Goute Sel A Taste of Salt

Haiti, 1986


With the end of the brutal, US supported, Duvalier regime, 3500 base communities emerged through Ti Legliz (little church). This was Haiti’s own version of the liberation theology which arose in Latin America and similarly addressed social, political and economic justice for their marginalized populations.


With Haiti’s illiteracy rate of at least 80%, Ti Legliz organized Alfabetizasyon, literacy programmes in Haitian Creole based on the work of Paolo Freire, the Brazilian educator and activist. In Haiti, Ti Legliz developed an indigenous text, Goute Sel (a taste of salt) focused on the lives of rural peasants and raising up their critical concerns. Teams of community activists led the classes and discussions.


Inevitably, the macoutes and military junta who followed the departure of the Duvaliers did not tolerate these programmes. Community leaders were assassinated or went into hiding, materials were destroyed. Following the lost chance of democracy with President Aristide, lost through ongoing US interference, government corruption, outright coups and military occupations, Haiti continues to suffer from the highest rate of poverty and illiteracy in this hemisphere.


In 2002 a local project for adult literacy was launched in Limonade, a commune in the Nord department of Haiti. Chancy Jak, a local human rights lawyer and activist, was encouraged by a Creolist from Indiana University. They began with a single class of market women. Chancy gradually built a team of community organizers to extend the programme.


An old copy of Goute Sel was rescued and continues to be the basic text for all Alfa classes. Literally translated, Goute Sel means a taste of salt. Numerous references from the Bible have been used to explain this title. However, it is better understood through the Voudou belief that a taste of salt will revive the half dead. Alfa uses the power of literacy to awaken those whose basic human rights have been denied, whose lives are deadened. Despite their unique revolutionary history, Haitians continue to suffer the ongoing effects of colonialism and neocolonialism.


Alfa now has 11 sites beyond Limonade. Classes are meeting up in the hills, along the river and out on the coast. Where they cannot borrow a classroom or a little chapel, everyone works together to build a simple shelter. Women and men who were denied any education, who had never held a pencil, are writing. They are reading, manipulating numbers, and questioning history. And they know their rights and responsibilities as citizens.


Kofi Annan said, “Literacy is a human right with immense power to transform. It is a bridge from misery to hope. On its foundation rest the cornerstones of freedom, democracy, and sustainable human development.”


Alfa has a small but committed support group based in the US Midwest. We believe that literacy lies at the root of our human identity and that for every person it can provide dignity and a means of control for how we live. We, Chancy Jak and his team, and all Alfa participants, continue to be affirmed and strengthened by our ongoing partnership with the Steve Sinnott Foundation.


