Haitian children celebrate new school

Up to 450 children in northeast Haiti have been given a chance to go to school for the first time in a newly built pre-school funded by Plan.

The 12-classroom Univers des Petits Kindergarten in Ouanaminthe was built in only seven months.

It is located within “Institution Univers”, a primary and secondary school open to children from all backgrounds.

A ceremony was held in September to mark its opening, attended by children, parents, teachers, a representative of the Ministry of Education, and a member of the Haitian Parliament.

The Creole service of Voice of America also conducted an interview with Plan staff to mark the occasion.

Speakers at the ceremony spoke enthusiastically about Plan’s efforts to improve the country’s education and to protect existing partnerships with local organisations.

Children sang, chanted and danced to express their gratitude. And Nina, 4, was warmly applauded when she thanked all those “who made this kindergarten a reality”.

Magalie Dumé, speaking on behalf of the Ministry of National Education, said she hoped Plan’s work would help improve other schools in the community.

Many schools in Ouanaminthe have already benefited from Plan’s support as teachers and headmasters have received training and been encouraged to act as guides and facilitators for others.