It is that time of year again! The start of the Haitian school year is Monday, October 3, 2022. We are preparing to welcome over 350 students back to school at the Charles Solomon School in Port-de-Paix.
Jean Herard Charles, the school’s founder, has shared that the community is eager for the year to start. Port-de-Paix is currently safe from gang activity and, although the start of the school year has been pushed back by a month, they are anticipating an uninterrupted school year.
We are grateful that the teachers, children, and families will have a safe, supportive place to learn and grow. Unfortunately, for children living around Port-au-Prince, this is not the case as, according to government figures, more than 1,700 schools have closed, and half a million children have lost access to education due to gang violence. These children are then being recruited by gang members as soldiers or spies. It is unconscionable.
Fortunately, this is not impacting the community around Charles Solomon School, and the kids can learn and play in peace.
HAM has been supporting the Charles Solomon School for 12 years and is so grateful to be able to provide a safe space for kids to be kids. Thank you for your continued support of this important school in the community of Port-des-Paix—we couldn’t do it without you!