Report March 4, 2013
LEAF International Haiti, Prosjekt Haiti & Boukman Eksperyans
LOCATION: Prosjekt Haiti in Port Au Prince and St. Louis De Sud, Haiti
DATE of Visit: February 15-20, 2013
LI Team: Jennifer Pickering, Tamiko Ambrose Murray, Shaka & Na’imah Zulu of Zulu Connection, and Neeley
& Rex Neu of City Mac (awesome LEAF sponsors!)
LEAF International Haiti has been launched with Boukman Eksperyans and Project Haiti this week! "Your
traditions are very important. It's like you forget who you are if you don't know your traditions. We are
loosing our traditions. The kids just don't know their traditions.” said Bois Gris of Boukman. The drums and
dances Haiti will now be coming to life weekly with the amazing youth club of Prosjekt Haiti.
BOUKMAN EKSPERYANS:
Cultural Workshops with Prosjekt Haiti Youth Club
 “Music makes life a little bit happier.” It is important to be “connecting youth to THEIR cultural
traditions.” Manze’ and Lolo share, and encourage us to think about expanding in Haiti.
 Boukman is on a mission. Study at what has happened with the RICE industry in Haiti as an example.
 Each carnival season, Boukman writes a song for that year and produces a video. Lolo remembers the
dates and the years of each song with striking precision. One such song is “La Verite” which means, “I
am searching for the truth”.
 Drums are sacred. 3 drums are core to the music. The large main drum is the Mother Drum, the second
is the accompany.
 The focus was Conga, which is the Dance of Rhythms-Joy of Life.
 The spiritual is so important. “No matter what happens we have to have the positive mind.”
 They shared songs and dance in demonstration, and within two songs Boukman had the kids engaged
playing the drums, and following in dance. As artists, their stage presence is so graceful and naturally
positive in every moment.
 Lolo picks up the guitar, and plays a beautiful song while everyone in the room sings along, “La Vérité “
or Ranghild call it “Our Love is Forever”. Boukman has never recorded it, yet Zing Experience has done
a beautiful version. Ragnhild reflects, “It is my favorite song!”
Meet Boukman Eksperyans:
 Manze’ (Mimerose) Beaubrun, Lolo (Theodore) Beaubrun, Bois Gris “Hans Dominique” (Bois Gris
means grey wood), Laura Beaubrun and her husband Paul.
 Our first evening Boukman Eksperyans welcomed us into their home with drinks and conversation
about the intended cultural music project. Their lush garden and candlelight set the tone.
 Walking the path into the home, I felt as if I was walking into a sanctuary. Their home is a sacred place,
and their actions and kindness so reflect what I felt here.
 Lolo is a comedic actor as well following in the footsteps of his father. I met a Haitian lawyer in the
airport that said, “Lolo’s dad was the main focus of my young days. He was my favorite actor.”
 “Dancing means to me the heart and then you know the steps.”
 People, even the police, love Boukman!

Each year Boukman makes a video for Carnival. The song for 2013 is Song name: Piout Piout (Shut your
mouth) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sS3vRWIWXg&feature=youtu.be
INTERVIEW: Dominique Hans “Bois Gris” the TEACHING ARTIST of Haitian Drums
Why is this program important?
 Your tradition is very important. It’s like you forget who you are if you don’t know your traditions.
We are loosing our traditions. It is important for the kids to grow up with it. They just don’t know
their traditions. They like hip hop- the dress- the talk – they are disconnected from their roots. Even
with the food- we forgot it.
 People are not focused on roots music. I prefer roots because you express yourself more, and it can
be a fusion where you can mix it with other roots.
 The kids are afraid of the drums. They are afraid of their own traditions.
Why are you losing your traditions?
 Other religions are taking it away. It is not fair.
What Haitian Traditions are meaningful to you?
 Haitian drums are special. Congo is the dance of joy; Banda is the dance of rhythm where you shake
your body a lot.
 Vodou means spirit and love. You cannot talk about what you do not know. I teach the kids to play the
drums and what the drums symbolize. Many people think the drums are the devil. Religious
missionaries have come to Haiti, and made everything crazy and taught people not to trust Vodou. We
cannot loose our culture. Malik is the Vodou temple area, and I have a school in there.
