A Collaboration Between
PennGSE and the Haitian Ministry of Education

Shortly after the earthquake in Haiti on January 12, 2010, Penn GSE faculty member Dr. Sharon Ravitch assembled a team, including members of the Haitian Diaspora, to explore how Penn GSE might best assist in post-earthquake education reconstruction. After a trip to Haiti in July 2010, Dr. Ravitch established a relationship with the Haitian Ministry of Education (MENFP) and has been working closely with Dr. Creutzer Mathurin, Senior Advisor to the National Education Task Force of MENFP, and Jacky Lumarque, Chair of the Presidential Commission on Education and Training, to formalize a partnership and develop the parameters of Penn GSE’s assistance. A February 2011 visit to Haiti solidified this partnership and outlined specific tasks and expectations.

Penn GSE is dedicated to the sustainable development of education in Haiti and is honored to have been chosen to partner with Haiti’s Ministry of Education to be part of such an historic, crucial, and regenerative endeavor.

 

Education after Devasation

For Dr. Sharon Ravitch, the ultimate goal for the burgeoning partnership she’s developing in Haiti is simple: “In the end, I’m hoping we’re obsolete.” Her goal might seem counter-intuitive, but Ravitch insists it is the best and only appropriate approach: “We don’t buy into the expert-learner binary,” Ravitch explains, pointing out that instead of telling the Haitian Ministry of Education how to “fix” their education system, her team is working side-by-side with the Ministry to “build the capacity they already have.” read more>>

 

Haiti's Education Redevelopment

A year after the earthquake that devastated Haiti, the Penn GSE EdCast talks with Sharon Ravitch, Ph.D. and Creutzer Mathurin, a senior leader in the Haitian Ministry of Education, about rebuilding the country's education system from the ground up. listen>>

 

Haitian Professionals of Philadelphia Give Their Support

The Haitian Professionals of Philadelphia (HPP) recently announced their charitable gift in support of the Penn GSE Haiti Education Initiative. read more >>