The CIMA School of Hope was founded in 2011 after the devastating 2010 earthquake. The two-room, dirt floor classroom under a tent was created to provide an enriching learning experience for the Limonade community that did not previously have its own school. Today, there are 12 classrooms, approximately 300 students, and 18 teachers and aides for Pre-K through Grade 9. The school's reputation attracts many students from outside the immediate area who walk several kilometers to be educated.
Local food production is insufficient to feed the growing population and heavy reliance is placed on imports to fill the gap. Confinement as a tool to fight Covid-19 has curtailed economic activities in the U.S. and Dominican Republic, two of the largest suppliers to Haiti. As school re-opens in August, the dilemma of providing a meal each school day to 300 children through June weighs heavy on the administrators. School lunch is the only meal for many of the children living in food insecurity.
Children who are hungry cannot focus, may be disruptive in class and have lower cognitive and social-emotional skills. Furthermore, these children will return to school adhering to stressful Covid-19 protocols in a new learning environment. Sonje-Ayiti will provide one meal each school day from the menu: 1) Mixed rice, beans + creole chicken sauce; 2) Spaghetti + boiled egg; 3) Black bean sauce, dumplings or soya rice; 4) White rice + black bean sauce + okra beef sauce; OR 5) Corn porridge.
Education is a pathway out of poverty and makes it possible for persons to stand out among their peers irrespective of barriers and inequities. Education fosters critical thinking and the ability to contribute to family, build community, and participate in society in a meaningful way. Children who are educated and become parents are likely to encourage their children to seek an education as they see the value and benefits created by the investment in learning.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
