Of Haiti's 8.7 million people, almost half are illiterate. The literacy rate of 52.9% is the lowest in the region. About 90% of Haiti’s 15,200 primary schools are non-public and managed by the communities, religious organizations or NGOs. The enrollment rate for primary school is 67% — with less than 30% reaching 6th grade. Secondary schools enroll 20% of eligible-age children. Click HERE for a timeline of the developments at our Haiti schools since 2000.

St. Michels Primary School
In ten years the number of primary school students has grown from 350 to 1129. A new building completed in 2004 to accommodate the growing number of students is quickly becoming too small. Last year there were six preschool classes and five 1st grades. Meet the beautiful children of Boucan Carré and see pictures of their school.

The children of St. Michel’s primary school range in age from 3 – 25 yrs old in preschool to sixth grade. 50% of the population of Haiti is below the age of 20 which explains why 18% of the children at the school are 5 yrs. old or younger.

When we began assisting St. Michel’s primary school in Boucan Carré, managed by a handful of Sisters, it was serving 350 children in a small cinderblock structure. Funds raised through $100/yr student sponsorships have helped the school grow to 1129 students. Sponsorship helps cover cost of education, uniforms books, daily hot meals, and a portion of the teachers’ salaries.

St. Michels Secondary School
Repairs to the roof of the secondary building have been completed after hurricane damage. Classes have been conducted under a tarp in the meantime but will resume in the repaired building this February.

There are currently 177 students in the secondary school ranging in age from 14 – 29 yrs. old. Secondary school in Haiti includes grades 7-9 and grades 10, 11,12 (designated 3,2,1 respectively). After the 12th grade, called “rheto” or “level 1”, the students take their last national proficiency test. The students of St. Michel’s have done very well on these tests thanks to their dedicated Haitian professors and their understanding that education is the key to changing their lives for the better.

The final “philo” level is for students planning to attend colleges and universities. Philo level was added THIS year with four students, allowing them to stay in Boucan Carré with their families while preparing for college or universities.

Sponsorship of secondary students is $200/yr and goes toward tuition costs and teachers’ salaries.

Sponsor-A-Student
Our Sponsor-A-Student program allows you to commit $100/child/year to ensure that a St. Michels child gets a hot meal and vitamin each day, a uniform and educational supplies. The donations also support teacher salaries. You can also write letters of encouragement and send care packages to your adopted student! Meet the students in Boucan-Carré and learn how you can help them prepare for a successful future with a good education.  Read More