Leading the Hope for Haiti: Things you should know about the education system.

In honor of our upcoming mission trip to Haiti, we feel it is important to know a little background about the educational initiatives and systems that affect the communities of Haiti. 

  1. In 2010, an earthquake crushed the population of Haiti, destroyed the existing infrastructure, and caused the national debt to rise to prevent rebuilding efforts.
  2. Currently,  59% of its population lives below the poverty line. 
  3. Literacy Rate: 53% of its population do not know how to read.
  4. The official language taught in primary schools is Creole.
  5. Haiti follows after the French education model of three stages: primary education, secondary education and higher education.
  6. Primary education ages begin at 6 years old and consist of preparatory, elementary, and intermediate cycles, each of which lasted two years.
  7. Tuition in public schools is legally free for the first two cycles of fundamental education (elementary), 81.5% of these children go to private schools and pay fees.
  8. To transition into secondary education, students are required to receive a primary education certificate (CEP) and take an entrance exam which is estimated that only 2% of children pass.
  9. The education system uses French as the language of instruction. Less than 10% of the population speaks French.
  10. Upon passing these extensive state exams, hosted by The Ministry of National Education, those students would be able to continue their education in either a public or private institution.
  11. The secondary level consists of a 3-year lower cycle and 4-year upper cycle. Students able to pass into secondary education would receive the baccalauréat (the equivalent of the high school diploma).
  12. Secondary school means earning a baccalaureate.  However, only upon completion of the classe de philosophie exams entitles a student to proceed to a university.
  13. There are a limited number of regional public universities and institutions; while private institutions with higher tuition and fees.  Less than 1% of the college age group are enrolled at the university level.

We value education and cherish that basic human right!

With our partnership with the buildOn organizations to present the School Build Project- Haiti, we will be able to contribute to bettering a rural community in Haiti.  This school will serve over 400 children and adults from a rural community and will serve as a catalyst for sustainable and positive community development. 

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PORT AU PRINCE, HAITI 

References:

The World Bank GDP Growth, World Bank, https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG (last visited Feb. 10, 2019).

Danielle N. Boaz, Examining Creole Languages in the Context of International Language Rights, 2 Hum. Rts. & Globalization L. Rev. 45, 49 (2008)

Georges E. Fouron, The History of Haiti in Brief, in THE HAITIAN CREOLE LANGUAGE: HISTORY, STRUCTURE, USE, AND EDUCATION 23, 24 (Arthur K. Spears & Carole M. Berotte Joseph eds., 2010).

Leadership Reading: Books to read for your Leadership Development Journey

Part of your leadership development journey is changing up the way you educate and learn new things. Although change can be a great thing, getting back to the basics can be just as effective. Reading is a great way to education, encourage and inspire! If your goal is to cultivate change for your community, start by cultivating change within yourself.

Unlearn: 101 Simple Truths for a Better Life by Humble the Poet

Unlearn: 101 Simple Truths for a Better Life,’ as it is titled, is a work written by Canadian MC and poet Humble the Poet.  It is a compilation of learnings and experiences of his everyday life, written in simple language for all to read. Through 101 short chapters, the emphasis is put into the attitude and thinking needed for individuals to live a better quality of life. It is remarkably blunt! Reasoning questions that force you to think about your everyday circumstances and how these circumstances can affect you. Acknowledging the things that make you happy, sad, confused, and inspired. This book allows the mind to wander into the unknown while constantly reassuring the reader that they are not alone.

For young professionals, part of learning and developing into the powerful leaders of tomorrow is understanding how experiences shape you and grabbing a newer perspective to build your sense of empathy. It is important to show compassion for the uncomfortable circumstances you may see others face, especially in leadership roles. This book helps you find the silver lining in your perception of the world; inspires you to become more self-aware and empowered, and to no longer be limited by the lessons we have learned throughout our lives. It stimulates you with ideas that challenge conventional learning that has resulted in sabotaging behaviors and go against the grain.

This book is an absolute read for growth! A sample e-book is available to read on Humble the Poet’s website for those wanting to dip in and see what UnLearn is all about! The book itself is available now in hardback, paperback, and electronic editions online at http://humblethepoet.wix.com/unlearn101.