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.