What do you want LEAFers to know?
 When you go to a Vodou temple, everyone wants to take care of you. You feel love. Vodou is not
“voodoo”. It is not the one on TV. It is spirit and love. There are so many 1z1 Nations also known as
Spirits: Spirit of Love, Spirit of Garden, Spirit of Fire, Water, Air, Leg’ba which means “open the gate”,
and on and on. Vodou is a state of mind and a way of life. It is the present moments.
What are your favorite festivals and musicians that LEAF should look at?
 Vancouver Folk Festival and Liverpool, and musicians: Angelique Kidjo, Baaba Maal, Femi Kuti, and
Samelo.
Other notes: Tell your husband “You have a new family in Haiti.” Bois Gris also has his own band “Alovi Yawe”
which means “Kids of Gods”.
PROSJEKT HAITI:
 “Never a boring day” says Ingvill. “Haiti is where I feel at home. In spite of the challenges this is where
in the world I want to be.”
 The Guesthouse was excellent, and all of their various endeavors were excellent: schools, bakery, adult
classes, tailor shop, hair salon school, youth club, etc. They are responding effectively to the needs and
opportunities.
 Ingvill and her husband Edwin met in Ecuador almost 20 years ago.
 Many of the team have been involved with the Center for Peace Studies in Norway. They incorporate
mediation into PH using skills to resolve conflict positively.
 This is a match made in heaven and only the beginning of a beautiful friendship! I look forward to every
step! Love from Oslo -Ragnhild Slettner-St.Hilaire (Jennifer)
What would you like to see from the LEAF program?
 “The kids have so much talent. There is nowhere to take it. Show the kids that arts, music, and
dance are valuable. They can grow their talent. Then the next step is self-expression. Twice a
week is good. Teach the youth club first, and they can become teaching artists for the younger
kids.” - Ragnhild

Edwin is so vibrant in spirit and radiates happiness, and driven by dreams of helping Haiti grow. He says
that he is so happy for “In 43 seconds, 200,000 people lost their lives in the quake. I got the message
and got busy living.”
 At every turn, the Prosjekt Haiti crew had an amazing array of food ready for us to eat. The hospitality
was extraordinary! After 4 hours, empty gas tank, one dog, one bump, and lots of small towns, we
arrived in St. Louis De Sud to a feast. Edwin welcomed us with fresh lobster grilling, and a pig ready to
meet its end. The first pig he bought was discovered to be pregnant. She happily grazed nearby.
 Drivers are Jean Rico and Jackie.
 Åse Midtveit (pronounced Osa) ran in the NY Marathon in 2011 to raise $20k to start her hair salon
with Prosjekt Haiti.
 Grethe Giæver Nilsen was at the guesthouse, and volunteering with Prosjekt Haiti for months. She
raised funds to bring LUNCH to the kids at St. Louis De Sud- beautiful!
Why do people find Haiti captivating?
 Åse says, “Vibration of energy. You feel at home. Boukman is a leader. Music is their power.”
 The Norwegian filmmakers said, “Boukman, their lifestyle, and Vodou. They are so warm and
welcoming.”
PROSJEKT HAITI Petit Troll School and Mama Troll:
 Yearly schedule is Summer Break June 15-Aug 15, Christmas 2 weeks; Spring Break is 1 week at
Carnival. The youth club and women’s groups do not have breaks.
 In operation for 13 years serving 120 kids and employing 40 locals. During the earthquake there was
not damage, yet a lot nearby, and the rolling of the earth and moving of the walls were apparent at the
school. PH set up camp for 100 families outside the school for 6 months post-quake, and then they
helped create and fund housing for the families.
PROSJEKT HAITI BAKERY:
 In just 6 months, the bakery has become a successful business with 51 employees.
PROSJEKT HAITI YOUTH CLUB:
How do you see your future?
 The guys as a group responded. There must be 4 changes: Government, Fun (the more you
teach via creativity and fun the more people will engage), Education (train teachers and quality
and responsibility and make sure they are paid consistently so they care), and Spirit and Culture
must be included.
 PH is helping create future leaders by teaching them to help themselves.
