Education - Starfysh

Smiling Haitian students in school uniforms posing together outside a classroom on La Gonave.

Transforming Lives Through Education

In Haiti, education is a critical barrier to progress. At Starfysh, we believe it’s key to unlocking the potential of La Gonave’s people. Beyond literacy, it EMPOWERS A GENERATION TO LIFT THEMSELVES AND THEIR COMMUNITIES FROM POVERTY WITH DIGNITY AND HOPE.

Key Challenges

A mere 50% of primary-age children in Haiti are enrolled in school.
Only 22% attend secondary school; fewer than 2% finish.
70% of graduating students fail national tests; 40% of adults are illiterate.
90% of schools are privately owned, while only 10% are government-run.

STARFYSH’S MISSION IS TO EMPOWER LA GONAVE’S PEOPLE THROUGH EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND DEVELOPING YOUNG LEADERS FOR LASTING CHANGE. School teacher development is a critical part of this effort—improving the quality of education across the island by equipping local educators with the tools they need to succeed.

Young Haitian student smiling at his desk in a red shirt, with a notebook in front of him.

Group of Haitian teachers sitting outdoors at tables, taking notes during a Starfysh-led workshop.

Haitian woman smiling and holding a Certificate of Participation from a Starfysh teacher training event.

Our Initiatives

Creole Language Resources

We’ve published books like An Nou Li (Let’s Read!) and Vwayaj Yo Avek Twiga (Travels with Twiga) to promote literacy and foster a culture of reading in Haitian Creole, the heart language of La Gonave.

Teacher Training

Starfysh conducts yearly workshops and conferences to equip local teachers with the tools they need to succeed. The energy and commitment of La Gonave’s educators inspire us to keep growing this impact.

Building & Supporting Schools

We help establish and support schools in underserved areas like Makochon, where students thrive academically, receive nutritious meals, and outperform national averages.

Life Skills Education

We integrate practical skills like nutrition, farming, health, and business education into the school experience—equipping students to thrive well beyond graduation.

School Snapshots

The Village of Nan Mango

120 STUDENTS

Students in blue uniforms standing together in Nan Mango, Haiti, as part of Starfysh’s school support efforts.

The Village of Pikamebe

132 STUDENTS

A large group of students in pink and navy uniforms standing outdoors in Pikamèbe, Haiti.

The Village of Troulligene

135 STUDENTS

The Village of Anse-a-Galets

110 STUDENTS

The Village of Makochon

78 STUDENTS

Students and teachers gathered in front of a rural school building in Makochon, Haiti.

The Village of Sousaline

138 STUDENTS

Students in blue and gray uniforms standing outside a school building in Sousaline, Haiti.

The Village of Terre Rouge

14 STUDENTS

ENGLISH AS SECOND LANGUAGE

Group of older students in yellow and blue gathered outside the school in Terre Rouge, Haiti.

Penny Beatty – Director of Education

IMPROVING LITERACY ON LA GONAVE

Penny Beatty’s extensive experience as a reading specialist, elementary teacher, and advocate for students with learning or emotional challenges makes her a perfect fit for Starfysh’s vision for education. Her deep love for the Haitian people and passion for teacher development is helping drive real change—on an island where adult literacy hovers around 50%, her work is already making a measurable impact.

Penny Beatty standing with a Haitian teacher and a large group of smiling students in green uniforms inside a classroom on La Gonave.

Join Us in Transforming Lives

Starfysh is more than a movement—it’s a mission to restore dignity and hope through education, literacy, and leadership development. With your support, we can equip students, teachers, and schools with the tools they need to build a brighter future for La Gonave—one student, one classroom, one village at a time.

📘 Donate Today to help empower the next generation through education.

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