HAI139 Education underprivileged girls
project description
In the northeast of Haiti, boys are favoured, they are allowed to go to school. Girls cannot, they are useful in the housekeeping. But education is very important in lifting the poorest families from the downward spiral. That is why organisation ‘Hulp Haiti’ (Help Haiti) pays the tuition fees for these underprivileged girls, the parents contribute to the registration fee themselves. This way the girls get a chance of a better future. And later – with the help of their own income - they can support their family.
why this project?
The percentage of children who go to school is quite low in the area, about 60%. Especially the poorest families cannot send (all) children to school and disadvantage their daughters compared to their sons. The schools are there, but the families simply do not have the financial means to pay for the education. Parents often lack (sufficiently paid) work.
impact
Education is important for the building and progress of families and of the country. 4-18 year old girls get the chance to be educated and to be able to practice a profession later. They will also support their family with that. Most of them will go to the city to work or to continue their studies if possible. This way the girls get a chance of a better future in a seemingly hopeless situation.
what can we learn?
Organisation ‘Hulp Haiti’ collaborates with a few schools in the area. Additionally, local, trustworthy friends help with the selection of the children so that the tuition fees go to the right families. Parents visit the employees of the organisation with the bought materials to show that they really used the money for school materials such as books, uniforms, shoes, bags, notebooks and pens. The children have to show their report card quarterly. Additionally the organisation is in close contact with the schools about the children.