 Samual Ambroise. “Prosjekt Haiti is fighting for Haitians! The future can be so much better. More
opportunities to be educated are needed. Programs should be run and led by people who need them
and the programs are for. PH does not stand aside from the people they want to help. They empower!’
 What do you want people to know about Haiti? “Haitians WORK HARD, are TALENTED, and are
FUN even amidst misery they can laugh.
 Falix. To have a future “school is the first step”.
 Babang is a happy young man in his 20’s, and he was changed by his trip to Norway. He used to really
care about “the look”, and now he is more dedicated to his goal which is “to change Haitian Cinema”
through making good films, and engaging people in film. He is a technology guy, and has taught himself
by watching films and playing on computer.
 Cash. 29 yrs old. “Music should be something that takes away sadness and makes joy.” Cash has a
group “Edge: Rap for Change”. He teaches and would be a great opener for Poetry Slam.
 The youth club guys are such amazing role models for younger kids.



FILM. They are mostly self-taught by mimicking a youth club in Norway, Tvibit, and watching you tubes
and cartoons. Their skills are excellent. They make short films from start to finish, and understand the
dynamics of film development using three main parts: main character, conflict to make it interesting,
and a goal. Connecting youth through films.
MUSIC. “We create music by talking about our everyday life through hip hop. We want to bring back
the old hip hop- the Common Sense spoken word (like Kool Herd). We are using music to make us a
better person, and making songs that reach you.” Our mottos are “Hip Hop Saves Lives and Kids
Helping Kids”.
In honor of Ben Gradison, Rex Neu of City Mac (an awesome LEAF sponsor) brought and donated “One
Mic” equipment to the Youth Club. They are very sophisticated in their technology and skills. The One
Mic equipment will expand their recording possibilities and work as they dream to lead Haiti forward in
the future with film and technology.
JENNIFER’S REFLECTIONS ON THE TRIP:
* Our new friends and family in Haiti welcomed us with a depth of generosity of spirit, love, and homemade
yummy food at every turn, and kindness that is rare and extraordinary.
* The people we met were talented, creative, resourceful, fun, vibrant, intelligent, efficient, organized,
mission driven and had an amazing sense of humor and positivity. Haitians seems to live in the present- not
the past.
* As expected, the music and cultural arts were excellent and inspiring. The Beaubrun and Boukman family
are the best of music and embracing/living their traditions in the world.
* People were respectful and kind, and never did you get a sense of desperation that can often be so
apparent in many countries.
* Dominique showed Vodou in a new framework. The love and spirit of Vodou was present always.
* Setting up LEAF International in Haiti was easier than any other country- the partners are the BEST!
* Haiti is a beautiful vast landscape with mango trees, palm trees, mountain peaks, and ocean waters.
* I see LEAF expanding in Haiti to St. Louis de Sud by next year if not sooner, and more LEAF International
programs with Boukman possible in the future.
* I see Haiti being a place that I return to throughout the rest of my life and create opportunities for the
LEAF community to visit once the guesthouse is ready.
* Just 5 days, yet the love of my Haitian friends will inspire me as I move through life. I feel as if a magical
spell was cast upon us- Tamiko responded, “it was”.
Tamiko’s Reflections on the Trip:
It was truly an honor to be in the presence of such royalty. The Boukman family is such beautiful and
generous spirits. Their music is driven by their love and respect for who they are, where they come from and
their collective identity. They are so loved and respected by their fellow Haitians, a reflection of their deep
connection and commitment to preserving Haitian culture, the land and its history and to sharing who they
are with the world.
Project Haiti is truly an amazing community-driven organization. Its model of service is exemplary and
continues to grow toward the needs of the families served and fostering leadership and the growth of
opportunities in its multi-generational community members. I am deeply moved by the hard work and the
authentic commitment of both the Haitians and the Norwegians who work for and with Project Haiti to
sharing resources with the community and the ongoing search for opportunity in a devastated economy.
Project Haiti and its leaders are excellent partners in ensuring that young people can continue the path of
connecting to and preserving their culture under the guidance of Haitian mentors and teaching artists.
