School began on time! Some years, especially after a hurricane or political unrest, it can be late into the month of September or even October before it starts. Fortunately, this year we aren’t having to deal with either of those things.
As we have surely mentioned before, the mission schools in Haiti, are one of the most important things a ministry can do. The Haitian Educational System yields the lowest total rate of education in the western hemisphere. Depending on the site you are on, rates of literacy are listed anywhere from 50% to a high of 61%. The country continually faces shortages in educational supplies and qualified teachers – one of the reasons those of you who give supplies each year are providing such a valuable need. Most of our teachers come from the public education system because they know, even though sometimes it may be a little late, they will get paid.
Nearly 33% of children between the ages of 6 and 12 (approximately 500,000) do not attend school. The mandated age for entering school is 6, but the actual age is closer to 10. It is very common to see 16-year-old kids in the 6th grade.
Prior to the 2010 earthquake, the Ministry of Education reported that Christian missionary schools provided yearly education for over 600,000 students. Not only do they receive basic education – reading, writing, math and science, and history, they also are taught Bible lessons designed for their ages. If they go to the school, it is a rule that they attend the church, which the school becomes on Sunday.
We feel education is the key to most, if not all, their problems. When we have an opportunity to talk to the schools, we always tell them that education is knowledge. With knowledge comes ability, and with ability comes the power to change the world around them.
When you give in any way for the schools – supplies, sponsoring a child, or a certain school, you are providing that opportunity for many.
As always, thank you for helping our friends in Haiti and prayers for Terry.
