“18 MAI” COMMITTEE, INC
TOUSSAINT L’OUVERTURE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
“18 MAI” COMMITTEE, INC
Founded in 1995, "18 Mai" Committee is a 501 (c) 3 cultural organization which is dedicated to supporting and strengthening Haitian immigrant lives in America. Our primary mission is to foster, promote and introduce projects that are aimed to enhance the general welfare of Haitian-Americans. We administer programs that empower Haitian immigrants and will perpetuate leadership development, cultural sensitivity and social development. Our culturally based programs help new immigrants obtain the skills and access to resources critical to living an independent and productive life in the United States. "18 Mai" Committee programs include: Haitian Cultural Awareness Week, the Haitian Woman's Foundation, and the Toussaint L’Ouverture Leadership Program.
THE TOUSSAINT L’OUVERTURE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
The “18 Mai” Committee Inc. provides the Toussaint L’Ouverture Leadership Academy (TLLA) for the students of Samuel Tilden High School, Clara Barton High School, Middle School 61, and PS 221. The Toussaint L’Ouverture Leadership Academy provides additional and individual certified instruction that enhances each participating student’s academic, social and physical development. Our volunteer staff of certified teachers in the field of English language arts and mathematics, student mentors, master artists, and physical development instructors gives students the one-on-one attention that is key to improving their academic level, which is especially successful when coupled with parental involvement. Many of our at-risk students also face a language ---barrier, as such our TLLP Teachers and volunteers are fluent in English and Creole and/or French to enhance the level of communication between English Language Learning students, the instructor and their fellow classmates.
TLLA MENTOR DESCRIPTION
The ultimate goal of every TLLA Mentor is to equip our youth with the tools to succeed academically and develop into life-long learners and productive citizens. Persons who agree to join the TLLA team must be able to have a cultural understanding of the challenges faced by our students as persons whose environment has hindered or prevented them from developing the characteristics and traits of students who pursue higher education. This requires the ability to understand without judgment the lifestyles of our students and their families and concurrently be able to advise, nurture, and encourage them without making them feel inferior or alienated. The ideal TLLA Mentor is committed to inclusiveness, creating opportunity, and to teaching. They are willing to adapt their behavior to effect positive changes for TLLA students, and constantly implement new and innovative ways to improve the confidence, ability and skills of each student.
Toussaint L’Ouverture Leadership Academy
Academic Development
Academic Enhancement
Students receive academic instruction on mathematics and language arts (including ELL when appropriate) as well as homework help by certified teachers and Para-professionals. Many students we serve are new immigrants from Haiti, and some have not had formal schooling prior to coming to the US. To ensure that this cohort of students get up to speed with what is expected from their age and grade level we provide Beginners, Basic and Advanced Literacy classes.
Family Literacy
A curriculum of personal development workshops to train parents of English Language Learners (ten per school year) how to be full partners in the education of their children. In addition, several parent/child activities to provide a supportive structure for intergenerational dialogue two times each school year.
Physical Development
Sports & Recreation
Proven studies have shown that healthy bodies lead to stronger minds. To develop a mind set among our youth for nutritional discipline and healthy lifestyles we incorporate cardio-oriented activities such as Soccer, Basketball and Volleyball into our programming.
Haitian Folk Dance
Haitian Folklore Dance is a unique synthesis of expression, deeply rooted in a multicultural past of African, Indian, Spanish, and French and modern influence. TLLP Haitian Folk Dance class utilizes the Dunham/Horton modern and ballet techniques to prepare the body for learning the beautiful and complex movements of Haitian Folkloric dance such as Congo, and Rara. Live percussion with Haitian master drummers accompanies every dance class.
Social Development
Group Mentoring
Every great leader will tell you that there is at least one person who specifically made the difference in their life—encouraging them to dream outside of the box and do the best they can at every task. Under the direction of our Leadership Development Specialist, TLLP Instructors and volunteers mentor the children to ensure that each child feels a sense of self-worth and confidence in their personal abilities. We provide a safe and nurturing environment for youth to interact with their peers while receiving support and guidance from an adult.
Job Readiness
TLLP workshops and seminars on resume writing, internships, and employment retention, assessment of interests and skills, and development of individual plans provides students and their parents with the tools to work toward their academic and career goals.
College Preparation
Youth will learn how to improve their critical and creative thinking with a major focus on self- monitoring, self-assessing and self-correcting thinking and learning patterns. Students will also develop skills in analyzing and evaluating information, asking probing questions, and drawing logical conclusions with improved accuracy and fair-mindedness. Activities will also include trips to local college campuses and best practices for completing successful college applications.