Over 1 million children’s education at risk due to armed violence in Haiti.

PORT AU PRINCE, 2 October 2024 – With the ongoing violence that continues to affect families across Haiti, over 1.2 million children and teachers are in dire need of educational support and safe working conditions, UNICEF warned today.

This year, the Haiti Ministry of Education has noted 919 closed schools in the country, which represents over a 20 percent increase from 2023. The escalating violence in Port-au-Prince, which is now spreading to other municipalities, has severely disrupted school attendance, affecting over 300,000 children in these areas alone.

“Years of relentless violence have taken a severe toll on the safety and education of children in Haiti,” said Geeta Narayan, UNICEF Representative in Haiti. “But the determination of families and children to return to school, despite the challenges, is a testament to their hope for a better future. UNICEF and its partners are committed to supporting them every step of the way.”

A U-Report poll of over 3,000 children, UNICEF’s digital platform for young people, has indicated that 50 per cent of young participants believe that security is one of the main obstacles to their return to school. 

The impacted families, driven by widespread displacement and the destruction of homes, has heightened pressure on already vulnerable communities that have also been hard pressed to provide education to their children. As the school year is beginning, 64 per cent of young people believe that parents need financial support to help prepare their children for school.

UNICEF is actively working alongside the Haitian government stakeholders, and the communities to ensure that displaced and out-of-school children have access to formal and non-formal education. The response includes the rehabilitation of schools, psychosocial support, offering cash transfer to the most vulnerable families, and the distribution of educational materials. UNICEF is also delivering early childhood education kits, school kits, hygiene kits, and is developing kindergartens in schools while distributing first aid kits. The government and UNICEF are committed to responding to this crisis and bringing hope for Haiti’s children.

UNICEF urgently needs $87 million to fully address the to fully address the back-to-school needs arising from this crisis. As of August 1, 2024, approximately $5.4 million has been raised. Flexible funds are also critical, not only for immediate relief but to rebuild capacities, restore access to education, and strengthen the resilience of the Haitian people.  

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