Classes unable to commence, but student resolve remains strong
While classes did not officially begin for the first day of school yesterday, students and staff celebrated the commencement of the school year.
Unfortunately, continued unrest in town prevented many teachers from arriving safely to campus yesterday. Remarkably almost all of our students from the surrounding communities arrived on campus in their uniforms, excited to continue their academic journeys. Without their teachers, their journeys could not embark yesterday.
Students participated in a traditional opening service, performed every year on the first day of school. School principals gathered with the students in their respective buildings to discuss the delayed start for classes.
To keep their minds engaged, the priest talked to the younger students for some time. He shared with them some first day of school wisdom, like the importance of listening.
We pray that teachers and staff arrive safely to campus today so that classes may officially begin.
Protests and manifestations are ongoing in cities like Port-au-Prince and Les Cayes, affecting not only our teachers' ability to travel safely through town, but also the arrival of supplies for our students. With transportation of resources disrupted and the declining economy keeping the price of resources astoundingly high, staff at Free the Kids and Pwoje Espwa continue to meet this challenges with unwavering resolve.
While we continue to monitor the situation, we keep the safety of our staff and students at the forefront. Please pray for the safety of our teachers, students, their families, and surrounding communities.
We still need your help to ensure our students have a stable learning environment this year! Send a child to school feeling empowered this year.