Protecting Education
“Going into a new school year, we are celebrating the accomplishments of the students in Haiti who, despite hardships, worked hard to finish last school year, and are looking ahead to this school year.”
If you have had any connections with public schools lately, whether as a parent, student, teacher, or staff, you may have heard or been a part of the implementation of emergency lockdown procedures. Often students and staff will participate in yearly lockdown drills to ensure the school is prepared if emergencies were to arise. Of course, the hope is that these lockdown procedures never have to be used. The fact that these emergency drills are needed in the first place points to the sad reality of our broken world.
This International Day to Protect Education from Attack, we are recognizing that when attacks happen at schools, children’s right to education is under attack too.
EDUCATION UNDER ATTACK
According to UNICEF, with the current crisis situation in Haiti, “hundreds of schools have been forced to close, with attacks and lootings on school premises– and direct threats to teachers– disrupting the education of thousands of children.” To say that education is under attack in Haiti is an understatement. Schools are meant to be safe places for children to learn, grow, and thrive, but the continued gang violence has created a massive collection of barriers for children to access their right to an education.
Places of education should be safe havens for children, students and education personnel. However, all too often they, and the places wherein they learn, become either direct targets or collateral damage in conflict-affected contexts.
UNICEF
Children should not have to worry about whether they will make it home safely at the end of the school day. Children should not have to watch their educational dreams shatter at the hands of armed gangs. Children should not have to be uprooted from their homes, communities, and friends in order to find safety. Children should be able to be children, and education plays a significant role in that.
WHERE IS THE HOPE IN ALL OF THIS?
World Hope’s Child Sponsorship program is still bringing hope to the crisis in Haiti. The goal of the program is to create equitable access to education and improve learning outcomes for all children in schools (pre-schools, primary and secondary). This goal still stands strong amidst the violence.
Despite all of the hardships occurring in Haiti, the children in World Hope’s partner schools were able to finish the 2023-2024 school year. This is a massive achievement and one that is deserving of celebration. The children’s commitment to education is admirable.
Not only were the children able to finish the 2023-2024 school year, World Hope staff were able to visit two of the partner schools to encourage, support and uplift local leaders. Helping them to remain committed to the goals of the child sponsorship program despite the great difficulties.
Thank you to those on the ground spreading hope and compassion amid the strife and thank you to those who are helping to spread hope and compassion through generous giving and prayer.
“You are my refuge and shield; I have put my hope in your word.”
HOW CAN I HELP?
The resilience of the Haitian students and staff is incredible. One thing that can be learned from our Haitian brothers and sisters is that hope remains present amidst hardships. You can be a part of helping to build the resilience of the people of Haiti through your generosity. There are many ways to give through emergency relief, or child sponsorship. Be a part of protecting children’s right to education today!
Read more about the ongoing situation in Haiti and be encouraged that Haiti is Not Forgotten
Learn more about World Hope International’s Child Sponsorship program and ignite hope by signing up to become a sponsor today!
Or make a gift to The Hope Fund, which helps us to continue to promote dignity and build opportunity and hope around the world.
