Education That Breaks the Cycle of Poverty
“We must have education so we can soar like a bird.”
Nuo dwe gen edukasyon poun ka vole tan kou zwazo
On the island of La Gonâve, education is the thing that changes a life. Our three programs form a single, connected strategy — walking alongside our community at every stage of that journey, from children locked out of the school system, to teenagers reaching for high school, to parents learning to read alongside their own children.
Our Programs
Primary Education
A free, full primary education for children locked out of the system.
Lekol Pi Gwo Byen welcomes children whose families cannot afford the average $250 annual tuition — and who are now too old to enter the Haitian school system. We teach them to read, write, and prepare for the Sixth Grade National Matriculation Exam. Our pass rate is 100% over nine years, against a national average of 20%.
Secondary Scholarships
Full scholarships that carry our graduates all the way to high school.
Primary education is only the start. We provide tailored scholarships, financial support, and academic tutoring to our graduates as they continue through secondary school in the wider community. Today, 70% of our graduates are enrolled in 7th through 11th grade — and we're exploring how to support them into university and vocational training.
Eleanor Parks
Eleanor's background spans education, coaching, and creative development. With a strong focus on process and progress, Eleanor helps learners move from where they are to where they want to be—one step at a time.
Adult Literacy
Reading and writing classes for parents and adults in our community.
In Haiti, the literacy rate for adults over 18 is just 62% — and many parents at our school never had the chance to learn. Twice a week, our teachers run beginning and intermediate literacy classes in our Earthship Classrooms, so adults can read alongside their own children. The program is funded by Palo Alto Rotary.
Take a peek into life at Pi Gwo Byen (filmed February 2020)
Beyond the Classroom
In addition to the literacy program, the school also provides:
A healthy hot meal every day promoting good nutrition, which in many cases is the student’s only meal of the day.
Lessons in healthy hygiene including best toilet, hand-washing, teeth-brushing and bathing practices.
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Space for a dedicated community center to host events such as workshops, English classes, and community gatherings.
Practical experience in organic gardening, beach cleanup, and reforestation.
Help Us Welcome the Next Class
As a grassroots initiative, every gift goes directly to the children and adults we serve. $250 covers a child's full year at Lekol Pi Gwo Byen — including books, a hot daily meal, teaching, and care.