ECS COMMUNITY SCHOOL FUNDRAISER

OUR STORY


ECS was the first community school in its suburb of Port au Prince, Haiti.  It was founded over 30 years ago by a Haitian Family, when they couldn't find good schools for their own children to attend, the parents who were both teachers took matters into their own hands and opened ECS.  When it was about to close down in 2018 due to Haiti’s severe economic decline, a few Canadian friends stepped in with funding and logistical support through Haiti Mama Canada.

In a place that suffers poverty and instability, ECS now provides free admission to the majority of its students. Most of these children could not afford school otherwise.  Lack of education perpetuates cycles of poverty, and social dysfunction, including violence.  Education fosters intelligence, teamwork, and practical hope for the future. Many of our students have shown excellence.       

Currently, we are fundraising to help the school Hire 2 Educational Pedagogues and 2 Directors at a cost of $10K USD. Our goal is to improve the quality of education and give our teachers an increase in salary. Funds collected over the goal amount will be allocated to increasing enrollment.

Basic Costs and Efficiency at ECS

  • The 2022 operating budget is $70 USD per student for an ENTIRE YEAR of school, INCLUDING MEALS.

  • Staff are paid $100 USD per month, for 25 staff.

  • Our budget is about $51K USD for over 723 students.  

  • There is no foreign paid staff. Our goal is to maintain strict efficiency. 

  • ECS is registered as a “community school”, an official non-profit entity in Haiti.

  • School uniforms are NOT mandatory, an uncommon practice in Haiti.  Affording a uniform can pose a barrier to many children. 


    Current ECS Highlights and Successes 

  • We now encompass all grades: Kindergarten to grade 12. ( Grade 12 is also called “Philo”)

  • Teachers have attended extra training, are paid regular monthly salaries, and are enthusiastic about their work.

  • ECS students' average ranking on government exams has become one of the best in the area.

  • A meal program (Kantine) now feeds all students and school staff with plant-based meals. Bulk food purchases are from local farmers, supporting them.

  • A hygiene program is taught; clean drinking water is  provided via a filter

  • ECS facilitates basic immunizations for students against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B and Haemophilus influenzae type B.


Educational Goals 

  • Quality education for core subjects

  • Cultural education is included 

  • Basic English language education has begun 

  • Limited computer literacy is taught

  • About 43 adult students attend classes for literacy


    Humanitarian approach 

  • The majority of our students attend for free and are otherwise unable to pay.

  • ECS makes special efforts for local Restavek children, who suffer a type of modern slavery as domestic servants.  This special population suffers from heavy trauma and difficulties in education.  Extra social and educational support is provided for many who are years behind in their schooling. 

  • Gender equity, human rights, and community responsibility are a theme in ECS Education. 

Future plans 

  • Our goal is to have a long-term and consistent presence while maintaining and improving the quality of education.  

  • There are a vast number of children who cannot access education. We hope to gradually increase enrollment balanced with funding, sustainability, and quality.  

  • Continued mutual responsibility and commitment with our team of staff.

Federal Tax ID: 46-5633618