I was absolutely impressed with the youth leaders of Project Haiti. One of the young men confessed his future
goal of being president and spoke of his admiration for Edwin. All the young men were forthcoming with their
ideas of how to begin reconstruction their country. It was an honor to be surrounded by such a motivated,
intelligent, and extremely witty group of young men so committed to their country and to the organization
they work for. Project Haiti!
Neeley & Rex Neu’s Reflections on the Trip:
It was my pleasure to join the LEAF International team as they traveled to Port- Au-Prince and St.Louis Du Sud,
Haiti to visit Prosjekt Haiti, a free school for local children. The goal was to set up a Cultural Music Program for
the kids at the schools in both of these cities. I was impressed by the LEAF team’s ability to connect all the dots
and bring together a wonderful group of teaching artists. That job seemed to be made easy by the wonderful
and committed staff we met at Prosjekt Haiti. Haiti is definitely a country in need following the devastation of
the earthquake, but also one so impressively full of love and generosity. I personally had the most rewarding
experience there and will always hold the children and staff of both schools in my heart as family.
I was grateful to have been able to take my 16-year-old son along with me for this life-changing
experience. He played an important role by recording the music that we experienced with our workshops we
held to give the kids and staff an idea of what a lesson should look and feel like. He did a great job and
everyone there helped to boost his confidence. I took photos and videos that Rex used to create a slideshow
with a soundtrack of a Boukman Eksperyans song. The time we spent with Lolo and Manse of Boukman
Eksperyans was endearing and memorable. I feel a definite connection to Haiti now and plan to return. I
would love to check in on the Cultural Music endeavor there and go again on behalf of LEAF International.
Rex also had a really good time and plans to return to teach at the Prosjekt Haiti summer program in
St.Louis Du Sud. The directors have offered him the opportunity to teach whatever music program he chooses.
He is also happy to return and be a part of LEAF and the Prosjekt Haitiʼs programs. I am so happy to be a part
of such a wonderful program that is truly accomplishing what it has set out to do...bring cultural arts to
children! Sincerely, Neely Neu CityMac(Leaf Sponsor) 755 Biltmore Ave Asheville, NC 28803
RADIO ONE:
 Manze’ and Jennifer were interviewed on a morning program at Radio One by Carel Pedre,
Broadcasting manager and TV Host of a program similar to American Idol.
 The studio was so PRO and beautiful!
 He asked many questions such as: Why are Haitian traditions important? Will we bring LEAF kids to
Haiti? Haiti needs good events and places to perform. What is a success story from another LEAF
International program? Why Haiti? How many kids will be in the program this year?
A GLIMPSE INTO HAITI:
 Boukman feels there needs to be good places to perform in Haiti. This is limited.
 At night the darkness comes. Therefore, it is a morning country.
 Hustle and bustle. People are on the move, and there are lots of little entrepreneur efforts.
 NGOs| Non-profits do not work together.
 Families are run by women, and there are few marriages.
 Best organizations working in Haiti: Doctors without Borders, Salvation Army, and Sean Pean.
 A country of class divide.
 Traffic is dense and roads are rough and bumpy; however, people seem to work together.
 Haitians seems to have a great sense of humor and good teeth (seriously- several people remarked on
this- straight and white. What is or not in their diets- sugar & processed foods?)
 Creole is the language of choice. Fam= good, facile = hello, bonjour= hello.


Yellowish hair is a sign of malnutrition.
Rainy season is March-May.
DETAILS & DATA WITH PROSJEKT HAITI:
To start the classes will be with the Prosjekt Haiti Youth Club, ages 15-25, and serving approx 40 kids.
Initial inquiry with Prosjekt Haiti:
Yes we do have a place to store instruments.
Age of participants – we have children at the school that are mainly 6 – 12/13 years old. Further we
have a youth club with approx 40 youth from 15 – 25 years old. We have 120 children at the school.
The children are mostly Catholics, some Protestants.
The children receive a warm meal for lunch at school every day.
The biggest struggle for the youth would be everything that entails coming from such poor
backgrounds. The parents daily struggles to find food for the family (most parents are not working), the
stress if someone is sick and there is no money for doctors or medication, lack of electricity forcing
students to walk to public lights outside to do homework, etc.
The kids live nearby and would walk to the programme
The programme would be free
There are performance centers in the community.
