Elementary and secondary education is available at St. Vincent's. There are currently about 350 students who attend school daily. The teaching staff consists of over 40 teachers and aides, some of whom are former students at St. Vincent's. Students learn basic skills: reading, writing, mathematics, the history and geography of Haiti and English. Blind students learn to read and write in Braille, learn life skills and work with music. The handbell choir, comprised of all blind studnts, is renowned for its past accomplishments. The deaf learn sign language. Music and visual arts are also taught.
Music plays a large role in the education of these children, especially the blind. The school has a music room where the students have their lessons and study. Many of the older students have excelled and teach the younger children.
There are currently two young women trained as teachers using the Montessori method of education. A goal of St. Vincent's is to eventualy use this method of teaching throughout the school so as to develop the student's inner resources as they become more self-reliant. Financial resources are not presently available to meet this goal.
An emphasis on educational materials is needed. New textbooks are always needed as well as school supplies, and specific material for the deaf and blind students. Supporters from North America can help in this area.
Additional classrooms are needed and a project, not yet fully funded, is underway to build four more classrooms.
Last updated on 5/19/07