Pictured: Preschool students in the WWV Luly 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?
Pictured: 1st Grade Class in Luly
The photo above is our 1st grade class at the World Wide Village school in Luly. 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 sharp in their neatly pressed uniforms!
- The classroom buildings are made with concrete – 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.
Pictured: 2nd grade class in Luly
- Unlike schools in the U.S., there is a wide range of ages in each classroom. For example, the second grade class has students ranging in age from 6-13. This wide age range is due to the inability of many families in Haiti to send their children to school full-time without the help of sponsorship. Many children 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 value those students who have persevered in continuing in school even with these financial difficulties, but how much better to be blessed with a sponsorship and be able to continue in school regardless of family financial stability! You can read more on a recent study by the World Bank on the benefits of sponsorship HERE.
- Students sit at wooden desks and teachers use chalk boards to teach at the front of the classroom.
Pictured: 2nd grade teacher
What are the students learning? 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: 1st grade chalkboard
The curriculum for the students advances just like in the U.S. The students learn math and reading, geography and history, social studies and science.
Pictured: 3rd grade class in Luly
Above you can see the 3rd grade class in Luly. By third grade the students are learning both Creole and French. Creole is the language spoken by the entire population of Haiti. French is only spoken by about 42% of Haitians – normally the highest educated – but it is the language used in business and politics in Haiti, so is taught in many of the schools.
Pictured: The Luly schoolyard with beautiful moutains
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.
Pictured: 4th grade class
There are currently 132 students in grades preschool-5th grade in Luly. Thanks to you, these children are learning and growing 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.
Pictured: Students who still need a sponsor in Luly
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 children. We really do appreciate your faithfulness in giving and so does your student…probably more than you know…