K-12 Virtual School Initiative

The education system in Haiti faces numerous challenges, including outdated practices, insufficient resources, and a curriculum that does not align with local needs. Teachers lack proper training and support, and students face language barriers and a lack of access to technology and educational materials. Financial constraints among parents further hinder their ability to provide quality education. Schools struggle with financial obligations, affecting teacher compensation and retention. These deep-rooted issues perpetuate limited opportunities and systemic challenges within the education system.

In a rural community near the Haitileve farm, there is an extraordinary opportunity to bring about a profound transformation in the lives of twenty children. These children are currently confronted with the significant challenge of inadequate education, with some even lacking access to schooling altogether. However, amidst these obstacles, a ray of hope emerges in the form of Eval Tijeune, a dedicated local leader and student of the Haitileve leadership academy. Driven by unwavering determination, Eval is committed to reshaping the course of these children's lives.

Harnessing the resources available through Haitileve, the organization envisions the establishment of a community center that will serve as a dynamic digital hub. This center will make use of local resources and provide the children with access to technology, fostering a high-quality, US-based Christian education. Through this transformative initiative, the potential for uplifting these children and creating a brighter future for the entire community becomes a tangible reality. By leveraging local resources and the unwavering dedication of individuals like Eval Tijeune, this project aims to break the cycle of limited opportunities and pave the way for lasting positive change.

To truly bring about the desired change, it is crucial to go beyond simply adding more schools and address the fundamental structure of the current educational system. In this initiative, we aim to impart the art of collective entrepreneurship to children at an early age, instilling in them a sense of citizenship and fostering collaborative leadership skills. These values and skills will be taught daily, empowering the children to become active participants in their communities.

In addition to these essential skills, the children will also be exposed to technical expertise such as carpentry, technology, bakery, sewing, and regenerative agriculture through their engagement with the Haitileve farm, the restaurant business and mentorship of local Haitian professionals. This hands-on experience will not only provide them with practical knowledge but also cultivate a deep appreciation for sustainable farming practices and their environmental impact.

To further enhance the learning opportunities, a community digital center will be established in the local community. This center will serve as a hub for technology access and learning, allowing us to adopt a personalized US-based Christian curriculum. By leveraging technology and tailored educational resources, we can provide the children with a holistic and impactful learning experience that aligns with their individual needs and aspirations.

Through this comprehensive approach, encompassing entrepreneurship, citizenship, collaborative leadership, technical and technological skills, regenerative agriculture, and a personalized curriculum, we can equip these children with the tools they need to thrive and create a positive impact in their lives and communities.

The long-term impact of this program is multifaceted. It empowers the children with language skills, technological literacy, entrepreneurial abilities, and a sense of citizenship. These competencies will equip them to embrace the digital revolution, start successful businesses, and become leaders who drive collective progress in their community.

• The local students are proficient in English and Literacy: By learning English and developing strong literacy skills, the children will gain a significant advantage in the digital era. English is widely used in global communication, commerce, and technology, enabling them to access a wealth of resources, connect with a larger network, and seize opportunities presented by the digital revolution.
• The local students have acquired technical and technological skills: Through access to technology and digital resources, the children will become familiar with digital tools, platforms, and resources. This will enable them to harness the power of technology for learning, communication, and innovation. They will be better equipped to navigate the digital landscape and leverage technology to enhance their education, career prospects, and overall quality of life.
• The local students can start their own collective business ventures: By learning about entrepreneurship at an early age, the children will develop an entrepreneurial mindset and skills. They will learn to identify opportunities, take calculated risks, and create sustainable business ventures. This will not only enable them to generate income and economic prosperity for themselves but also contribute to the economic development of their community.
• The local students became productive citizens and are developed in collaborative leadership: The program's focus on citizenship education will instill a sense of civic responsibility, community engagement, and collective action in the children. They will develop leadership skills that emphasize collaboration, problem-solving, and social impact. By working together and taking an active role in shaping their community, they will contribute to its progress and create positive social change.

The program aims to achieve sustainability by generating revenue through the operation of the farm. To reduce labor cost, the parents of the beneficiaries will provide in-kind contributions in the form of labor to help run the farm. We have already established proof of concept of regenerative farming where we have been raising turkeys and pigs successfully over the past 2 years with minimal operational cost using organic food waste collected from the local market to feed poultry and the pigs. The resilient nature of the pigs and turkeys allowed them to multiply without significant losses.

We plan to install a solar system that will benefit both the farm and the digital learning community center, we plan to incorporate an incubator system to hatch eggs to increase turkey and poultry production. Additionally, the introduction of black soldier fly larvae production will provide low-cost high protein diet to feed the turkeys.

We estimate a yearly profit of $11,100 from the farm which will be enough to cover the cost to run the youth empowerment program which is estimated at $10,090 which will allow this program to continue for generations to come.