We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Bernade Leonidas a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Bernade, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So, let’s start with a hypothetical – what would you change about the educational system?

During my schooling, I felt the lack of emphasis on practical skills and career guidance. The focus was primarily on academic achievements and standardised testing, leaving little room for personal development or exploration of different career paths. As a result, I struggled to identify my true passions and talents until later in life, when I had to navigate my career independently.

Looking back, I believe that early exposure to practical skills, career exploration, and holistic well-being would have better equipped me for the challenges and choices I faced. Incorporating these aspects into the education system can empower students to make informed decisions, pursue fulfilling careers, and lead balanced lives.

It is essential to continuously evaluate and adapt the education system to meet the evolving needs of students in a rapidly changing world. By prioritising these changes, we can better equip students for success and help them lead more fulfilling lives.

From my own experience, I believe I would be better prepared today in my career if I had learned how to think for myself and solve problems from an early age, rather than just memoizing information from books that had no relevance to life skills. That’s why I have written a book about life skills for children. My book teaches students how to grow their own food, maintain a garden, and prepare meals using vegetables and fruits from their own garden.

It offers students personal development and well-being by incorporating courses and programs focused on emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and self-care. It promotes a holistic approach to education that nurtures students’ overall well-being.
community involvement, and project-based learning. Connecting classroom learning to real-life scenarios enhances understanding and relevance. My book provides this opportunity for students and their communities.

Bernade, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

As someone whose family originates from a third-world country, I have always felt a deep sense of obligation to give back to the world of my ancestors. It was a must for me to write my first book in my native language, Haitian Creole. This book became a passion project for me, driven by the desire to make a positive impact in my community.

When I was given the opportunity to work on a project about school gardening, I quickly realized that my help was needed. This realization led me to write a book about school gardening specifically designed for children. I wanted to empower them with the knowledge and skills to grow their own food and lead a healthy lifestyle.

I am immensely proud of having written this book, as it has allowed me to collaborate with many wonderful people who share my passion. Together, we have made it possible for my book to be accessible online, reaching my intended audience. This achievement brings me great joy and fulfillment.

Not only does my book teach children and young adults how to grow their own food, but it also imparts valuable life skills related to health and well-being. It is my belief that by instilling these skills at a young age, we can empower future generations to make healthier choices and have a positive impact on their communities.

I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to my ancestral world through my book. It has been a journey of learning, growth, and collaboration, and I am excited to see the positive impact it continues to have on children’s lives. I remain committed to promoting education, healthy living, and sustainable practices, and I am honored to be part of this meaningful endeavor.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

It’s truly rewarding I have the ability to express myself and share my ideas, emotions, and perspectives through my book. Creating something unique and original allows me to connect with others on a deep and meaningful level, and that connection can be incredibly fulfilling.

Writing my book in Haitian Creole adds another layer of significance, as it allows me to preserve and promote my cultural heritage while reaching a specific audience who can relate to the language and context. My creative approach in reaching people through my book is admirable, as it shows my dedication to connecting with readers in a meaningful way.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My ultimate aspiration is for Haitian Creole to become the primary language used for teaching in all books throughout Haiti’s educational system. By advocating for the use of Haitian Creole as the instructional language, I aim to preserve and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Haiti while empowering students to learn and engage with educational materials in their native language.

A pivotal milestone towards achieving my goal would be the inclusion of my book as a subject in schools across Haiti. By integrating my book into the curriculum, students would gain valuable knowledge and skills related to school gardening, fostering a deeper connection with their environment and encouraging the adoption of healthier lifestyles. The practical instructions and guidance provided in my book have the potential to create a positive and lasting impact on the lives of students and their communities.

I firmly believe that by promoting Haitian Creole as the primary teaching language and incorporating my book into the educational system, we can create a more inclusive and culturally relevant learning environment. Through the adaptation of the instructions and lessons from my book, individuals can develop essential life skills and contribute to the sustainable development of Haiti.

I am committed to working tirelessly towards my goal, driven by the conviction that a strong foundation in one’s native language is fundamental to holistic education and personal growth. Together, we can elevate Haitian Creole, empower students, and create a brighter future for Haiti.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mit-ayiti.net/resous/legim/?fbclid=IwAR3WBd8m1IUKxi9fR0Q3n0pV_oi2Wj8DFoFG66wf2nvKeLTYPtTWxTAxesA
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bernade4639/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lexflex10
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernade-bergström-041258145/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/BLproperties202
• Youtube: https://mit-ayiti.net/resous/defi-alfabe/
• Other: marykay.se/se/consultant/bernade-leonidas-bergstrom blproperties.se https://bernadeleonidasfound.wixsite.com/website?fbclid=IwAR2Zy_KkncMBPNFGs0JAXNmnrEB3sOYxi8oPi14mlCN_NFoWeqpr_zy0Ja4&lang=en

Image Credits
Platfòm Mit-Ayiti Bernade Leonidas