Pastor Leon Dorleans received his higher education in the United States, but he said he was only concerned with one thing while pursuing his educational goals: getting back to Haiti to be with the people he knew best.
“I never regret that decision,” Dorleans, who spoke about his hope for Haiti in Monday’s Scholars Forum, said.
“When it comes to reflection, Haiti has a lot to share with everyone,” Dorleans said. The pastor is the field director for Haiti Outreach Ministries, a Christian mission dedicated to the people of Haiti.
After graduating from Ozark Bible College and Cincinnati Christian University Seminary in the 1970s, Dorleans returned to Haiti and started a school in Cité Soleil, the worst slum in Haiti – and one of the worst slums in the Americas.
Among some of the poorest, most neglected people in the world, Dorleans’ school has thrived. Today, there are three community centers in addition to the school. These include trade schools, medical centers and churches. A fourth center will be completed by September, according to Dorleans.
“We wanted to offer [students] the best,” Dorleans said. “I’m here to let you know, if you’re going to make a difference in your own country or in the world, you have made the right choice by using your education. Education is the key.”
Dorleans continually underscored the importance of education, saying the children in Haiti now are the best hope for change in the country’s future.
The pastor said there is a lot students could do for Haiti. Dorleans said students of all backgrounds are needed for the ongoing reconstruction, and Haiti always has an open door for contributors.
“We need people who love to work with children and people with any kind of construction or design background for buildings and furniture,” Dorleans said. “But, one of the greatest needs we have for people your age is artists. A good art program is the one thing we do not have yet.”
Dorleans also highlighted the need for English teachers.
“If you don’t speak English in Haiti, you are seen as a second-class citizen,” Dorleans said. “Being able to speak English in Haiti is like having gold.”
Mike Giancola, director of the Center for Student Leadership, Ethics and Public Service, encouraged students to contribute to Dorleans’ efforts by getting involved in the school sponsorship program. For $300 a year, the program will provide Haitian children with schoolbooks, uniforms, food and birthday presents, among other necessities.
Chelsea McLaughlin, a junior in accounting, said she thought the presentation was informative and moving.
“I was really inspired by his passion and the hope he has for his people and country,” McLaughlin said. “I would want to find out about more ways to get involved with any reconstruction relief efforts.”
Haiti is still the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, with 80 percent of the population living under the poverty line and most living off $2 a day, according to the CIA World Factbook.
Since the earthquake of January 2010, Dorleans said Haiti has endured a cholera outbreak, hurricane flooding and political turmoil. The earthquake devastated Haiti, killing an estimated 300,000 people and leaving more than 1.5 million people homeless.