Lea Kokoye

Maurice Alfredo Sixto was born in a wealthy family on May 23, 1919 in Gonaives. His father was an engineer with exact name of his son. His grandfather was an immigrant from the Virgin Islands. He was pursuing his career as a radio broadcaster when he suffered glaucoma became legally blind at the age of 40. He began his career as a tourist guide and a translator, served as a press secretary to the librarian of the American Embassy. He served as a teacher in Democratic Republic of the Congo nearly for a decade. He worked and spoke with his pen for the oppressed people of his country till his death in 1984. He will remain in the mind of Haitians forever.

Maurice Alfredo Sixto was born in a wealthy family on May 23, 1919 in Gonaives. His father was an engineer with exact name of his son. His grandfather was an immigrant from the Virgin Islands. He was pursuing his career as a radio broadcaster when he suffered glaucoma became legally blind at the age of 40. He began his career as a tourist guide and a translator, served as a press secretary to the librarian of the American Embassy. He served as a teacher in Democratic Republic of the Congo nearly for a decade. He worked and spoke with his pen for the oppressed people of his country till his death in 1984. He will remain in the mind of Haitians forever.

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The FMAS continues its advocacy work on child domestic work, this time in Petit-Goave.

The FMAS or Maurice Sixto Foundation A was created to raise awareness about 'restavek' in Haiti. The foundation is visiting every corners of Haiti to make people aware of the pains and miseries of the oppressed Haitians. They have sensitized hundreds of people in Port-au-Prince (West) and also visited Southeast Valley of Jacmel. They visited Petit- Goave on 15 August on the occasion of the Employers Party. An official Gerda L Morin, in an introductory message said, if you are here with us at the conference, we would request you to be a part of us in a struggle beneficial to Haiti.

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Here is a painting of the famous character Lea Kokoye.

Alexander Maurice Sixto is the name of greatest Haitian storyteller who alone played many characters that he himself created. The creator with many talents raised his fingers at all the wounds that plagued the lives of Haitian people and fought against the social injustice in Haiti. He was one of the few who first advocated introduction of Haitian Creole in school teaching. He despised child abuse and always spoke against 'restavek' which he thought was another name of child slavery. "Restavek" are the poor countryside children sent to the houses of the wealthy families in the urban area by their parents so that they can live a better life. But in most cases, the rich people used to exploit them and use treat as slaves. Maurice Sixto narrated the pains and miseries of the 'restaveks' through his fictional character named 'Sainte Anise'.

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Here is a picture taking from the album Lea Kokoye - Maurice Sixto

The FMS has two main parts: one professional and the other is talent school. The professional school was started since its inception. It emphasizes on the basic and vocational training. Here, the children below the age of 16, attend primary school and receive lessons on reading, writing and mathematics. When they complete 16 years of age, get trained in carpentry, sewing, culinary arts and car repairing. Their educational training ends when they complete 24 years of age. If they want study further FMS pay for them. The talent school has four programs: dance, music, soccer and theatre. It accommodates around 450 'restavek' children in the Carrefour area, who are eligible to take part in the professional school programs. The FMS help to build their careers and makes life meaningful.

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