As a historic initiative in honor of Creole Month, I changed my name to Creole following my naturalization as a U.S. citizen on October 9, 2024. Th0nDvtN71U2Enge reflects a personal transformation and my commitment to building renewed trust and confidence in leaders within the Haitian community. I aim to empower Haitian youth, strengthen faith in our Constitution, reinforce our institutions, and revitalize Haiti's economy. I firmly believe that achieving these objectives requires forming solid partnerships with other nations to pursue collective interests rather than succumbing to individual or narrow interests.
This initiative aims to challenge the prevailing narratives promoted by individuals claiming to represent the Haitian community, both in the United States and Haiti. We find ourselves in critical election periods in the U.S., where approximately 2 million Haitians reside. Many traditional leaders encourage Haitians with American citizenship to vote; however, they often overlook the fundamental needs of our communities and the broader nation. These leaders frequently act impulsively, prioritizing personal gain while failing to create a lasting legacy for future generations.
A crucial component of promoting the Creole language is understanding that supportive public policies are essential for administrative processes to facilitate meaningful progress. In my capstone project, I proposed establishing a council of ministers dedicated to discussing the implementation of Creole education. This council would be responsible for enacting a resolution that mandates all ministries to adopt Creole as the official administrative language of Haiti. Such a measure would establish immediate terms of engagement and create long-term solutions through the integration of Creole within national and international institutions.
Moreover, I propose investing in the education of our intellectuals by teaching them to read and write in their native language. Equipping individuals with these essential skills can enhance both material production and cultural output for future generations. For this initiative to succeed, a strategic policy must be aimed at monetizing the Creole market, primarily by transforming and promoting local products. In a recent presentation, I advocated for establishing Creole as the primary language of instruction at all levels of education in Haiti. Implementing this change could significantly address the alarming statistic that 97% of Haitians do not enroll in university, exacerbated by the challenges posed by the French education system, as noted by former National Education Minister Nesmi Manniga in 2022.
If our educational systems operate in a language that is most understandable to most Haitians, we will witness higher graduation rates and increased engagement in academic pursuits. A rise in graduates will open doors to more opportunities in universities, businesses, and creative industries, reducing the prevalence of illiteracy and inadequate education within our population. This positive progression would also be vital in diminishing juvenile delinquency, addressing environmental degradation, and ultimately cultivating a more educated and engaged citizenry.
Furthermore, Haitians residing abroad will have better opportunities to pursue education and return to their homeland to contribute positively to their communities. Implementing Creole education in schools will help instruct other foreign languages, such as French, Spanish, and English, as supplementary subjects. However, I firmly maintain that teaching in our mother tongue is the most effective approach to overcoming the current crises facing Haiti, which include insecurity, kidnappings, famine, inadequate housing, and poor healthcare. Education is the foundation for building a resilient and thriving nation.
The educational system should not serve as a barrier to success; it should function as a gateway that opens numerous opportunities. This framework would encourage nurturing individuals capable of critical thinking, practical information analysis, and exploring their potential across diverse fields and disciplines. With the freedom to educate themselves, individuals can gain recognition for their intellectual contributions based on creativity and knowledge in any study area.
Wilsonn Telimo Lwi,
Télé Kreyol, November 12, 2024.