Haiti’s complex history of colonisation and exploitation has created an educational system that generates individuals with certificates of completion instead of skilled leaders committed to lifelong learning and willing to challenge the status quo. The true meaning of leadership has been co-opted by repeated abuse of power. This has created a culture that limits individual empowerment, promotes a large-scale scarcity mindset, stifles innovation and creates subsistence channels used to survive, rather than thrive. This is especially true in rural communities that are disconnected from development initiatives occurring in metropolitan areas and thus have limited access to potential opportunities.
Terre Froide, a small agrarian community on Haiti’s eastern border, is home to nearly 800 people, the majority of whom are under the age of 25. Family incomes are primarily from farming and herding and are unpredictable due to long drought spells. Many in Terre Froide struggle to consistently afford basic necessities, leaving education as an unattainable privilege to most. Those that can afford to send their kids to school often defer enrollment until the child is deemed old enough to make the 2-hour walk (one way) or motorcycle ride to the nearest school. This has created a huge educational gap as many start school as late as age 6. Others are sent to live in often substandard conditions with relatives in the city to attend school, causing regional brain drain.
The Terre Froide Community School is the first school in Terre Froide & first community-owned school in the region, cocreated by strengthening existing human capital.
MoreBringing together youth in celebration of International Youth Day to discuss the issues affecting their communities and learn from specialised workshops.
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