Hi friends! Hard to believe that kids both here and in Haiti are wrapping up the school year!! To say that’s it’s been a challenging year is probably an understatement for both sets of students. Thank you for all of your prayers, letters to your students, and generous support of our program. We couldn’t do what we do without you!
Here’s a recap of all that’s been going on in Bayonnais for our students!
Primary grades finished up their end of grade testing earlier this month. Their last day of school was June 16th. Secondary students in grades 7th, 8th, 10th, 11th, and 12th just wrapped up their end of grade testing and their last day of school was on June 26th. A passing grade in Haiti requires students to make an average of 50% in order to move to another level. All that remain on campus are preparing for National Exams in July.
So who is studying for National Exams?
In Haiti, students. have to take National Exams after 9th grade in order to move to 10th grade. If they do not pass, they cannot attend 10th grade in the Fall, they have to repeat 9th grade. Students in 13th grade who are close to passing, may have the option of a make up test, but it’s not always guaranteed. If it wasn’t a close margin, students may have to repeat 13th grade. It’s for this reason that the 12th graders start studying for National Exams with the current 13th graders. They commit an entire year to study to give them a better chance of passing.
Last year, passing rates were amazing – all 151 students in the 9th grade passed the National Exam and 93% of the 13th graders passed (67 of 72 students). We hope to see the same level of success this year, but with school having to take several breaks for Covid-19, we are not sure what to expect. So lift these students up during the following testing dates:
- National Exams for 9th graders take place from July 12th – July 14th at the school in Cathor
- National Exams for 13th graders take place from July 26th – July 30th in Gonnaives
With summer here, now what? What do students do until school starts back? For many, they help a lot with family things at homes or in the fields.. There are some students lucky enough to take a Music Class this Summer with Facile. There have been summers where they have traveled all the way to Limbé, near Cap-Haitian, to spend over a week to enjoy music. Unfortunately, this year, with Covid-19 concerns, that is not possible. Regardless, don’t forget that with students not in school, you are less likely to receive a letter – and if you send a letter, they probably won’t get it until they go back to school in September.
In closing, I wanted to again thank all of our amazing sponsors for supporting a student and giving them the gift of education. If you aren’t already sponsoring a student, what are you waiting for? Jump over to www.ewohaiti.org/sponsor and read about all the great kids that are waiting for sponsorship! It really is a gift for your student and for YOU! I love sponsoring a student and seeing her grow over the years.
As always, please feel free to reach out if you have questions or want to connect at melissa@ewohaiti.org.
I look forward to hearing from you!
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