School Scholarship Program

Because only about 10% of the schools in Haiti are public, and the tuition for private schools is more than most families can afford, many children in the Ti Plas Kazo neighborhood have almost no hope of getting an education. The School Scholarship Program began in the fall of 2001, when the What If? Foundation provided community leaders with the resources to enroll four children into schools. Over the years, we gradually provided funds for more and more scholarships.

This year, despite significant tuition increases in schools across Haiti, donor support enabled the What If? Foundation to fund 202 school scholarships for young people in the Ti Plas Kazo neighborhood – 189 to elementary and high school students, 12 to students at technical schools, and one to a medical school student.

“If you don’t know how to read or write, how can you become a president or a lawyer? We are going to school so that we can help our country, the people, and because in life everything is connected.” Sarah Auguste, age 16

A donation of $250 funds a one-year scholarship for an elementary school student. A contribution of $395 provides a scholarship for a high school student, and $625 covers the average cost for a student at a technical college. Scholarships cover the costs of tuition and transportation as well as the costs of some books, uniforms, and miscellaneous school fees. Members of the education staff meet with students throughout the year, tracking their progress and providing encouragement and support.

(The photo on the right is of Nathalie Jeonnat, the student we are sponsoring at Quisqueya Medical School in Port-au-Prince.)

We are proud to report that 96% of the students we sponsored in graduated or advanced to the next grade level at the end of the school year in 2010 and in 2011. Our hope is to raise sufficient funds to support our students in continuing their educations after they graduate from high school, where possible.

“My goal is to be a doctor so that I can heal the sick. Doctors are so needed in our country because so many are suffering.” – Lorite Rosenie, 8th grade

After the Earthquake

When schools closed after the January 12 earthquake, our Haitian partners launched a special education program for children that took place every afternoon before food program meals were served.  This two-hour gathering was attended by hundreds of children. Members of the education staff taught the children songs, provided materials for arts and crafts, and led group discussions.  Lavarice Gaudin, who coordinated our earthquake relief efforts in Haiti, told us that the teachers chose one subject a day to explore with the children.  Topics included the earthquake and related fears, courage, service to others, life skills and values.  The program continued until schools reopened in the spring of 2010.

See more pictures in our Photo Gallery.