lespwa lavi academy
“Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family.” – Kofi Annan
Unlike the United States, education in Haiti isn't free or mandatory, leading to low literacy rates and limited opportunities for higher education and employment. Since 2019, Haiti has been in a political and humanitarian crisis, resulting in the closure of most schools nationwide. In Verrettes, less than half of children attend school, leaving many vulnerable, especially girls, to exploitation.
Lespwa Lavi Academy was founded to address this void. Launched in fall 2023, it offers grades preK to highschool with accredited, trauma-informed education by qualified Haitian teachers. The academy focuses on STEAM topics and English proficiency for global opportunities.
Through child sponsorships, Lespwa Lavi Academy ensures every child has access to quality education. Over 98% of students rely on sponsorship for schooling.
Academy stats:
Student Capacity: 350 students (expanding to 425 in 2025-26)
Students Per Classroom: 25
Subjects: French, English, Kreyol, Spanish, Arithmetic, Biology, Physical Science, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science, Health, Business, Personal finance, Economics, Government, Philosophy, History/Geography, Computer, Art, Music
Buildings: 1 classroom building, bathrooms and 1 multipurpose building with kitchen. Expansion 2025: additional classroom building, addition to existing structure, water storage system.
Teachers: The Academy recruits only formally educated teachers who undergo rigorous continuing education to maintain quality standards. Primary school students are taught primarily in Kreyol with French and English introduced in 2nd grade. Corporal punishment is not used at the Academy. All teachers received annual trauma-informed classroom training.
Funds: Minimal affordable enrollment fee paid by families who are able, but over 90% of costs are covered by the child sponsorship program.
Sustainability: Due to extreme poverty in the population we serve, the cost to the community will be kept low by the child sponsorship program. As Lespwa Lavi grows, an endowment fund will be established to ensure ongoing sustainability of the school with grant funding sought for specific projects.
