SCHOOLS FOR HAITI
HAITI:
A Country Born of Slavery and Corruption
Haiti occupies one-third of the Caribbean island of Hispaniola, which it shares with the Dominican Republic. About the same size as the state of Delaware. It has a population of 8-9 million people, over 80% of which live below the poverty line.
The Reign of Papa Doc
Francois “Papa Doc” Duvalier came into power in 1957. This was one of the most corrupt and repressive regimes in modern history. He racked up massive debt and embezzled 80% of its international aid, which is said to be 45% of their yearly budget. When “Papa Doc” fled, estimates of what he took with him run as high as $900 million.
The last 5 centuries have combined to produce a people so poor, an infrastructure so non-existent and a state so hopelessly ineffectual that whatever natural disaster chooses to strike next, its impact on the population is magnified many times over. Simply, Haiti has been plagued by rulers that have shamelessly pillaged the land and stolen all its wealth.
Since the fall of the Duvalier dictatorship, Haiti’s economic and social stability had improved considerably, and many believed they were turning a corner toward sustainable development. Unfortunately, the earthquake in 2010 has set back the development.
The last 5 centuries have combined to produce a people so poor, an infrastructure so non-existent and a state so hopelessly ineffectual that whatever natural disaster chooses to strike next, its impact on the population is magnified many times over. Simply, Haiti has been plagued by rulers that have shamelessly pillaged the land and stolen all its wealth.
Since the fall of the Duvalier dictatorship, Haiti’s economic and social stability had improved considerably, and many believed they were turning a corner toward sustainable development. Unfortunately, the earthquake in 2010 has set back the development.
Poverty & Illiteracy
A major problem in Haiti is that formal education rates are among the lowest in the Western Hemisphere. The literacy rate is about 53% while the average literacy rate for Latin American and Caribbean countries in approximately 90%. The Haitian government provides very little funding for education. As a result, the private sector has become a substitute for government investment in education.
The Orphans
In the midst of this, there are approximately 490,000 orphans living in Haiti. A great number of these children actually have parents that have surrendered them to an orphanage simply because they cannot afford to feed them or to educate them.
Obstacles of Education
- Teachers may be underqualified. Sometimes the teacher is only a few grades ahead of the student.
- The expense of attending school often exceeds a families resources.
- The average age for students starting school is 9.
- Insufficient number of schools. This sometimes requires children to walk up to 2 hours to school. This takes time away from adding to family income and can be very dangerous.
- A number of schools are run by religious organizations but many more are run as a business to make a profit.
- Students are required to pay a fee to take the exams. If the fee is not paid, the student does not pass to the next grade.
The Challenges
Given the above obstacles and the lack of schools for the number of children who want an education, there is a high demand for seats. At this point, the seats go to those who can afford to pay for them. This is where the story of Schools for Haiti begins.
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| Len P. Demert |
Len Demert - Founder of Schools for Haiti
About 10 years ago, Len Demert answered a call to teach English in Haiti. He met the children there and began to teach, but couldn't help but notice that the schools were in very poor condition. Len was so moved to do something beyond teaching that he started an organization with the goal to provide free education for the poorest of Haiti's children – and Schools for Haiti was born. For seven years, Len visited Haiti two or three times a year. Every time he returned to the United States, he would pray for God's help and work to raise funds for Schools for Haiti.
The Loss of A Great Man
About 2 years ago, Len Demert died while undergoing a heart procedure he needed to continue his missionary work, he was 81 years old. Len's surviving family continues his legacy. They include Demert's daughter, Lynn Langseth, and her husband Roger of Stewartville, WI; along with Langseth’s mother and her sisters, all of whom live in Wisconsin.
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| Roger and Lynn Langseth |
The Legacy Continues
Thanks to Demert's groundwork, the continuing efforts of his family and friends, and the donors who have generously contributed, Schools for Haiti has built four schools and two children's homes. A total of about 800 children who attend the four schools are all receiving a free education.
"When Dad died, we had to decide if this was something we wanted to continue as a family," Lynn Langseth said. "It's a lot of work. My dad did a lot of fund raising in Wisconsin, and God provided in so many ways. It seemed that this mission was meant to continue."
"When Dad died, we had to decide if this was something we wanted to continue as a family," Lynn Langseth said. "It's a lot of work. My dad did a lot of fund raising in Wisconsin, and God provided in so many ways. It seemed that this mission was meant to continue."
And their mission does continue. Len’s family still returns to Haiti to visit the children. They bring nurses with them to make sure the children are healthy and, they themselves make sure all are getting the education that Len envisioned for them. If you feel compelled to help educate and care for the children in Haiti, go to http://www.schools4haiti.com/how-you-can-help/.
One of the ways they help fund themselves is by selling a Haitian blend of coffee called Len’s Blend. It comes in a 12 oz. bag and can be purchased on their website www.schools4haiti.com