I believe the families would be very happy about such a programme. As they are happy about the choir
and other extra curriculum activities that we provide.
The kids would be consistent as they are recruited from the students at our school Petit Troll.
We have for years talked about doing more on culture such as learning to play instruments and dance.
Finally last year we were able to start a choir. I like the idea of focusing on learning and appreciating
Haitian culture, as a way to feel proud about ones heritage. I would like to explore the possibility to
expand the programme to our second school in the south in the future, where we have a school for
200 children, from the village St Louis du Sud. In St Louis we are also in the process of constructing a
community centre/guest house, and we would have better infrastructure for such a programme
overall, including a stage for performances.
YOU TUBE: Rex’s Slideshow: www.youtube.com/watch?v=qShtOhHlc_E
INSTRUMENTS | ETC:
 The drums are specially made for LEAF International by a local drum maker. Bois Gris ordered the
drums. There will be the three core drums and 10-15 student drums.
 Costumes will be designed and made by Prosjekt Haiti Mama Troll Tailor Shop.
OUTCOMES & GOALS:
Qualitative:
 Respect for Culture and History
 Leadership Skills
 Increased Ability & Skills
 Friendship and Camaraderie – Team Work
 Developmental Assets (of Search Institute)
Community values youth—Young person perceives
that adults in the community value youth.
Safety—Young person feels safe at their LEAF
International Program.
Adult role models—Parent(s) and other adults model
Quantitative:
 Increased opportunities for local musicians
 New community partnerships & collaborations
 Increased access to arts to under served
communities
 Interviews
 Observations
positive, responsible behavior.
Creative activities—Young person spends three or
more hours per week in lessons or practice in music,
theater, or other arts.
Cultural Competence—Young person has knowledge
of and comfort with people of different
cultural/racial/ethnic backgrounds.
Self-esteem—Young person reports having a high selfesteem.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES - HOW CAN PEOPLE HELP: Look for LEAF International Haiti Trips and
workshops in 2014, and come to May 2014 LEAF for a special Haitian Traditions Event.
Contacts:
 Ingvill has a PO Box in Miami if needed or a Paypal.
 LI Teaching Artist: Dominique “Bois Gris” 27040592
 Facebook- Project Haiti. Boukman Eksperyans. LEAF.
 One Beat Teaching Artist|Jazz Drummer: Johnbern Thomas [email protected]
 Filmmakers creating a film on Boukman: Jorgen Johdnsen and Idun Kvasba, [email protected]
 Ragnhild Slettner-St.Hilaire “Jennifer Pickering” [email protected]
 Radio One, Carel Pedre, 3725-6842, [email protected] FB carelhaiti chokarella.com
 Bois Gris- return in December or November and go to a Vodou temple and ceremony: Nov 24-28, Jan 6,
or Dec 23-24. Check dates.
Resources:
 Goingtohaiti.blogg.no
 Mimerose Beaubrun’s book- Nan Domi [While Sleeping]
 Book- Isabelle Allende’s “Land Under the Sea”
 Book- Graham Greene’s “The Comedians”
 Tourist drums $30-$50 made by Prosjekt Haiti artist Kamelo.
 Watch Monty Phython’s “Ministry of Silly Walks”
 Oslo World Music Festival
LI Haiti comes to May 2014 LEAF notes:
 Performing Artists: Boukman Eksperyans, Zing Experience/ Project Haiti (Lolo’s son), Zulu Connection,
Emeline?, Bonga?
 Young social musician roots hip-hop artist, Aristor Obergon with Dedera-z. Lolo is a fan of his. Contact
3664-5656, FB teamlimyewous, [email protected] ??
 Grethe Giæver Nilsen & her boyfriend Marvin Cotterell www.youngvoices.co.uk/marvin-cotterell/
 Cash will open the LEAF Poetry Slam.
 5-10 Prosjekt Haiti Kids in music & dance program.
 Have Babang come, and pay a stipend to make a short film.
 Consider bringing a Norwegian Band as well such as VAMP.
 Use Vodou Art such as the cover of Manze’s book for the May poster
 Sponsor a kid- how much?
We are so grateful for such a beautiful beginning to this journey of connecting Haitian youth to
their powerful traditional music and dance.