Concern Training Teachers in Haiti
 Simeus Ronald, a fourth grade teacher at Frères Unis School in Saut d’Eau, Haiti. Photo: Concern Worldwide |
For eight years, he has worked as a primary school teacher at the Frères Unis School in the impoverished region of Saut d'Eau. Because the school cannot afford to pay him a salary, Simeus works there for free.
Concern is providing much-needed training for teachers like Simeus. In February 2008, he attended a two-day training session on Creole and a three-day training session on French. It is important that teachers have a good grasp of both of these languages, as most of the teaching is done in Creole but the textbooks are in French.
Simeus says the training made him realize the gaps in his own knowledge: "Once I got the training I realized I didn't really know anything before. It was like starting all over again."
He says the five days of training have greatly improved his teaching skills. He has even noticed a change in his pupils: "The kids are much more enthusiastic nowadays and are asking me to teach them outside of the school hours, which never happened before. I'm really looking forward to the next training."
Despite his newfound skills and confidence, Simeus does not know how long he can go on teaching at Frères Unis. "I'm not sure if I can continue to work here," he says.
The lack of paid teachers is a major problem in Haiti, as many teachers eventually have to leave the profession to find paid job. This contributes to the lack of qualified teachers and the poor quality of education.
To address the high turnover of teachers, a new contract has been drawn up with school principals, introducing a points system that will allow them give perks - such as a promotion or a small prize - to unpaid teachers who are putting particular effort into their work.
But until most schools in Haiti can afford to pay teachers a decent wage, the education system will continue to rely on the incredible dedication and hard work of individuals like Simeus.
