PROVERB

Beyond the mountains, more mountains

OVERVIEW
Haiti: Land of Mountains Location: Caribbean (Island of Hispaniola) Population: 9.8 million (2014) Language: Creole and French Religion: 80% of Haitians are Catholic 20% are composed of Baptists, Protestants, Pentecostal, and Seventh-day Adventist Although not a religion, many Haitians openly practice Vodou (Voodoo). The People: Friendly & Welcoming

GREETINGS & GESTURES

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) Direct eye contact is preferred A simple pssst is often used to get someones attention Clicking of the tongue is a sign of disgust and is seen as impolite

EDUCATION
Primary school, secondary school, and higher education Poor education system Inadequate teachers

Difficult for most families to send children to school

Subjects Grammar History Geography Math Literature Sewing

STATISTICS
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 Literacy rate is 52.9%

WHAT TO DO
Cultural diversity should be respected and acknowledged in the classroom A teacher should always remember to make a child feel comfortable and welcomed A teacher should be knowledgeable of the Haitian culture and traditions A simple handshake would be an acceptable introduction/greeting between teacher and student Incorporate some of the Haitian culture into a class lesson

WHAT NOT TO DO
Do not single students out Do not disregard their culture To no talk badly/negatively about their culture Do not allow other students to make negative remarks about a childs culture

VIDEO

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdvRL3vDzqk