to be motivated, to make sacrifices. If you fail, try again, try again, if you fall, get up. One day all your hard work will be rewarded. The future belongs to those who work. Yes, we can change the world. With God, education, love of work and love for those around us. We can have a world of peace, happiness, brotherhood, and love. Unity is strength. Together we can achieve the impossible.
Thank you so much.
Joseph Leonndy
To learn more about THE SPARK of Le Flambeau click here.