God's Hope­ was founded in partnership between Haitian Elisee Augustin and Canadian Greg Brady. They first met in March 2009 and began discussing the possibility of starting a school in January 2010, shortly before the devastating earthquake. Despite the tragedy, the plans for the school went forward, and the grand opening was held under tarps in a vacant lot that September with approximately 70 students in attendance.

Mid-way through the first year a local church offered use of their space to the school, rent-free, in exchange for assistance in improving and expanding the building. We have been working with them ever since.

Here is what they have to say:

Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere, and the fourth poorest in the entire world and has had a slow recovery since the 2010 earthquake. The Worldbank states that over half of the country’s population is living in poverty and over 26% live in extreme poverty. World Vision cites that 80% live below the poverty line. Sources vary, but usually cite the average daily income as less than $2.00 US/ day. Statistics usually indicate a 50% literacy rate. Compare that with greater than 95% for developed countries. 

We do not charge tuition unlike most other schools in the country. The families simply cannot afford it and many children would not be in school otherwise. Most of our students did not attend school prior to the opening of God’s Hope. Our school comprises 3 levels of kindergarten through grade 6, which is the highest grade in the Haitian system of elementary school.


We provide government created textbooks, and supplies as we are able. We have received generous donations of school supplies for both students and teachers, but are limited to either taking them personally, or sending money to have them purchased there, as shipment of goods to the country is unpredictable and expensive. Often the simple supplies such as paper and pens can be more expensive in Haiti due to the fact that most items are imported.

Each year the students are provided with one golf-style tee shirt and are responsible for having their own blue skirt or pair of pants. Many times their skirts or pants are ill-fitting or somewhat ragged. Their shoes are whatever they can manage.

Medical Aid

We also provide funds for the students to receive medical treatment when necessary. Health care is often unaffordable for families in the Juvenat area and many times the children go untreated. God’s Hope School has a medical fund that allows the Director to take students needing medical care to the local clinics and purchase medicines as needed. We keep the fund topped up so the Director can take children as needed. Through this fund we have treated many children over the last few years with a great range of illnesses including dehydration, malnutrition, typhoid, malaria, and infectious scalp conditions. 

Lunches

At this time we provide lunch for the students three times each week. As it becomes financially possible we hope to increase the number of meals a week and nutritional quality of those meals. 

Job Creation

We employ 6 teachers, one Director (or Principal) and one Administrator (Secretary). Their salaries are very small by western standards and we have increased them as we can afford to and provide annual Christmas bonuses. These staff members are very dedicated to the children and pleased to have gainful employment.