EDUCATION PROMOTES INNOVATION

THE FUTURE FOR GIRLS Primary education has many additional well-documented beneficial effects on nutrition, health, fertility levels and empowerment of girls.

Education is what empowers many to break the cycle of material poverty and create a new life for themselves and their family. Unfortunately, in most developing nations like Haiti, education is not free. Many families struggle to pay for tuition, books, and uniforms. This was the case for Johnson. Before attending ECCA, he was only able to go to school when his tuition was paid, which was so inconsistent that he was never able to complete a full school term. But now, his life is different. His family’s life is different. The stress and burden of paying school fees has been removed from his parents' shoulders. “ECCA is different at ECCA, I feel good here, and I receive education for free. I also receive a uniform, books, and meals.” 

There are many more children just like Johnson, who long to go to school but the financial burden on the parents is too great. In countries like Haiti, approximately 92% of schools are privately owned and most public school still require the purchase of books and uniforms. In many cases families are spending up to 60% of their limited income on trying to put their children in school. This means many parents skip meals or deny deadly health conditions in order to put financial means towards their child’s education. 

Despite these barriers, education still proves to be the most important factor in alleviating poverty. Education promotes labor productivity and labor mobility, which are key ingredients for sustained growth. Throughout history, no country has reached sustained economic growth without first having reached universal or close to universal primary education (World Bank).

Education also contains the ability to save lives. Numerous studies have linked education (primarily of women) to widespread benefits including: reduced infant mortality rates, improved child nutrition, later age at marriage, lower birthrates, and greater likelihood that their children will be educated. The cycle is thus self-perpetuating and intergenerational, as children (including girls) become educated.

It is likely no surprise that education is important, but what may be a surprise is the absolute sacrifice parents make in efforts of a better future for their children.

Joining us in the fight for equal access to education is more than a donation, it is a promise towards a new future for children like Johnson who will one day become a man who has the skills and abilities to step up and change his community. Currently La Pointe Foundation is supporting ECCA school in Haiti and we would love for you to join us in providing education to over 600 students.