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The most successful revolutions in the past have had as a central goal the creation of a strong educated society. They used every government resource available in order to nurture a people able to shape a progressive society. This is what people understand to be true in Haiti as they embark on this kind of social strengthening. Although there has only been one government in recent Haitian history that fully backed public education, it's the grassroots community that must take up the torch for now.

In Haiti, education has primarily been a privilege of the bourgeoisie, kept out of reach of the poor majority by the exchange of exorbitant fees for basic knowledge. Haitians know that even though a child comes from a humble background, once educated he has power in society. The students that attend SOPUDEP school- which include the chronically poor, street children and "Restaveks" (child servants)- recognize that the school exists specifically for them, that is, those considered to be from a "lower class". But SOPUDEP strives to bridge the gap between rich and poor, to seek common understanding between the two. At SOPUDEP, students have a palpable desire to learn. While some see this as a way to break their family's cycle of poverty, many want to become part of a profession that can have a real impact on their country. SOPUDEP students routinely express their desire to become doctors, lawyers, teachers and politicians. They see these career paths as concrete ways to affect real change in Haiti, to create a country that exists for them too.

It is important to note, that because international giving supports the staff wages, any child can attend SOPUDEP for free. This differs greatly from the majority of schools in Haiti that charge a fee per student to attend.

 

Student Interviews

by Canadian Photojournalist Darren Ell

"When I'm finished high school three years from now, I want to help my country. I want to find solutions for some of the problems we're having, like kidnapping and poverty. These things have always troubled me, even when I was young. I want to help with the kidnapping problem because my cousin was kidnapped in 2006 in Port au Prince and hasn't been seen since. I'd like to become a politician to help find the answer to these problems."

- Jean

Brunice"When I finish high school, I'd like to keep studying so I can get the work I want. I'd like to be a doctor, or a nurse, or an accountant. I'm not sure. First though, before going to university, I have to work. My parents don't have enough to pay for my studies."

- Brunice

Sindie"I live in Carrefour-Feuilles. I come one hour on the bus every day to go to school. My father is a mechanic. My mother sells food products out of our home. When I finish high school, I want to be a doctor. It shouldn't be too difficult for my parents to send me to school because I want to study in Cuba and it's not too expensive."

- Sindie

Michel"I had to change schools in 2004. I lived in Delmas and there was a lot of chaos. It was the time of the coup d'etat. I was very afraid. It was terrible in the streets. There were gangs and bandits and a lot of shooting. My mother moved us to Petion-ville. Things are a lot better now, but my fatheris having a difficult time. He hasn't worked since the coup. He's an artist. He does drawings. He used to sell them in the street, but he doesn't draw anymore."

- Michel
Etinnine

"I come from a large family. I have three brothers and three sisters. To pay for everything, my mother washes clothes and my father makes wooden sculptures. He sells them on the street. When I finish high school, I'd like to be a doctor. I've wanted to be a doctor since I was 13, but I don't know how my mother will be able to send me to university. She doesn't have very much money."

- Étienne

 Assiline

"My family situation is pretty messed up. My father does nothing for me. My mother is dead. Some of my younger sisters live with my oldest sister. I work sometimes to make money to help the other members of my family. I'm determined to finish high school so I can study engineering. I don't know how I will do it, but I will find a way. I worry about the future."

- Assilien