Reaching 3,000 More Students in Haiti
Photo: Hope for Haiti
Access to a computer can be life changing, and all students around the globe should be able to experience these critical learning tools. Continuing the transformative initiative to improve access to laptops in rural Haiti, Hope for Haiti and Endless have established three brand new computer labs in the Sud Department.
This important partnership has established almost 50 computer labs since 2015, reaching thousands. The expansion to the new schools is already making waves in the lives of nearly 3,000 primary and secondary students aged 6-15.
With the new addition of a Computer Lab Technician, the teaching tools and lab experiences are thoughtfully designed, guided by their first ever computer literacy learning path for primary students. This intentional learning design will help scaffold student learning, ensuring expedited mastery of the tools and content.
The computers aren’t the only innovative tech the partnership supported: the new labs are powered by three 3,000-watt solar energy systems, which support the computers, printers, TVs and lights, and also contribute to sustainable development and environmental conservation.
Photo: Hope for Haiti
Rode Petit Frère, Founder and Director of the Ravine Sable school, expressed heartfelt gratitude, stating, "Our school has been looking forward to this electricity system since 2021, after the one we had was destroyed by the earthquake. This is an answer to our prayers." The impact of this initiative goes beyond the confines of the computer labs, enhancing the quality of education overall throughout the schools.
Maxène Novembre, Director of Boisrond school, emphasized the significance of the computer lab in meeting educational standards set by the Ministry of Education. "Having a computer lab is an Education Ministry requirement for each school, even though they know this is not possible for most schools. We are grateful that Hope for Haiti is helping us achieve this goal," Novembre remarked. “We need this computer lab so much that we consider its installation today like rain in our desert,” she continued. “This computer lab will greatly enhance the education we provide.”
And of course, the students are excited, too. Sterline Alexis, a 5th grader at Ravine Sable school, shared: "I am very happy, because I am a student at Ravine Sable school. If I was not a Ravine Sable student, I wouldn’t have this beautiful computer lab to learn computers." The new computers bring learning apps, games, and new content to students across the country. And with Endless OS offline friendly resources, students will never have issues accessing what they need.
Jean Ronald Jocelyn, Hope for Haiti’s Education Program Director, summarized: "We are grateful for the generous support of the Dalio Foundation, which allowed us to impact almost 3,000 students through a life-changing program."
With all the labs up and running, Hope for Haiti continues to exemplify its commitment to empowering communities through education and sustainable development. Through strategic partnerships and innovative solutions, the organization is paving the way for a brighter future for the children of Haiti.
Photo: Hope for Haiti
About
Hope for Haiti, a nonprofit organization primarily focused on improving quality of life for Haitian people, particularly women and children, is a global network of individuals, foundations and corporations that believe positive change in Haiti is possible, despite the myriad of challenges its communities face. Hope for Haiti staff are in rural schools every day ensuring that kids have access to healthcare, nutritious meals, and now, computer labs full of educational content that can be accessed without internet.
At Endless, we want all learners to have access to safe, curiosity-based learning experiences, regardless of their connectivity status and where they are in the world. We believe that access to personal computing is critical for productivity, learning and job skills. We have dedicated the last 10 years to designing and delivering an operating system and tools that give people access to and control over their technology. With our tools for productivity, creativity, and learning through play and discovery, we help people of all backgrounds engage in the digital economy on more meaningful terms.
Learn more here.