Improving access to education for poor community in Haiti
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In the latest estimation from UNICEF, nearly half a million children in Haiti have lost access to education, and thousands of schools have closed their doors, due to repeated natural disasters, gang-related violence, and ongoing economic hardship. In 2019, after 26 years of operation Ecole Mitsraim de Nirva, the very first primary school opened in the community (Nirva, Mirebalais in 1994) was sadly forced to close its doors for more than 2 years due to lack of funding for teachers, supplies, and administrative staff, as families struggled to afford the minimum monthly cost of their children's tuition amidst the financial crisis in Haiti.
Only half of school-aged children in Haiti attend school. Lack of schools, high tuition rates and socio-economic constraints severely limit school enrollment. Although Haitian law supports a free education for everyone, well over 80% of schools in Haiti rely on tuition and enrollment fees to run their programs and do not receive any financial support from the government. Children cannot go to school if their parents cannot afford the fees. With 78% of the population living on less than $2 a day and 54% living on less than $1 a day, even low school fees are difficult to pay.
The purpose of this program is to provide the opportunity and improving access to education, and to accommodate the growing need for a comfortable learning environment for the most vulnerable children in poor rural Haitian communities.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
School Corporate Partnership Program's goal is to look for humanitarian and financial support to educational projects in Haiti, that all children in the community have free and consistent access to educational resources.
The objectives of the program are to work with businesses and organizations that share our goal and to provide funding that can help:
- Investing in education and school facilities in rural Haiti provides spaces for the community to connect and collaborate in vital ways.
- Ensuring all children in poor rural community in Haiti have free and Consistent access to education.
Education in rural area in Haiti faces many challenges and obstacles. One of the biggest barriers facing students and their families is the cost, as schools do not receive any financial support from the government. Those problems include schools struggle with limited resources, too far to get to the nearest school, high transportation costs, difficult teacher recruitment and retention, a large percentage of students in poverty. This is especially true in rural areas, where students are described as the "poorest of the poor" Haitian children.
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PROGRAM ACTIVITIES
School corporate partnership is a changing and progressive program. To adapt and modernize, the program is seeking financial support from the wider community. Funds will be used to improve facilities, provide specialized equipment and to enhance learning opportunities for our students which will assist them to reach their potential. Partnerships can be financial or in-kind. There are the fourth main areas where your support will focus:
Building and renovate schools for educating young minds:
We work closely with established partners to provide quality schools compete with new or renovated buildings, boreholes (or wells), toilets, build safety walls for a secure learning environment, and educational supplies including playground equipment for exercise, allowing a child to be a child, regardless of location.
Teacher Salary Support and Training for Teachers:
Maintaining a stable and qualified teaching force is crucial for ensuring the continuity and quality of education. However, teachers in Haiti face financial hardships during times like now, which can lead to disruptions in schooling if they are unable to continue working or if they seek alternative employment. By providing salary support and training to teachers, especially during challenging times, schools can retain experienced educators and prevent interruptions in learning. Additionally, investing in training programs for teachers equips them with the skills and knowledge needed to address the unique challenges that may arise during a crisis, such as trauma-informed teaching techniques or adapting curriculum delivery to accommodate disruptions.
School Feeding and Nutrition Programs:
The World Food Program estimates that there are currently 6 million people in Haiti who are facing extreme food insecurity, many of them children. Access to food in Haiti has become even more limited due to disruptions in supply chains. Implementing and maintaining school feeding programs during these times can ensure that children receive essential nutrients for their physical and cognitive development. These programs can serve as a safety net for vulnerable children who may be disproportionately affected by the crisis, helping to mitigate the negative impact on their health and overall well-being.
Health, Hygiene, and Sanitation at Schools:
Schools in Haiti serve as important hubs for promoting health, hygiene, and sanitation practices that help prevent the transmission of illnesses. By investing in infrastructure improvements, such as clean water sources, handwashing stations, and proper sanitation facilities, we can help school leaders create safer learning environments for students, teachers, and staff. Additionally, integrating health education into the curriculum using a Community Health Worker model can empower students with the knowledge and skills needed to protect themselves and their communities during a crisis, promoting overall resilience and well-being.