Christiane Grimal

Vwa Nou: Stories of Freedom

A storytelling and photography project for Haitian and Haitian American youth

Vwa Nou (Our Voices) is a community-based storytelling initiative that invites Haitian and Haitian American high school students to reflect on identity, lived experiences, and cultural roots through writing, photography, and guided group conversation. The project creates a structured space for young people to share personal narratives, engage in dialogue with peers, and explore questions of belonging in a supportive educational environment.

Developed through years of classroom practice and ongoing doctoral research at Barry University, Vwa Nou brings together narrative inquiry, culturally sustaining pedagogy, and community-centered approaches to learning. The project is grounded in the belief that storytelling can serve as a meaningful way for students to make sense of their experiences while strengthening connections to language, culture, and community.

The program is facilitated by Christiane Grimal, a high school English teacher in Miami Beach with more than 27 years of experience in secondary education. Much of her recent teaching has focused on working with Haitian students in Miami, whose stories and perspectives have shaped the development of this work. In addition to her teaching, she is completing a Doctorate in Transformational School Leadership at Barry University, where her research examines storytelling, cultural affirmation, and student belonging in contemporary educational contexts.

Christiane speaks French and conversational Haitian Creole, which supports communication with students and families and informs the relational approach that guides the project. Through initiatives like Vwa Nou, her goal is to contribute to learning environments in which young people feel respected, culturally grounded, and able to express their voices.

If you would like to learn more about the project, explore collaboration, or support this work, please feel free to get in touch.