Since 2019 Haiti has been embroiled in a civil crisis. South American drug cartels use Haitian gangs as their local hands and feet, establishing Haiti as a transshipment point to the U.S. drug market. Escalating gang rivalry has terrorized the capitol city of Port-au-Prince, effectively destroying the government. Occasionally, the violence spills over into the nearby countryside.
Amidst this nightmare of insecurity and economic devastation, the more than 250—mostly rural—Episcopal schools continue to offer hope, stability, and an education (and occasionally a hot meal) to approximately 80,000 children. Episcopal schools and parishes remain vibrant places of learning, worship, and community programs. We are so proud of the work of the Diocese of Haiti and of the many partnerships that have survived despite a travel ban and difficulties with communication. Episcopal schools in the U.S. and Haiti have proven that the bonds of friendship and prayer can remain unbroken against all odds. More partnerships are always needed, and many established partnerships would appreciate co-partners for collaboration, moral support, joint fundraising, friendship, or whatever avenues for mutual outreach suggest themselves.
There are five top institutional priorities for Episcopal schools at this time:
1. Consistent teacher salaries.
Schools rely primarily on school fees to support financial operations. However, as farmers cannot currently get their crops to the large markets of Port-au-Prince, families cannot pay their school fees, making it even more challenging to compensate teachers regularly and adequately. Many teachers and school administrators travel long distances to reach school and class sizes are quite large. By supporting consistent teacher salaries, the Diocese aims to recruit and retain outstanding teachers who will be able to help students see the possibilities for a hopeful future.
2. School food programs.
A Haitian proverb says, “An empty bag cannot sit on its own.” Adequate nourishment is a prerequisite to learning, and yet food security remains a major issue; many children simply do not have reliable, daily meals that provide adequate nutrition. Currently, less than 10% of the diocese’s schools offer a food program. The goal is to have at least one meal a day offered at all schools.
3. Teacher training.
Skilled teachers are a cornerstone of educational excellence, and delivering quality teacher education programs in the Diocese of Haiti is challenging. Several excellent Haitian-led programs exist, but bringing teachers together is costly both in terms of time and expense, as is access to technology for virtual training. The Diocese is interested in funding and partnerships that can bring together Haitian teachers and educational experts.
4. Access to information technology at all schools.
Without technology, students in Haiti will not be able to receive a top-notch education nor be prepared for the next stage in their education and professional lives. This is a challenging but necessary goal, particularly for rural schools.
5. New, expanded, and repaired buildings.
Numerous schools were damaged or destroyed by the earthquake in 2010 and continue to operate in temporary structures. Others do not have adequate space for the number of students enrolled or the ability to serve all of the children who would like to attend. Creating well-built classrooms of appropriate size remains a pressing need.
Episcopal schools, parishes, and dioceses can directly support these goals by participating in and supporting the Haiti Partnership Program.
Revised February 2025.