New Horizon, Haiti

Recognized as one of the best in Haiti, New Horizon School is educating its students as agents of change in sustainable development of Haiti through its commitment to academic excellence, vocational training and service to the community. Of its 456 students, 60% are girls. 95% of its students graduate to the next level, compared to the national average of 22%. A nationally recognized K-12 school, New Horizon offers music, theater, dance, visual arts, sports, and moral education. The school is recognized as one of the best in Haiti for its innovative approach to education, collaboration with like-minded organizations, focus on instructional quality, community connection and service. In 1986, parents in a rural area of Haiti started a kindergarten to educate their children. New Horizon School has been expanding ever since. A vocational school was completed in 2017 to expand educational and community development opportunities in the area. At New Horizon, all teachers are certified including kindergarten staff. Many have completed a 3-year program at Ayiti Education, considered among the best teacher preparation programs in Haiti. Teachers at the secondary level have four years of university training. Despite facing severe civil unrest in Haiti, New Horizon only closed for 2 weeks, compared to 2 – 3 month closures of other schools in the country. This was made possible by the faculty housing that was built last year. In the face of these challenges, the passing rate is more than 95% for all students. In 2019, 5 seniors were selected to receive college scholarships with a commitment to serve New Horizon for at least three years upon their college graduation. For over 10 years Mona Foundation has helped fund the building and equipping of a primary school, a high school and a vocational school. A computer lab and library have recently been opened. New solar panels have been installed, the only school which has them! A new basketball court, new laboratory and materials, and first white board installed which assisted children that were allergic to the chalk from blackboards. Additionally, a sustainable agriculture project to regenerate the land around the school, provide income for local residents and the school, and provide much needed products for Haiti was initiated with over 30,000 jatropha seedlings planted. New Horizon has assured that their teachers are certified and has formed partnerships with other schools and organizations in Haiti to improve the quality of education. One such agreement is with Haiti Tec, a renowned vocational institute, to help develop curriculum for the vocational school and provide technical certification for New Horizon graduates which will improve their employ-ability.