Founders, Gerdès Fleurant, Ph.D.
and Florienne M. Saintil, M.Ed.

Gerdès and Florienne now spend their time between the US (Lauderhill, FL) and Mirebalais, Haiti where they have built the Léocardie and Alexandre Kenscoff Cultural Center. The realization of their dream of more than twenty years, as husband and wife, building the Cultural Center stems from their determination to contribute actively to the education of the common people from Haiti's countryside. Florienne retired early (2004) from her position as an elementary school teacher in the Somerville Schools to spend time in Mirebalais at the Gawou Ginou School to teach the children, their teachers and parents about modern educational methods.

Gerdès taught Sociology and African American Studies at Salem State College where he chaired the AAS Program until 1992 to join full-time the Wellesley College Music Department. At Wellesley, he taught Enthnomusicology and co-founded the Yanvalou Drum & Dance Ensemble, which introduces students to Haitian culture and music. Gerdès retired from his Wellesley College tenure (June 2005) to focus fully on his applied ethnomusicological research in Haiti.

Gerdès and Florienne who serve on the board of the Gawou Ginou Foundation, Inc., devote their time also to fundraising, to work on developing educational material for use in the school in Haiti, to help educate Haitian-Americans about the validity of their culture, and to foster cultural solidarity between Haiti and the United States. Florienne also teaches 4th graders, many of whom are Haitian Americans, in the Broward County, FL schools. As the main promoters of this project, they are thankful for the opportunity to serve, and are grateful to all of you who have contributed thus far. Without your financial help and moral support, the work of the Foundation will be severely compromised.

Back to top