Building Lasting Legacies Through Education in the Haitian Community
Our Journey and Commitment to Education
Rev1804, originally known as Lavanno, Inc., began its journey in 2017 with a simple yet profound mission: to make education accessible to the children of Haiti. Working out of Lavanno, Haiti, our founders built a robust organization focused on providing tuition for students in primary and secondary education. With 92% of schools in Haiti being private, the need for financial support was—and remains—immense. Lavanno, Inc. became a beacon of hope, ensuring that many young minds received the education they deserved.
As time progressed, the organization relocated to the United States, but our commitment to Haiti did not waver. We continued to provide scholarships, particularly focusing on students in the Bon Repos area. However, the landscape of Haiti changed dramatically after the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021. The country was plunged into another bout of unrest, with gangs beginning to take over the capital by the end of 2023. This instability made it increasingly difficult for us to ensure that students in Haiti could consistently receive their education.
Faced with these challenges, we at Rev1804 began exploring additional ways to make a lasting impact on the Haitian community through education. We firmly believe that education is one of the most powerful tools for bringing about meaningful change in our country and among our people. As the unrest continued, more Haitians sought asylum and migrated to the United States, revealing a new opportunity for us to expand our mission.
We recognized the growing need to support not just the people of Haiti, but also the Haitian diaspora in the United States. Having grown up as Haitians in the U.S., we understand how easy it can be to miss out on opportunities that lead to true success and the ability to build a lasting legacy for our families. Rev1804 is dedicated to providing these opportunities, ensuring that the Haitian community—whether in Haiti or the U.S.—has access to the education and support needed to thrive.
Our story is one of resilience, adaptation, and unwavering commitment to the power of education. We are proud to continue our journey, now with a broader focus that encompasses both Haiti and its diaspora, as we work to create a brighter future for all.
Empowering Haitians to build a legacy of success and hope through comprehensive education, career coaching, and access to essential resources. We are dedicated to providing the paths and infrastructures necessary for future achievements, enabling every Haitian to realize their potential and create a lasting impact for generations to come
Meet the Team
Jose Barlatier
Co-Director
I am Jose Barlatier, my journey of seeking to make an impact began with a profound exploration of my own identity as a Haitian. Growing up in the '90s, I experienced firsthand the challenges and stigma associated with being Haitian. To assimilate and fit in, I even altered the pronunciation of my name from “Joes” to “José”. However, an encounter with Jesus transformed my perspective, revealing to me the beauty and importance of my Haitian heritage and the real pronunciation of my name. I learned that being Haitian was no accident but a deliberate part of my identity, rooted in a rich history of resilience and pride.
Having made multiple trips to Haiti, I witnessed the struggles faced by my people and felt a deep sense of responsibility to give back to the land of my ancestors. I recognized that it was my calling to lend a helping hand to those who had paved the way for me.
As the Co-director of Rèv1804, I play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth and effective operation of the organization. I focus on streamlining processes to make them simple and efficient, ensuring that Rev1804 can fulfill its mission of providing educational scholarships to the students within the Haitian community. With my dedication and leadership, I am committed to making a tangible difference in the lives of Haitian children, empowering them to build a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
Raguel Joseph
Co-Director
I'm Raguel Joseph, and I am from the beautiful country of Haiti. With a deep-rooted passion for education and community development, I have dedicated my life to making a positive difference in the lives of others, particularly in my homeland.
Growing up in Haiti, I witnessed firsthand the challenges that many children face in accessing quality education. Determined to be a part of the solution, I embarked on a journey to facilitate change and uplift my community through education.
As the Co-director of Rèv1804, I am proud to lead efforts aimed at providing educational opportunities for underprivileged children in Haiti. Through our sponsorship programs, we strive to break barriers and ensure that every child has the chance to receive a quality education, regardless of their socio-economic background.
I believe that education is not only a fundamental right but also a powerful tool for empowerment and transformation. By sponsoring children to attend school, we are not just investing in their future; we are investing in the future of Haiti itself.