Remedial Courses: a path to advancement

On: By: potapiman

The 2023-2024 academic year has not been a successful one in Haiti. Many students who normally would pass their exams had difficulties meeting the grade level requirements to move on to the next class. They found themselves just short of passing their exams due to temporary setbacks.

Recognizing that these students had the potential to succeed with the right support,  Konbit Pou Potapiman in accord with the primary school directors is introducing special remedial courses designed to help those students bridge the gap and advance to the next class.  These courses aim to provide targeted support and preparation for a special exam that will determine their readiness to be upgraded.

The courses are offered to students of grade levels 4, 5, and 6. The participating schools are EFA, Ecole Notre Dame du Rosaire, Ecole Nationale de Figuiers and Ecole Nationale de Potus. 100 students are expected to attend. Each school has selected 25 kids who meet the criteria.  The duration of the courses is set for 1 month from July 15th to August 15th, 2024.

Teachers with expertise and a proven record have been chosen by the school administrators to lead the courses, KPP provided all necessary materials and covered all costs associated with the realization of this project.

Regular assessments will be conducted to monitor the progress of the students, under the supervision of KPP Representative, Mrs. Paule Edeline Orcel.
At the end of the course, school administrators will assess their students, A special exam will be given and those who pass will move to the next class in September,

Konbit Pou Potapiman (KPP) thanks its donors for their efforts and understanding. You have made this project possible. Mèsi Anpil.

Photos: Jonel Musac & Ricardo Faustin
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Our accomplishments at the National School of Figuiers

On: By: potapiman

 A few years ago, the Ministry of National Education reformed the structure of the school system in Haiti. Prior to the change, primary schools were made up of 6 grades, 1st through 6th. Now, primary education is made up of 9 grades, 1st through 9th.

The implementation of the change, from 6 to 9 grades, went through a transition period at the National School of Figuiers in Port-a-Piment. To date, the school has incorporated 2 grades, 7th and 8th. As for the 9th grade, they were facing a dilemma. The sole structure unoccupied on the premises had been severely damaged by the earthquake in August 2021.

       

What should have represented an exciting opportunity for an educator turned into a nightmare. The joy of being in a situation impacting the lives of more children in the community vanished. The National School Board handed out new responsibilities without providing the resources to handle them. As of today, no public funds have been provided to assist the school.

After many requests were left without adequate response, Mr. Luckner Charles (the principal of the school in Figuiers)  formulated a plan of action. He found accommodations for the 7th and 8th grades. Then Mr. Charles turned to Konbit Pou Potapiman (KPP) by submitting a request through proper channels for funds to repair the damaged structure.

On March 17th, our board met, and we unanimously approved the request. Today, the children attending the 9th grade will enjoy a decent place to be educated.

 

We want to take this opportunity to thank the friends of KPP. You made repairing the National School of Figuiers possible. This is your donation at work.

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New Program to Teach Students about Citizenship

On: By: potapiman

by Claude Levy

As far back as we adults can remember, we had a citizenship class in school, and we studied that from a book entitled: “Instruction Civique et Morale”. One of the schools in Port-a-Piment that KPP is helping has started to implement a program that had vanished from the school curriculum for a number of years.

Konbit Pou Potapiman embraces the idea to reinstate that course in a practical way. Last February, the Director of the EFACAP school, Mr. Mac-Louis Simon, started the program for the 4th and 5th grades of “Année Fondamentale”.It will be held for a duration of 2 years, with the expectation that these students:

  1. a) Will become responsible citizens
  2. b) Will take care of the environment.
  3. c) Will learn to solve conflicts peacefully
  4. d) Will be respectful towards people in general
  5. e) Will work together towards progress for the community and beyond.

The main topics outlined in this course are:

1- Know yourself

2- Discipline

3- Responsibility

4- Community assets

5- Transforming dreams into reality

6- Team work

Each topic will culminate into a group project that will clearly illustrate what the students have learned from the sessions.

Mr. Simon held a meeting with the Parents. They were encouraged to support the students in their preparation to become responsible citizens so they can be trusted leaders in the future.

The goal of KPP is to accompany Port-a-Piment and its surrounding towns in their efforts to improve the lives of their population, to educate their children and young adults, and finally to maintain their public places so that all the families can enjoy a good life and their children can continue their work later on.

Photo/video: Jonel Musac

Reopening of schools in the commune of Port-a-Piment

On: By: potapiman

 

We are witnessing a slow return to normalcy in the wake of the political turmoil that gripped Haiti in the last few weeks, and which prompted all schools to close their doors. School reopening in Port-a-Piment has been a gradual process. At the schools of EFACAP and Notre Dame du Rosaire classes resumed on Monday February 19th, but not at full capacity.

 

 

The disruption caused by the nationwide political unrest prompted the parents to send their children back to the classrooms with some anxiety. But being mindful of their children’s education, residents of the commune of Port-a-Piment are now expressing a collective sigh of relief as schools reopen.

 

Despite the many challenges, the reopening of schools signifies a step towards normalcy and the restoration of routine for both students and parents. It becomes a beacon of hope amid the broader problems faced by the society at large. As classrooms gradually fill with students, parents are finding solace in the fact that their children can resume their education, even if the path forward is uncertain.

Photo: Jonel Musac