Partners since 2008

Since school attendance in Haiti costs money, even at public schools, 25% of all children in Haiti today have no access to education. At the two schools St. Emma and St. Nicolas, which we have been supporting financially since 2008, more than 600 schoolchildren learn to read, write and do mathematics every year without having to pay school fees. In addition to access to education, the children receive a loving learning environment. Because they speak predominantly Kreyòl in their environment, it is particularly important for their future that they also learn French at school, the second official language of the country and language of the former colonial power France. This will give them a better chance of finding a job later on.

In 2010, the schools were unfortunately destroyed by the great earthquake, as were large parts of Port-au-Prince. Thanks to the help of numerous donors and initiatives, we were able to finance the construction of two earthquake-resistant schools in 2013. In 2015, the two schools were ceremoniously reopened. In addition, since 2017/18 both schools have a drinking water system financed by Pen Paper Peace, which is not only available to the children, but also to the community. Only Haitians work in both schools: The project thus creates local jobs and supports the regional economy.

The schools are run by the St. Luke Foundation (Fondation St. Luc). The foundation is a Haitian non-profit organization. It was founded by Father Rick Frechette and young Haitians who grew up in the Haitian branch of NPH Kinderhilfe. The St. Luke Foundation (Fondation St. Luc) works closely with NPH Haiti, but is autonomous, independent and the sole owner and administrator of its many programs and initiatives. As its name suggests, the foundation has a Christian background. This is as inseparable from its colonial history as it is from contemporary Haitian society. Its work is independent of ethnicity and religion. The foundation’s education program provides free academic and career training, school supplies, uniforms, backpacks and meals to a total of more than 16,000 students. Most of its 33 elementary schools, including St. Emma and St Nicolas, are located in the least-served areas of Port-au-Prince. Additional schools have opened in the provinces.
St. Emma and St. Nicolas each have about 300 children from the neighboring residential areas. The children are taught there from preschool to 6th grade. The schools are not only a place of learning, but also a place where the children can play safely in a peaceful environment. Students who graduate from the Foundation’s elementary schools in Port-au-Prince have the opportunity to attend the Academy for Peace and Justice secondary school. After high school, students can apply to attend the Foundation’s vocational school with members of the local community. The School of Nursing and Medical Technology and the School of Science and Technology provide training that enables students to enter the job market as skilled professionals. The curriculum includes nursing, water treatment, auto repair, solar energy, and digital media and communications.

Our cooperation is organised through the St-Luke Foundation. We are in contact with the foundation through NPH Germany.