May 1st is Agriculture & Labor Day in Haiti. To mark this, last week The Children’s Academy held an agriculture/book/cultural fair. To broaden its impact on the wider school community, we invited three neighboring schools to send students and parents to enjoy and participate in the celebration.

• An abundance of beautiful vegetables were harvested from local gardens – The Children’s Academy permaculture gardens as well as gardens of students’ families – and were proudly displayed. Some were even cooked and enjoyed! Fresh produce was sent home with parents for a small fee. Saplings from the school’s tree nursery were distributed to students and parents as a part of the school’s ongoing efforts to support local reforestation.
• A variety of books were displayed, shared, and gifted to students. Children’s Academy teachers promoted the importance of reading as a part of a well-rounded education.
• The fair also celebrated local handicrafts. Traditional handwoven bags and hats, handcrafted bowls, jewelry, sandals, and even maracas, were displayed and enjoyed.