In Puits-Salé, in southern Haiti, an innovative training center has been established on the grounds of the Parole et Action school. It is a hall with capacity for one hundred people, fully equipped for digital education. The internet connection runs via Starlink, and electricity is guaranteed by solar panels. Jean-Louis explains: “In this training center, we can support both teachers and students in their development with the help of digital technology.”
Insecurity
Haiti has long been affected by political unrest. In recent years, insecurity has increased, especially in and around the capital, Port-au-Prince. Criminal gangs control large parts of the city, including the main access roads. “Fortunately, most villages where our schools are located remain calm, but traveling from the capital to visit them is complicated and dangerous. Digital education offers the opportunity to work on quality improvement remotely,” Jean-Louis explains, highlighting the importance of digital education.
40 training centers
The teachers participating in the training in Puits-Salé come not only from the Parole et Action school but also from other schools. Jean-Louis: “Puits-Salé is the first digital training center to be completed. Several more centers will follow soon. Ultimately, the goal is to have 40 of these training centers spread across the country. In Puits-Salé, we are currently running a pilot. The training program includes various practical subjects in pedagogy and teaching. Teachers also learn how to use digital technology in their own classrooms. We are in discussions with the government to obtain certification for the program.”
Broadening horizons
Teachers can also use the digital training centers during their own lessons. Jean-Louis explains:
“In Puits-Salé, students receive one hour of instruction daily in the digital training center. For the content, we collaborate with the organization Blue Butterfly. In Haiti, they produce online video material for students and teachers through the Lakou Kajou program.” According to him, the combination of digital education and traditional classroom teaching gives students the opportunity to broaden their horizons and connect with the online world.
Hope
For Jean-Louis, this initiative is about more than technological innovation and improving education quality: “Haiti is a country facing many challenges, yet we are still able to work on renewal and improvement. This change gives teachers and students hope for a better Haiti.”