About the Haitian Catholic Education Initiative

Much has been written about the urgent need to address the entrenched educational challenges facing Haiti. Public and non-public education services are out of reach for far too many Haitian families—only 65 percent of elementary school-aged children and 20 percent of secondary school-aged children are even enrolled (U.S. Department of State, 2012). Those services in reach are often poor in quality.

Yet, there is reason for hope.

A coalition of local and international Catholic organizations is working to strengthen Catholic education in Haiti through the Haitian Catholic Education Initiative. Haitian Church and educational leaders have taken bold steps to advance a forward thinking action plan for transforming the nation's Catholic schools, which represent approximately 15-20% of school capacity in the country. This plan has been informed by the most comprehensive national assessment of the Haitian Catholic education system conducted to date.

With support from the Haitian government and a committed, multi-sector group of Haitian and international funders and collaborators, Catholic education can be revitalized and expanded to provide more children a high quality education. Catholic schools can serve as an exemplar for national education reform efforts and be a catalyst for the realization of a vibrant, socio-economically viable Haiti.