About Centre Lumière
Discover our mission, values, and impact since 1977
Our Mission
To help young Haitian women develop character, social skills, spiritual gifts, and practical abilities that equip them for life and ministry.
Spiritual & Social Development
We provide courses in Bible and Christian living - encouraging the students to develop a strong spiritual foundation. Our staff and teachers develop mentoring relationships with the students, production workers, and each other. A daily devotional time helps the Centre maintain an active role in the spiritual wellbeing of all personnel.
Leadership Training
Students are trained in hospitality, child development, teaching, and serving. With these capacities they can be a tremendous asset to their churches, schools, and communities.
Economic Independence
Students and graduates of The Centre can participate in the production of our line of handcrafted products as a way to pay for their education and provide an income for their families. They are creating sustainability for their own lives, and bringing economic growth to their communities.
Life Skills
We offer courses in embroidery, crochet, sewing, cooking, baking, etiquette, health, domestic economies, and other subjects that enhance women's ability to effectively care for their children and families. Additional courses in computers and English enable them to take advantage of new job opportunities that are coming to Haiti.
Leadership Team
Lee and Tina Nunemaker
Team Leads
Marcelle Illia Desir Leger
School Director and Instructor
Esther Regis Museau
Administrator and Instructor
Our Impact
Educational Outcomes
Students graduate prepared for:
- Handcraft artisan work
- Home economics teaching
- Hotel and restaurant employment
- Local business opportunities
- Community leadership roles
Holistic Development
Addressing spiritual, educational, and practical needs for complete personal growth.
Community Empowerment
Creating sustainable opportunities for growth and transformation in Les Cayes.
Our Values
Educate
Providing quality education and practical learning opportunities that empower young women for life success.
Equip
Building practical skills, vocational training, and life tools that prepare students for meaningful work and service.
Disciple
Nurturing spiritual growth and Christian character development through mentorship and biblical teaching.
Inspire
Motivating students to reach their God-given potential and become agents of positive change in their communities.
Our Story
The vision for Centre Lumière was born in the heart of a German missionary, Luise Schurer, in 1975 after she and her husband arrived in Haiti. The need for better education plus income opportunities resulted in a unique ministry that combines a life school and work opportunities. Over the years, the programs and production portion of the ministry may change, but our core values remain; as we focus on the truth of the gospel message and strive to empower women to live lives of integrity that brings positive change to their families, churches, and communities.
The Vision Begins
Missionaries Luise and Johannes Schürer arrive in Haiti. Luise recognizes the need for young women's education after encountering women selling needlework to survive.
Centre Lumière Launches
After a year of preparation and learning, Centre Lumière officially opens at its current location in Simon, outside Les Cayes, with a focus on Christian education and vocational training.
Olga Joins the Ministry
Olga Thissen is discovered in Germany (1996), completes internships in Haiti (1997), then permanently moves to join the ministry team (2001).
Leadership Transition
Luise retires after decades of faithful service, and Olga becomes the director of Centre Lumière, bringing her Business Textiles expertise and passion for holistic development.
Growing the Team
Olga meets and marries Caleb Lapp, who came to Haiti for earthquake reconstruction. He joins Centre Lumière as maintenance supervisor and administrative support.
Strategic Shift to Women's Education
Due to the challenges of insecurity in Haiti, Caleb and Olga recognized the need to greatly reduce the production/business portion of the ministry and focus more attention to the education of women. During this time, they also recognized a need for them to step out of the ministry and seek new leadership for the ministry.
Current Leadership
Lee and Tina Nunemaker serve as team leads, continuing the legacy of international partnership and holistic development through Christian education and vocational training.
Get Involved
Join us in empowering young women through education and creating lasting transformation in Haiti.