How to Welcome a Student From Haiti into the Classroom Education in Haiti

School Life: The primary school curriculum consists of math, history, grammar, and geography classes. Literature, foreign languages, and sewing are introduced later on. The quality of education is very poor and many teachers lack adequate training. Due to the high poverty rate in Haiti it is difficult for families to send children to school. Education is highly valued but unaffordable. What to do: Cultural diversity should be respected and acknowledged in the classroom.

The Culture of Haiti: Knowing the Student

By: Rachelle Curasi

A teacher should always remember to make a child feel comfortable and welcomed.
A teacher should be knowledgeable of the Haitian culture and traditions. o This will make a student feel special and valued.

Statistics (unicef.org 2013): 50% of school-aged children are not enrolled in school. Approximately 30% of children attending primary school will not make it to third grade. 60% will abandon school before sixth grade. 21% of males and 29% of females attend secondary school.

A simple handshake would be an acceptable introduction/greeting between teacher and student. Incorporating some of the Haitian culture into a class lesson will also encourage other students to learn about their fellow classmate(s).

Rachelle Curasi
Prof. Sheehan EDU 365

Brief Overview of Haiti

Location: Caribbean Population: 9.8 million (2014) Language: The official languages of Haiti are Creole and French Religion: 80% of Haitians are Catholic while the remaining 20% are composed of Baptists, Protestants, Pentecostal, and Seventh-day Adventist. Although not a religion, many Haitians openly practice Vodou (Voodoo).

Beyond the mountains more mountains.

- Haitian proverb
Traditions & Values
Baptism and First Communion are significant rituals as they are seen as milestones.
The most popular sport is soccer. Music and dancing are integral to everyday life. Art is seen as expressive and often incorporates the use of bright colors. Important Holidays include: New Years, Kanaval, Rara, and Fet Gede. Folklores are a rich part of the Haitian community. Motherhood is extremely valued and many women are not seen as adults until they enter motherhood. Once the baby is born, the maternal grandmother traditionally comes to care for the baby and mother. Deciding on a name is an important event. It is common for children to be named after respected family elders or ancestors.

The People: Haitians are commonly known for their hospitality and generosity. They are a hard working people and everyday life is a struggle for most. Despite their hardships they remain faithful and optimistic.

Greetings
Greetings are very important to people of Haitian culture.
Greetings in the Haitian Culture are a sign of respect. Upon entering a room or joining a group, a person is expected to greet each individual. Haitians typically shake hands when meeting someone new. Everyone else is greeted by a kiss on the cheek (relatives, friends, and casual acquaintances).

Gestures
Haitians are very friendly animated people. A simple pssst is often used to get someones attention Clicking of the tongue is a sign of disgust

and is seen as impolite.