Alfabetizasyon se chemen devlopman

๏ปฟLiteracy is the path to development

Sarah Grey & Chauncy Jacques • May 19, 2025
By Ann Beatty October 3, 2025
The Steve Sinnott Foundation is proud to celebrate the inspirational winners of the 2025 Seeds of Hope for a Better Future competition, a global initiative supported by UNESCO that brings together creativity, community, and a shared commitment to peace and sustainability. This unique project invited schools across the world from nursery and primary through to secondary and high school to explore the values of peace, cultural understanding, and care for the planet. In the face of climate change, young people were asked to tell their stories through art, performance, and digital creativity, highlighting how small seeds of action can grow into powerful movements for hope. The results have been extraordinary. Schools in France, the UK, Gambia, Haiti, and Kenya have been recognised for their outstanding contributions, with projects ranging from community gardens and sculptures to dance performances and illustrated stories. Each winner has shown how young voices and imagination can nurture peace and sustainability in ways that inspire us all. The full Awards Ceremony can be watched linked here: S eeds of Hope For A Better Future Awards Ceremony 2025 Highlights from the Winners Oak View Primary and Nursery School (UK) created Faces of Feeling, a collection of joyful sculptures already exhibited in a local gallery. Judges praised their work as supporting the wellbeing of others and embodying the idea of children as true “Seeds of Hope.” St Joseph’s Senior Secondary School (Gambia) painted Campaign for a Sustainable Banjul , reflecting real-world climate action in their city. The judges described it as “a most deserving and robust winner.” In France , the Jardin d'Enfants des Nations Unies (United Nations Nursery School) won hearts with Wind of Peace , where 5-6 year olds combined drawings, paintings, and tree planting to champion reforestation. Lyng Hall Secondary School, Coventry (UK) collaborated with Henley Green Primary and the UK Literacy Association to produce The Heart Shaped Hole – an innovative and metaphorical take on Seeds of Hope. Earlsdon Primary School, Coventry (UK) impressed with Primary Plot , a project that included gardening with the visually impaired, reflecting inclusivity and sustainability. A remarkable cross-collaboration between 21 schools across West Yorkshire, Essex, and Tower Hamlets (UK) resulted in Lights, Camera, Score , an ambitious combination of animation, music, and storytelling. CIMA Community School of Hope, Haiti shared Konbit - a video of dance and solidarity, inspiring villages to work together for peace and dignity. Daraja Academy, Kenya presented an ambitious and optimistic project integrating sustainability into everyday school life. Celebrating Creativity and Peace This year’s competition was judged by an impressive panel of artists, writers, and cultural leaders including Sir Antony Gormley, Edmund de Waal, Dame Liz Forgan, Hugh Quarshie, and Rathna Ramanathan. Their collective expertise highlighted the quality and depth of the entries, each of which showed how art can be a powerful tool for global understanding and change. The Seeds of Hope initiative is part of UNESCO UK’s Arts and Culture for Peace programme, first launched in 2022. It has grown from earlier collaborations such as the Coventry Young Ambassadors’ Islands of Peace Japanese Garden , opened in 2021 a living reminder that seeds planted in communities can continue to flourish. Looking Ahead As Ann Beatty, UNESCO ASPnet UK National Coordinator , shared: “The quality of entries was extraordinary. We are delighted at the response to this amazing initiative in collaboration with our international partners.” And in the words of judge Jannette Cheong : “Young people around the world understand well the value of peace and tolerant relationships between cultures. Their creativity is an inspiration to all of us.” At The Steve Sinnott Foundation, we believe that education is the seed from which hope grows. The Seeds of Hope competition is a shining example of how young people through creativity, compassion, and collaboration are already shaping a more peaceful and sustainable future. You can access the full online awards presentation here: Seeds of Hope For A Better Future Awards Ceremony 2025 ๏ปฟ
By Ann Beatty August 18, 2025
The journey to strengthen the well-being and success of learners in The Gambia continues with a renewed commitment to guidance and counselling in schools. By August 14th 2025, we have successfully trained 140 educators across ๐‘๐ž๐ ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ ๐Ÿ, ๐Ÿ, ๐Ÿ‘ & ๐Ÿ’ under our Guidance & Counselling Programme. A programme designed to equip educators with the skills to support students’ academic, social, and emotional development. Region 3 Teachers Complete Level 2 Training On Wednesday, 6th August, thirty teachers from Region 3 (North Bank Region) began a three-day Level 2 Guidance and Counselling training at the Christian Council in Kanifing. This programme built on their earlier Level 1 training in Farafenni, with a focus on deepening their capacity to serve as school-based counsellors. The training concluded with a certificate presentation ceremony, recognising the teachers’ commitment and marking an important step in their professional development. These certificates symbolize more than an achievement; they represent each teacher’s readiness to provide psychosocial support, guidance, and mentorship to learners across their schools.
By Ann Beatty August 15, 2025
Mike Fleetham of Thinking Classroom has written a book " Headlines: Inspiration, humour and advice for school leaders ". A collection of original ideas, advice from professionals, quotes, and tips to support and inspire all leaders. Perfect for new and established leaders working in education, especially headteachers. "Being a headteacher is like looking both ways before you cross the road, and then getting hit by an aeroplane." To Enter the Competition To win a copy of Headlines please share your inspiring education or life lesson in no more than 600 words. The winning article will also be published in our next edition of Engage. Send your words of inspiration to admin@stevesinnottfoundation.org.uk ๐Ÿ“… Deadline: 5th September 2025โ  Stuck on Ideas? Here are some questions and prompts to get you started! What’s the one lesson school didn’t teach you, but life did? Think of a moment that changed your path, what happened? What piece of advice has helped you grow the most? When did a challenge turn into an opportunity for you? What story from your life would inspire someone on the other side of the world? What’s the life lesson that unlocked your next chapter? โ  Your words could uplift, empower and be seen by many. Let your story inspire the world! ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿ’กโ  Good luck and we cant wait to read all the entries!