Why a Boarding School?

The January 12, 2010, earthquake, although tragic, has given Haiti a chance for a new beginning. This new beginning should focus on creating a strong foundation that will help Haiti develop and progress. Therefore, the rebuilding of the country ought to start with the young generation, since they are the foundation and future leaders of Haiti. In order for Haiti to flourish and develop, it is important to educate the underprivileged youth in the rural areas. Investing in education improves welfare and fosters development, progress and sustainability.

To achieve HSE's objective, HSE will operate as a co-educational boarding school. The boarding school structure is instrumental in achieving HSE objectives. In rural areas in Haiti, there are many barriers to obtaining an education. The boarding school structure will help eliminate some of these barriers by providing a nurturing environment that is conducive to learning.

Because Grand-Bois lacks basic infrastructure, HSE will provide housing for faculty, students and administrators. Public infrastructure, such as public transportation, sewage systems, and adequate housing is lacking. The boarding school structure will help attract qualified teachers and administrators by ensuring access to these basic necessities.

The boarding school structure is also necessary to ensure that the students are provided with nutritional meals. It is difficult for children to focus on academics, if they are suffering from malnutrition. In poor rural areas, like Grand-Bois, it is not uncommon for children to have only one meal per day. Also, due to a lack of an established public transportation system, some children are forced to walk long distances on foot or by horse to attend school. The boarding school structure will provide an opportunity for students to focus on academics and flourish without the worries or burden of their economic and social position.

The HSE curriculum will follow guidelines established by the Haitian educational system; however the school will be bilingual and have a focus on community service.

Students will engage in community service projects to keep them informed about social issues affecting their community and strengthen their penchant for volunteerism. Students will also partake in environmental friendly practices, like gardening, recycling and composting.

The school will pursue green strategies and will be environmentally friendly. HSE will employ the use of renewable energy such as solar panels and take advantage of durable materials. There will also be an onsite greenhouse and agricultural gardens to supplement fruits and vegetables for the school's use.

This will be a new way of educating young minds in rural Haiti, and its curriculum will have a great and positive impact on the children. The HSE boarding school will encourage self-sufficiency in the youth of Haiti and cultivate future leaders for a better Haiti.