Barriers to Education In The Haitian School System

Expensive School Fees

A majority of the schools in Haiti are private and do not receive funding from the central government. Even with funding, public schools are scarce, overcrowded and have poor working conditions. Private schools educate a Families that experience financial distress typically cannot afford the school fees annually. On average, The parents may be able to send one child to school for a couple years when the school fees are lower for elementary school. For families with multiple school aged children, siblings will take turns going to the school for the year as the parent can only afford to send one child at a time.

According to recent publishing of national data, the current minimum wage in Haiti is 500 gourdes for an 8-hour day, which converts to $4.83 a day, or 60 cents an hour in U.S. currency.

Average Costs of Attendance

School Fees for the year - average $200

Textbooks - $120

Required Uniform - $50

School Shoes - $20

School Supplies - $30

Total - $420

Burdensome Commute

Since a majority of schools are private, students must find a way to commute to school. In more urban areas, students will typically enjoy a short walk, hop on a tap tap (equivalent of a city bus), pay for a ride on a motorbike, or pay for a taxi ride. These fees add up and add to the cost of attending school.

In the more rural areas of Haiti, where there are less schools present, students will sometimes walk up to two hours one way to reach the closest schoolhouse. With this in mind, it is sometimes more feasible for the family if the school aged children remain at home and help work rather than continue their studies.

Lastly, whenever the country is under political unrest due to gang violence and major protests, citizens often remain indoors to avoid danger in the streets. This presents another barrier to education as homeschooling typically isn’t available.

Teacher Shortage

Teachers are vital to the education system but are often the most disadvantaged. Teachers typically do not receive adequate training and are not equipped to teach certain grade levels.

On average, school teachers receive 200 gourdes or $1.68 an hour in U.S. currency.

With declining school enrollment, the absence of school fees make it difficult to pay teachers’ wages. Due to low wages, it is not uncommon to see teachers pursue other forms of work. With the absence of teachers, schools either cannot offer certain grade levels, or must close their doors entirely.

Language Barriers

The education system in Haiti was originally created in French, which is also the country’s official language. However, a majority of the Haitian population do not speak French, but instead, speak Haitian Creole, the second official language.

Only an estimated 5%-10% of Haitians speak French fluently, using the language regularly on a day to day basis.

The Ministry of Education requires all school materials and lessons be taught and studied in French. Though the students are taught in French, teachers and students do not actively use or practice the language outside of the classroom, which limits proficiency of the language.

All required state and country wide exams are produced in French. A percentage of students do not pass exams because they cannot read or understand French.