New Life School

in Mizak, Haiti

New Life School is here to give all children the opportunity to discover their own talents and knowledge within a positive environment with innovative teaching methods.

                                                    

  By Zeke Fleet and Ellen Kamischke – CUMC Mission Committee

Central’s merger with Traverse Bay UMC has opened the door for a NEW MISSION!

New Life School/Living Media International has been a long-time mission supported by TBUMC.  Since the 2025 merger, New Life School/Living Media has been added to the mission roster of Central United Methodist Church.

New Life School – Providing Opportunities for Education and Secure Futures

    Living Media International was founded in 2009 by a group of young adults from Mizak, Haiti with a focus on programs in art, music, and English. In 2011 Living Media partnered with an area elementary school that was then renamed New Life School. 

     In recent years many regions of Haiti have been marred by gang violence, disrupting the economy, schools, churches and daily lives of Haitian citizens. The community of Mizak is in an isolated area of Haiti and remains an oasis of security. Students, teachers, and families in and around Mizak have found this rural area to be a safe place with opportunities for educational and economic security in this island nation.

    In the years that followed, the school was upgraded and services were expanded by adding energy-producing solar panels, clean drinking water, and hot meals for primary students. Fueled by growing demand, additional grades have been added, which has increased the student population.   

    For more than 15 years, New Life School has received missional support from the TBUMC, annually providing up to 20 percent of the school’s budget. It is hoped that Central UMC can continue this necessary assistance. Other funding sources include individual donors and churches. 

    Today, more than 300 Haitian children (kindergarten to 13th grade) many who are faced with financial barriers are provided a quality education.  Expanded curriculum and learning options such as computer skills have been added with an emphasis on creative activities and innovative teaching and learning.

    New Life is a welcoming place with affordable tuition for students who might not otherwise have access to education. Those with financial restraints, learning disabilities, behavioral problems or those who are beyond the usual school age are gladly accepted. The school employs elementary teachers, subject specialists for upper levels, cooks, administrative assistants and a groundskeeper.

Please Help Support New Life School!

Despite hurricanes, earthquakes, COVID, national trauma from gang violence, and other adversities, New Life School has persevered and continues to live up to its mission.

Your financial contributions and prayers are needed to sustain and grow New Life School.

• For one-time or recurring online donations, please select Central Missions on the dropdown and designate New Life School/ Living Media. You can donate online or learn how to make a gift here.
• Designate New Life School/ Living Media in the memo area on your offering checks.
• Drop off change, paper currency, or a check in the contribution bucket in the church gathering area.