Our Teachers are our Heroes

Teachers are the backbone of the EcoVillage school. They serve not only as educators but also as mentors and role models, shaping the future of the children they teach. All are experienced in the classroom, with most having several years teaching in the EcoVillage School. From year-to-year turnover is almost nonexistent. This is crucial since educational materials are in short supply while classrooms are bursting at the seams with the arrival of refugee children whose families have escaped the violence of the big cities. Chalk and blackboard are their chief teaching aids. These are challenging times to be a teacher at the school.

You would expect all of this to weigh on student performance. Not so. The students have continued to excel in their studies.  Over 82% of last year’s students progressed to the next grade level. Results of the national gateway exams were outstanding, with a high percentage of our 9th graders passing, allowing them to advance to high school. This success is a direct result of our dedicated teachers, who are committed to maintaining high educational standards despite limited resources. These accomplishments have helped the EcoVillage School maintain its national accreditation, which is particularly significant in a country where most schools have been forced to close due to lack of funding and support.

Now for some irony. The Haitian government is virtually nonexistent -- no president, no legislature -- but the Ministry of Education continues its role by adding requirements to the curriculum. It has mandated the addition of three new subjects: technology, the arts and physical fitness. All good things. But the Ministry, which is required by the Haitian Constitution to pay educators like the ones at the EcoVillage School, offers not one cent. Mandates without financial support for strapped schools to meet them simply adds more stresses. Oh, well. At least it’s worth knowing that employees at the Ministry probably aren’t being paid, either.

In addition to these external factors adding pressure to teachers, inflation and the devaluation of the Haitian currency has eaten into the spending power of teachers’ pay. Plus, transportation is more difficult and fraught with the sketchy availability of gas and the spread of gang violence. Most EcoVillage teachers live at least 5 miles away. Because of these concerns, the Atlanta Partnership has committed to increasing the salaries of the teachers. It’s only fair. Teacher salaries have averaged $2000-2200…per year.

Since teacher salaries are the lion’s share of the school budget, even a modest increase puts additional pressure on our fundraising. This makes your support ever more critical. Your contributions are shaping a brighter future for the children of Haiti. Thank you.

Meeting Medical Needs at the Haiti EcoVillage School

Young children are active, curious and often susceptible to minor injuries or sudden illnesses. These health concerns are an unavoidable part of daily life, especially in a school setting. Being able to respond quickly and effectively is vital.

The Haiti EcoVillage School is in a rural area and access to medical care is quite limited or delayed.  Children often skin a knee or become ill during the day. Without any medical supplies available, the school principal would need to take students to the hospital in Hinche. Director Ramain recognized a well-stocked medical kit on site would allow the school to address these issues promptly, providing comfort and immediate care to students, addressing both their physical and emotional well-being.

Ramain requested contents of the kit to reflect the diverse needs of the school community. Items like bandages, antiseptics, and pain relief medications are essential for treating everyday cuts, bruises, and minor illnesses. Meanwhile, supplies like sanitary napkins and diapers ensure that all students, regardless of age or gender, can maintain their dignity and comfort throughout the school day.

There are no funds to purchase these medical supplies within the school budget.  One of our supporters provided a designated gift so that Director Ramain can purchase these needed supplies.   This gift is consistent with our core value to provide what the Haitian people need to help themselves.

By maintaining a comprehensive medical kit, Haiti EcoVillage School shows a commitment to creating a safe and nurturing environment. In a place where external challenges can feel overwhelming, the ability to provide basic healthcare supplies is a small but powerful step toward building a stronger, more resilient community.

Haiti EcoVillage School, Fall 2024

The Haiti EcoVillage School stands as a beacon of hope in a country where daily life is defined by uncertainty and hardship. While much of the country struggles with violence, hunger, and the absence of effective governance, the school provides a sanctuary of safety, learning, and community.

Attendance has surged, and the quality of education remains high. Our committed teachers continue to show up every day because they know their work is vital for the future of Haiti. In spite of the collapse of the government, the school’s resilience is evident.

The Haiti EcoVillage School Partnership is dedicated to raising the funds necessary to keep this beacon shining. Without our support, the school would simply cease to operate. 400+ children would be left without education, safety, or a daily meal — the only solid meal for many students.

Eleven years ago, when this partnership was founded, we envisioned a self-sustaining school, eventually funded by the Haitian government. However, the reality in Haiti has changed, requiring a renewed commitment from us. We choose to continue our mission, embracing the values of faith, courage, resilience, and commitment.

Social events, fundraising efforts, and steadfast support from local churches and donors continue to ensure that the Haiti EcoVillage School remains a thriving oasis of learning and stability in a sea of chaos.

In a place where a human dignity is challenged every day, we provide the resources to keep this essential institution going. Our students, teachers and families deserve nothing less.

Thank you for helping us keep hope alive.

Resilience in Fearful Times

How do you cope when your circumstances become overwhelming? How do the children and families in the EcoVillages find courage to continue? It’s hard for us to comprehend how they are dealing with the forces against them as Haiti struggles with political, economic, and environmental realities that seriously challenge every aspect of daily life. 

For the EcoVillage community, political instability means living in uncertainty and fear. While our school provides a sense of safety and continuity for the children, the broader environment remains oppressive. Government support for essential services, such as police, education and healthcare are either underfunded or unavailable. 

Inflation is soaring, and the value of the national currency has been steadily declining. These economic difficulties result in high prices for basic needs, including food, fuel, and school supplies. 

Many families in the EcoVillages struggle to afford daily necessities. Despite these hardships, the EcoVillage School has continued to operate thanks to the unwavering commitment of our teachers, partners, and supporters. The community faces the challenge of sustaining these efforts amidst ongoing economic difficulties.

Deforestation, soil erosion, and water scarcity are rampant due to unsustainable farming practices, natural disasters, and lack of environmental regulations. A recent report highlighted how climate change and environmental damage continue to threaten the country's fragile ecosystem, making it harder for communities to thrive.

In the EcoVillages, water scarcity impacts both daily living and agricultural activities, which the families depend on for their livelihood. Unpredictable weather patterns, such as droughts and heavy rains, also threaten crops, further straining the community's food security and the ability of the people to earn income.

UNICEF reports over 900 schools have closed with more than 150,000 students being displaced. Families are fleeing the violence in search of safety and hope. 

Our EcoVillage School and community remain determined and resilient. The people have adapted to harsh realities with incredible courage. The school itself is a beacon of hope, offering stability, education, and a sense of normalcy for the children. Our school continues to accept children who have escaped the violence—our benches are overflowing. With the support of donors, partners, and organizations like MPP, the community continues to find ways to support its members, nurture its children, and look towards a brighter future. Their resilience inspires us.