Pictured: Preschool students at Williamson school
Have you ever wondered what a typical school day looks like in Haiti? Are you curious what your sponsored student is learning? Would you like to know what their classroom looks like and how many other students are in their class?
The photo above shows a portion of our preschool class at the World Wide Village school in Williamson. They say that a photo speaks a thousand words and it’s so true. There is so much you can learn about your sponsored student from this simple photo.
- All students in Haiti wear school uniforms. Students at each grade level wear different types and colors of uniform. This is a long-standing tradition for schools in Haiti. The students look so cute in their little yellow uniforms!
- The classroom buildings are made with concrete blocks – very typical for buildings in Haiti. There are no actual windows, but the classrooms do have window vents. These vents are terrific for air flow, but also allow dust in during the dry seasons.
- The children sit in little wooden chairs while the teachers stands at the front of the room and uses a chalkboard for instruction.
- Many of these children in the photo who are not sponsored will attend school one year, but stay home the following year while their family saves enough money to pay tuition for the next school year. We cherish those families who persevere in sending their students to school even with financial difficulties, but how much better to be blessed with a sponsorship and be able to continue in school regardless of family financial stability! We are praying that as more and more young students are sponsored, more children will be able to finish their schooling and have a chance at a brighter future. You can read more on the benefits of sponsorship HERE through a study by the World Bank.
Pictured: More students in preschool in Williamson
Students in preschool in Haiti learn many of the same things as students in the United States. ABC’s and 123’s are taught through music, play and instruction. They learn to write their names and how to behave in a classroom setting. Their school days are typically shorter than the older students, but they are learning and growing and preparing for their future!
Pictured: Meadjia & Martine – best friends!
Each school day in Haiti begins with a Flag Ceremony. The Haitian flag is a symbol of pride for the Haitians and they celebrate their country with the raising of the flag each morning. The students are also led in daily prayers and receive Christian education taught by Pastor Joassaint each week.
The younger students really enjoy recess – a time to stretch their legs and get to run! Similar to recess in the United States, the younger students play tag and climb on the equipment while the older students meet up to talk with friends. Notice how many of the children are congregating in the shade. Haiti can be scorchingly hot some months!
Pictured: Students at recess and the flag in the school yard
There are currently 36 students in preschool in Williamson. Thanks to you, these children are learning and growing under Pastor Joassaint’s care in the World Wide Village school. We can’t tell you enough what a difference your sponsorship is making in the life of your student. For many of these kids it’s the difference between having the opportunity for an education and a brighter future or being stuck in a cycle of illiteracy and poverty. THANK YOU.
As you’re praying for your own sponsored student, please also pray for students who do not yet have a sponsor. Would you consider taking just a moment to share this opportunity with friends and family or share on Facebook? Ultimately our desire is to have every student sponsored. Could you help us reach this goal? Thank you again for giving selflessly for these young children. We really do appreciate your faithfulness in giving and so does your student…probably more than you know…