Education

Pre-K through High School at St. Paul’s School

Since our founding in 1989, Locally Haiti has provided high-quality primary and early secondary education for over 5,000 students at St. Paul’s School. The school currently counts 690 students enrolled in preschool through the end of high school, and the curriculum covers core academic subjects as well as art, entrepreneurship, sports, and agriculture. Instruction occurs in Haitian Creole and French, and students also take course work in English. 

In addition to following the Haitian state curriculum, St. Paul’s School incorporates the following components:

AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION

Farming has historically been a fundamental part of the economy in the Nippes region of Haiti and with the current challenges in the country, local food systems are more important than ever. Schneider Chancy and Jameson Figarot, Haitian agronomists, teach horticulture, botany, and environmental education to the students, and also work with families in the region to increase production.

GIRLS’ EMPOWERMENT

This initiative, which operates in partnership with Haitian expert organization, Repanse Pouvwa — provides a safe space for important dialogues around gender dynamics, as well as practical training sessions for girls on the importance of education, economic independence, and self-advocacy. Each year this program culminates in a summer camp, which is open to children across the community.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

A great deal of the economic activity in Petit Trou occurs in the informal economy. Professor Vladimy — who himself attended St. Paul's and later university on a Locally Haiti-funded scholarship — teaches the basic principles of entrepreneurship, business, and economics. These themes have important and practical overlap with the school’s traditional curriculum, as well as with our agricultural and girls’ empowerment programs.

Gender Equality in the Classroom

Over half (54%) of the students at St. Paul’s are girls. Together with leaders from other sectors of Petit Trou’s community, we strive to provide young women with resources and safe spaces to lead healthy lives, both at school and home.

Campus Development & Infrastructure

In early 2020, we completed construction of a safe and durable school building that houses pre-kindergarten through 6th grade classes. The new building also offers space for community and club meetings outside of school hours, and following the earthquake of August 14, 2021, it served as a base for relief distribution and a shelter for many who lost their homes. In 2021 and 2022 we supported construction of a new presbytery and staff housing, plus a new building for 6th through 12th grade classrooms and administration. In 2024, we supported enhanced agricultural infrastructure, including improved fencing and a solar powered irrigation system. We are currently working with the St. Paul’s team, and pro bono architects, on a master plan for infrastructure in the long-term.

Higher Education Scholarships

Locally Haiti has provided higher education and technical scholarships for over 35 students in education, agriculture, nursing, accounting, business, plumbing, and solar technician work. Over 90% of graduates have returned to live and work in the local community. We currently support 15 students at the Episcopal University in Les Cayes.

Solar-Powered Classrooms

St. Paul’s School proudly runs all activities on a solar micro-grid. Solar power is not only clean and renewable, but also provides more consistent electricity for the students and community programs housed on campus. Locally Haiti also funded eight solar technician scholarships for local community members who are now certified to maintain this solar grid and potentially others in the community.