PASSIONATE WOMEN AT CENTRE TOUSSAINT

Le 8 mars, c’est la journée internationale des droits de la femme. C’est l’occasion parfaite pour honorer toutes les femmes autour de toi. Surtout celles qui font beaucoup de bien autour d’elles. Au Centre Toussaint, les femmes fortes ne manquent pas. C’est pourquoi, elles sont le sujet de l’article de ce mois-ci.

Here’s what they answered to the question:

"What is the importance of your class?"

______________________________________________________

“If you don't know the history of Haiti, you can't understand the current situation in the country. We can see that we have not learned from our mistakes. We did not realize where things went wrong and how to correct the situation ... By analyzing the place of the elite and the bourgeoisie in the Haitian history, we realize that we are in a counter-revolution of the initial plan ... Everyone has an opinion on Haiti! If you are not informed and if you do not understand the issues, you will just accept that others put a label on your country, you will not know where you come from; you will not contribute to its advancement. However, it is fundamental to realize that any label put on Haiti is automatically a label put on all Haitians (…). "
– Miss Winnie J
Haitian History

« La culture haïtienne, c’est quelque chose qu’il faut nourrir et continuer de faire grandir à l’intérieur de soi et à l’intérieur des autres. C’est une culture extrêmement riche et si intéressante! Elle promeut des valeurs qui sont importantes pour l’humanité. Alors, en tant qu’haïtienne, je me définis par ma culture. C’est un privilège pour moi de partager cette identité, cette fierté que j’ai pour mon peuple, mon histoire et mon pays avec les autres. »
– Véroushka Eugène
Haitian Folk Dance

“A language is a tool that allows us to connect with a culture. In the case of Creole, there is so much to discover in terms of history, knowledge and folklore! Our access to all this is limited if we do not master the language. Many people think they can read and write Creole because they speak it a little at home or with friends, or because they write a few words on Facebook. However, this is not true. There are many basic rules of writing and grammar ignored by the majority. Creole is a beautiful language. It is our language. It is essential to respect it. It is our responsibility to be able to transmit it well. "
– Carline JD
Haitian Creole

“The Creolophone community in Montreal is very large. On the other hand, very few are those who can correctly read and write Creole. I also often hear people say, "I'm not practicing enough, that is why I have trouble speaking the language!" Moreover, that is why I think that my class is super important! It is a " safe space " so that people can reinforce their oral, read and written Creole, while having an opening on Haitian literature and folklore! "

– Eudia Jean
Reading, writing and conversation in Haitian Creole

“Haitian dance brings a release of body, mind and energy. It appeals to the body in all its entirety. You have the impression you can feel the connections between all parts of your body when you move. It is important for me to teach my culture, to share my knowledge and skills around me in the most natural and relaxing way possible. The participants discover themselves, they discover their limits. They break free and reconnect with themselves.”
– Marie Gabrielle Léon
Haitian Folk Dance

“Sometimes, I find it important to get out of our comfort zone, to do new things. Some will dance to lose weight or to do some exercise. Some others will come at our dance courses to free themselves and release negative energy, stress, sadness and pain. It is a way of expressing ourselves with movement. Especially when we dance in heels, we work on balance, femininity and the legs! We work our legs a lot. "
– Ro Damis
Urban dance in heels

Other courses will be offered this session, such as: introduction to Haitian literature, and group fitness..