Posted by HopeHaiti on May 7th, 2010
Hope Haiti Computer Learning Center (HH-CLC) aims to empower both adults and youths throughout Haiti through computer training. HH-CLC will provide free computer access and practical skill training. This increase in skill in the population will be the start of an information technology economy.
The technological economy benefited by many developed and rich nations is non existent in the Haitian community. In Haiti there are 0.9 computers for every 1000 people. Outside of Port-au-Prince this number drops to 0.2 lines per 100 people. Only the most elite schools provide computers and internet access to their students. Recent studies concluded that nearly a quarter of Haiti’s population could be moved out of poverty if the government and the international community invest in long term technology education as the source of growth.
Hope Haiti will offer free courses in practical computer skill. trains our graduates who wish to go back into their communities and teach computer skills to their peers, and partners to assist them to start viable computer programs based on the Hope Haiti Computer Learning Centre model. The hope is that the HH-CLC students will not only acquire great computer skills, they will set an example by employing,, teaching and working with others within their communities.
In Haitian society the working member of a family frequently supports the entire extended family. An increase in the standard of living of one person increases the quality of life and self-worth of every member of the family. Access to technology is necessary to break through the class barrier. More people will become self-sufficient, productive members of mainstream society.
Posted by HopeHaiti on May 7th, 2010
On January 12, 2010, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake shook southwestern Haiti and leveled much of the capital city, Port-au-Prince. As a result, 87% of Haiti’s educational institutions were impaired or completely demolished.
Investment in education, in this immediate aftermath of the disaster, will be critical to the long term development and rebuilding of Haiti’s future. Fundamental institutional challenges plagued the vast array of public and private schools even prior to the earthquake and include:
i) Absence of overarching governance and regulation,
ii) Over concentration in and around the capital city,
iii) Lack of techology priorities and funding,
iv) Minimal teachers training,
v) Insufficient libraries and outdated curriculum.
Ninety percent (90%) of the education system consists of private schools of which most are entirely unregulated, contributing to the poor quality of education. The problem of governance and regulation is the most striking because it has led to the general deterioration of academic research and education in Haiti over the last three decades.
Eighty percent (87%) of Haiti’s schools are located in the affected region of Haiti within or in close proximity to Port-au-Prince. As a result, physical damage has been significant for a majority of the institutions.
The problem of over concentration has played a decisive role in the national academic system’s vulnerability in the recent earthquake.
A large segment of Haiti’s emerging skilled teachers were killed. An uncalculated number of teachers, professionals and students have fled Haiti after the earthquake, contributing to the brain-drain of a critically needed people for the country. Most of the grants granted to Haiti will compound the emigration of Haitian scholars to foreign countries. As result, the challenge of building a new Haiti remains problematic. The solution for building Haitian competence must be built from the ground and on site in Haiti.
