AID International operates five primary schools in the southern regions of the island (kindergarten-10th grade). Keeping in mind the unique financial burden faced by parents in these communities, each family is encouraged to pay at least $35 Haitian (about $5 USD) to help purchase school supplies for the year, and AID International covers all other costs. A meal is provided daily for all students, and when community leaders alert us to any families struggling to make ends meet, we often send students home with food supplies.
In the most rural areas of Haiti, obtaining basic education is a feat within itself. In a culture where education is valued, it is particularly heartbreaking that for the majority of the youth residing outside of the major cities, higher education is an option they do not have. In most cases, there are no schools in the area. The few areas that have schools, the financial burden is often too much for families to shoulder. AID International operates five primary schools in the southern regions of the island being kindergarten through 6th grade. Keeping in mind, the financial burden faced by parents in these communities, each family is encouraged to pay at least $35 Haitian (roughly $5 USD) to help purchase school supplies for the year as AID International covers all other costs. A meal is provided daily for all students, and when community leaders alert us of any families who are struggling to make ends meet, we often send students home with food supplies.
Primary/Secondary
The schools are truly a part of the community, with locals being both young and old participating in any construction and renovations that are needed. Currently we are working on plans to expand each of these schools to include a secondary education component for students. In the meantime, AID International sponsors the continued education of as many youth as possible. For example, one of our eldest youth, Lucien, is currently in Argentina for medical school!
Locations
MarbialSt. RockMadeleineGounoRavine Matin
In 2004, AID International opened a primary school in the mountain village of Marbial. Since opening, between 300-450 enroll each year. However, for the majority of families; this is the only option they have within a day’s hike.
In St. Rock, a remote community in the mountains near Carrefour, the founders of AID International opened a primary school back in 1989, which AID International continues to support. The 2015 student total was 80.
In Les Cayes, which is located in the southwest tip of the island, the organization launched a primary school back in 2003 within the community of Madeleine. There are currently 150 students in this school.
In 2009, AID International opened a school in Gouno, a community in the Les Cayes region. For this past school year, there were 60 students.
In the mountain of Ravine Matin, this is the most recent school we opened with 39 students.
University
Currently we have 15 students in college or trade school, obtaining degrees in medicine, agriculture, business and engineering. As we remain committed to fostering sustainability within each student, child, and villager – we are excited to see what these students will accomplish and who they will in turn empower to follow in their footsteps.
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