Leadership: it’s the primary discipline we seek to instill in our students, the foundation on which our school is based, and the guiding force behind our teachers’ instruction. Since we believe that servant leadership will unlock future economic and social advancement in Haiti, we’re always grateful for partnerships with other institutions who promote leadership, both in Haiti and from the U.S. Recently, Cumberland University traveled down to The Joseph School on a mission trip to our school and they led a Leadership Conference. We’re excited to shine a spotlight on their service today.

After the volunteers arrived in Haiti, they wasted no time in getting started. As a group, they single-handedly spearheaded an effort to encourage our students to develop as servants of God: a Leadership Conference. During their multi-day conference, they emphasized the importance of flexing many different— and often, seemingly opposing— leadership muscles. While a leader must necessarily approach situations with confidence, he or she also must possess humility. Evidently, they spoke on the nature of pride as one of the seven deadly sins, and they underscored that although it can certainly lead to “accomplishment,” it can also lead to “hate.”

Additionally, they encouraged our students to approach situations with logic and empathy, taught them how to be self-disciplined yet collaborative, and highlighted the importance of communication. The conference culminated with a call to action: to lead by example, as Jesus did, as a means of demonstrating servant leadership. Our students learned that with great power comes a great responsibility to serve their neighbor.

While the Leadership Conference was a hit, the Cumberland University volunteers didn’t stop there. They led a science workshop with the kids, planted trees, played soccer at the orphanage, painted a house, picked up trash, and served as the hands and feet of Jesus. We are so grateful for the generosity they extended, the energy they exuded, and the example they provided. It is our hope that these volunteers will continue to spread our mission to their families, friends, and neighbors. We are so glad that you are a part The Joseph School!

We’d also like to issue a special thank you to one of our TJS Board Members, Natalie Inman, for initiating and leading this trip with her CU students. Thank you Natalie!