Monday (November 9, 2020), our children began their 2020-2021 school year.
Why is the school year beginning in November?
Political demonstrations, gang activity, and COVID-19 united to prevent Haitian children from completing the 2019-2020 school year earlier this year. School doors across Haiti were closed for many months then finally reopened in August so that the 2019-2020 school year could be completed. Final exams were given during October, and the 2020-2021 school year began on Monday.
Education in Haiti
Haiti’s constitution states that education should be offered free to all people, yet the nation has never been able to reach that goal! Private schools run by various ministries and organizations account for at least 80% of the total enrollments. Thanks to the donations of Haitian Christian Projects and Freedom Church, all expenses related to tuition, books, and uniforms have been paid in full for the upcoming school year. Praise God!
Haiti’s school system offers different grade levels than those we are accustomed to in the United States. A child who attends every grade that is offered actually attends school for sixteen years. The first chart shows the grade levels, and the second chart shows the age and grade level of each of the children at Source of Life.
Important prayer requests for the 2020-2021 school year:
- Pray for safety and protection as the children leavethe safety of the SLM compound. Some of the children go to the large school at Christianville nearby our children’s home; others attend Les Abeilles D’Aspam, a smaller school along the main road in Gressier. Haiti has become more dangerous, including the small town of Gressier. Harold is vigilant as he drives the children, knowing that safe arrival even to local destinations is not a guarantee. Pray for God’s protection.
- Pray that the school year will be able to be completed without interruption. There have been many reports and speculation that another political situation is on the horizon for February that could potentially send the country into lock-down again. Pray for political peace.
- Pray for the academic needs of each of our Source of Life children. School is difficult in Haiti with requirements very high. Many of our children did not have the opportunity to start school early enough, which has caused them some level of difficulty. Pray that they all will apply themselves to the work and that God will help them to grasp what they are taught.
A Message from our Director:
We are trusting God for His protection. It is only by His grace that Source of Life has continued to be kept from harm and danger. Despite Haiti facing one of the worst times in the history of the country, God has preserved the lives of our children and all of our employees. We are grateful to Him! I pray God will entirely cover the children under the shadow of His wing as they return to their schools!
I want to thank every person who has been supporting our ministry. Thank you for your prayers and your financial support. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with you to further the Kingdom of God. May the Lord continue to bless you and your family.
Blessings,
Jacques Merine, Director
