Transforming Lives Through Education on La Gonave

Why Education Matters in Haiti

In Haiti, the broken educational system is one of the most critical barriers to progress. At Starfysh, we believe that education is the key to unlocking the potential of La Gonave’s people and fostering lasting change. It’s not just about learning to read or write; it’s about empowering a new generation to lift themselves and their communities out of poverty, with dignity and hope.

• Only 50% of primary school-age children in Haiti are enrolled in school.
• Only 22% of children in Haiti attend secondary school.
• Fewer than 2% of children in Haiti finish secondary school.
• 70% of students in Haiti fail national tests.
• 40% of adults in Haiti are illiterate.
• 90% of schools in Haiti are privately owned and operated by churches and NGOs, while only 10% are government-run.

For the people of La Gonave, rising from destitution will not come from outside help alone, but from empowering their own people. Starfysh is committed to educating, training, and developing young leaders who will drive this transformation. Our mission is to demonstrate the love of Christ by providing educational opportunities that nurture both academic and practical life skills, enabling the people of La Gonave to thrive and build a better future for themselves and their island.

Our Initiatives

Creating Creole Language Resources

In a country where educational materials are scarce, particularly in Haitian Creole, we’ve taken the initiative to produce resources that matter. We’ve published An Nou Li (Let’s Read!), a preschool reader, and Vwayaj Yo Avek Twiga (Travels with Twiga), a children’s story that serves as a mentor text for elementary school teachers. These books are more than just learning tools; they are catalysts for a culture of literacy and a passion for learning, spreading hope across La Gonave and beyond.

Empowering Teachers through Training

We’ve witnessed an incredible eagerness among La Gonave’s teachers to improve their skills and make a greater impact in their classrooms. Starfysh sponsors several teacher workshops and conferences each year, and the energy and commitment of the attendees inspire us to do even more. By equipping teachers with the knowledge and tools they need, we are planting the seeds of a brighter future.

Building and Supporting Schools

Education is a priority, but access is often a challenge. Where schools exist, we provide resources; where they don’t, we build them. Take Makochon, a mountain village on La Gonave that had never had a school until recently. Through our partnership with the community, we established a vibrant elementary school where children not only learn but also receive nutritious meals and pass their national tests at rates far exceeding the national average. This is the kind of transformation that Starfysh strives to create—one village, one school, one student at a time.

Teaching Practical Life Skills

Education is not just about academics; it’s about equipping students with the practical skills they need to thrive. From nutrition and farming to health, hygiene, and business management, we integrate life skills into the educational experience. Our goal is to prepare students not just to survive, but to prosper, helping them to find their roles in the collective effort to uplift La Gonave.

Join Us in Making a Difference

Starfysh is more than a movement; it’s a mission to restore dignity and hope through education. But we can’t do it alone. Your support can help us continue to build schools, train teachers, and provide resources that change lives. Together, we can make a lasting impact on La Gonave, one life at a time.

Donate Today and be a part of this transformative journey.