Solidarity vs. Charity
In order to bridge the gap between the developed world and the third world, we need to listen to the affected people directly and give a voice to the voiceless. Lasting development needs to come from within and the people themselves need to be actively involved with the process of reconstruction. This is why we focus on solidarity as opposed to charity. We partner with grassroots organizations in Haiti, hear about their aspirations and plans for progress, and support them in their efforts to bring stability and justice to their people.
The Haitian Constitution clearly states ..."education shall be free. Primary education shall be compulsory. State education shall be free at every level." But what the founders originally had planned seems to have been lost in translation for a couple hundred years. With approximately 53% of Haitians unable to read or write, the current educational system in Haiti is perhaps the worst in the western hemisphere. Only 8% of schools are publicly funded and the remaining are outrageously priced private schools, which can easily cost up to $500 a year. With the minimum wage set at $3 a day, this is completely unrealistic for families to afford. To add uniform, transportation, and book fees into the mix, this is unimaginable. An estimated 37% of Haitian children over the age of five never receive formal education and those that do don't have enough options for higher education.
-40,000 youth graduate from high school
-The university capacity is at 6,000
-Meaning 34,000 dont know what to do for a higher degree
How can we expect Haitians to rebuild their nation when they are unable to obtain a decent education? This is why we focus our support efforts on education. We see education as a human right endowed to all individuals. Education is hope, empowerment, peace, and an end to poverty. Because government funding has neglected public schools, we hope to help the Haitian grassroots organizations build their own educational systems that will mold future leaders.