Meet Joseph Edgard Dumay
(a.k.a. Mèt Joe)

By Pam Mann

Mèt Joe took a few minutes out of a busy school morning to answer a few questions about himself, his work, and life. Teachers, students, and parents had been in and out. Joe was studying some of the 120 plus applications for the Univers Medical Center.
Q: How was it that you came to join Hugues Bastien in establishing Collége Univers?
A: (A quick smile.) We never started out to establish a school. We were simply a group of friends with a common desire to build a better community. People our own age reacted negatively to our ideas. When we reflected on the need for a new generation with strong moral upbringing and a vision for transforming society, a school seemed to be the
logical vehicle.
Q: For you personally, what has been the source of your passion for kids?
A: I was born second in a family of seven kids—the first son. In our family I became the games leader. By the time I was an 8th grader, I was the sports coordinator of our neighborhood. My whole life has been spent enriching the lives of kids—especially through sports and academic leadership.
Q: Now how do you balance work and family responsibilities?
A: Ah, that’s difficult. There is a lot to do. I work long days into the evening because of UTEC (the adult ed program) and then weekends too. There are others responsible in these areas but these people often are inexperienced or lack training. They need to be managed. All the hours I put in have not yet produced what I still long to see. At the same time, I get complaints from home that they hardly see me—from my wife, my son, even my father who lives next door.
Q: Tell us about your family.
A: My wife, Mirléne, is in law school now here in Ouanaminthe. Previously, she worked for a phone company which folded and then she worked for a while in the Immigration bureau. We have two sons. The oldest, Dimitri, is 7 years old, a third grader here at IU. Geoffroy Hans is 6 months old now, keeping us busy.
Q: What are your current responsibilities at IU?
A: I’m the academic director of the IU secondary school (7th grade and up), the curriculum director of all sectors (preschool, primary, secondary, and UTEC) and personnel administrator.
Q: What role does your faith play in all you do?
A: It’s the foundation. All Christians are meant to be missionaries, people sent by God with a purpose, a calling. Since I was young, I have sensed God calling me to serve youth. Especially in sports, I have seen how God can grip young people. In sports they see the importance of being taught, trained, and disciplined. For example, I remember as a young man encouraging teammates to pray before games. It wasn’t something that was done. I did it by myself when no one else would. Others laughed at me but I persisted. Eventually others joined me. Now everyone expects it. It happens without me. Aconsistent leader is followed. He inspires others to be consistent and faithful.