Haiti Connected Schools

In Haiti, schools need more than just relief; they need better access to information and communication technologies to improve student and teacher skills and learning opportunities. Haiti Connected Schools, a project of the Haiti Connected Cities Initiative, represents a joint effort on behalf of Inveneo, HP, Intel, Microsoft, HP, Solar Electric Light Fund, and World Vision, deploying solar-powered computer labs to 40 rural schools across Haiti.

Each school is connected to the Haiti Rural Broadband Network and enjoys a unique assortment of open source and educational software; all on HP thin client computers. Inveneo, in conjunction with World Vision and Haitian technology firm Educatech, has devised and deployed a train-the-trainer program to introduce the technology to schoolteachers and administrators, educating them on the use of this new pedagogical tool.

To leverage the curricula, local trainers, train-the-trainer approach and computer labs implemented through HCS, Inveneo and NetHope received a grant from Intel to launch its “Digital Literacy for Haiti Rebuilding Program” which provides basic computer training to new populations in rural communities.

The Voila Foundation also generously funded each school with one year of free connectivity to the network.