We accompany a network of 16 preschools, 12 elementary schools, 2 high schools, and 1 teachers’ college. With over 4,500 students, we are present in 5 of Haiti’s departments. In the Northwest, our schools are located in communities near Jean Rabel: Acadien, Colette, Cotton, Djondjon, Fond Ramadou, and Gros Sable. In the Northeast, they are in the municipalities of Ouanaminthe (Bédou and Bassin Grand Chemin), Capotille (Welsh), and Carice. In the West department, the schools are in Canaan, Cazeau, and Balan (near Ganthier). There are two Foi et Joie schools in the Southeast, located in La Montagne and Arreguy (near Jacmel), and one in the Grand’Anse, located in Désormeaux (near Dame Marie).
We work in marginalized, mostly rural communities. We train teachers to help them improve their pedagogy. We work closely with the national and local authorities, with universities, and other partners. Besides the schools in our network, we also train teachers who work in other public and private schools, through our teacher’s college and our national pedagogy team.
Besides formal education, we focus on the whole person. Depending on funding possibilities, our schools offer programs in sports, art, and spirituality. We promote human and civic values, such as gender equity and service. Some of our schools are staffed with psychologists, who offer counseling to our students, teachers, and families.
Our schools count on the active participation of parent associations. We are beginning to implement income-generating activities, as a way to support family livelihoods while also helping the schools to become more self-sufficient. Environmental sustainability is a priority in our development projects.
JOY!
