St Gabriel's School, Haiti.

Dear Friends, 

Education is the key to everything, and especially for the future of Haiti, which has suffered more than its share of natural disasters, political turmoil, and economic crises. 

St. Gabriel’s School opened its doors in 2011 and is now home to 216 students. It is known throughout the country as one of the most successful schools. Typically, 100% of its students pass the national 9th grade exam; and at the graduation level, the school boasts a 99% pass rate whereas the national average is 46%. Additionally, each student attending the school receives a hot meal every day. 

In Haiti, one third of children do not attend school due to a lack of resources, both at the family and state levels. The children of Haiti are no different from the children in the United States except that Haiti is the poorest country in the Americas. 

Yet, the operating budget of the school is small by our standards, such that anything we give can have a huge impact on the lives of students and teachers. For example:

– The salary of the Head of School is approximately $10,000 per year 

– Teacher salaries (most teachers are part time because they teach in multiple schools) total only $50,000 per year 

– A 3-acre garden will require only $5,000 to cover seeds, plants and professional gardeners

– Just $25 a month or $300 a year covers tuition for 1 student

– $10 provides a student with a daily hot meal for a month

Father David Noone of the Xaverian Brothers in Albany, NY, and Jean-Pierre Joizil from the village of Fontaine, founded St Gabriel's in 2011. Today it is a beacon of hope for the community; sharing water from its well, electricity from its solar panels, and better prospects for the children. Just as Jean-Pierre Joizil has used his education by the Xaverian brothers to help his country, so can the children of St Gabriels' - such is the transformative power of knowledge, both for them and for the country of Haiti.