Classes have resumed in the newly constructed JE Campus. This blog update discusses what our students have been up to, and what our next goals are. Continue reading for our JE update, and stay tuned for the JE Digital Gallery coming soon!
Origin of Jakmel Ekspresyon
After the catastrophic 2010 Earthquake in Haiti, Jakmel Ekspresyon, or JE, began as an idea between 7 Haitians and 2 Americans who recognized a need for a non-discriminatory space within the community. The founding members established these essential and required principles:
- Elevate the voice of the average Haitian.
- Maintain 70% Haitian faculty for the curriculum to retain the Haitian culture an identity.
- Develop a holistic approach to the student’s education.
- Skillsets
- Professionalism
- Mental Health
JE’s New Campus Facilitates Classes, Community, and Collaboration
JE has always placed an importance on education, creativity, and community. As word got out of the amazing classes the cultural center was hosting, naturally more of the community wanted to enroll and support. There was a need for JE to have it’s own building, with bigger (and more) classrooms that could hold not only the increasing student count, but also securely store the school’s learning materials. In fundraising, and with support from both our Haitian family, and our donors in the states, JE was able to raise money for, and construct a beautiful new campus that they could call their own.
JE’s New Campus Still Needs Our Support
We are super thankful for everyone’s support, as we hope to continue moving the needle forward in securing additional funds for the students. Below, you can see a breakdown of our current needs:
- Youth robotics competition- $8,000
- Metal working studio- $1,600
- Shipping Container conversion to office/storage- $3,000
- Window Awnings-$1,400
Thank You to Those Who Have Shown Support to JE
We want to take a moment and thank everyone who has supported us in raising funds for JE’s new campus. We’ve seen every donation, every share and like on our social media, and appreciate every individual who has contributed in some way to spreading the word about JE and the pivotal work they are doing. Please continue to support in however you can by donating online or sending a check to our organization at JCEF at 1148 North Ave, Batavia, IL 60510.
