Why We Exist

New Kiskeya Christian School (NKCS) plays a vital role in addressing the significant educational and spiritual needs common to Haiti’s rural population. Located in Northwest Haiti near the city of Jean-Rabel, a population of 150,000 people, NKCS held its first day of school in the fall of 2013 with 53 preschoolers and two teachers. It officially began its mission to educate a new generation of Haitians through Christian, English-based curriculum from pre-kindergarten to university to create a profound and positive transformation Haitian society.

Ninety-five percent supported by donors in the United States, and five percent supported by parents, NKCS is the only English-based school in the area. Currently, over 160 students, ranging from pre-kindergarten to 10th grade, receive a Christian education. These are students who would otherwise receive schooling below international and even national standards at local public schools. With an approximate staff of 20, the goal is to add one grade each year until students graduate to university.

Haiti’s education system is the lowest performing in the Western Hemisphere with:

• 60% national literacy rate (90% literacy rate for Latin America and the Caribbean) 
• 88% enrollment for primary schools and only 20% for secondary schools
• 90% of schools run by communities and organizations with little government funding 
• 60% of the population living on less than $2 per day
• 80% of teachers receiving no training prior to employment
• Underpaid school teachers often owed one year or more of back pay
• Many teachers underqualified, lacking fluency in French (language of instruction)

NKCS provides its students with a higher quality education by modeling American teaching practices, using American teaching materials, and employing local teachers fluent in English and taught in local American schools. This education far surpasses what is available in any schools within 20 miles. Greater than 95 percent of current school support pays teacher's salaries. Classroom observation provides teachers feedback, continually improving their performance. Students receive one meal a day and transportation to and from school, which improves student attendance and avoids long walks on unsafe roads. 

Coming from communities where the Voodoo religion is prevalent, the students also benefit from learning Christian principles and values in addition to traditional school subjects. NKCS encourages a living faith and personal relationship with Jesus Christ for all students and staff and the school recognizes the Bible as the foundation for faith, doctrine, and conduct. The graduates will be able to seek better opportunities within their home country and they will also become ambassadors for Christ wherever they go. 

NKCS is raising the standards of education, professionalism, and Christian living for the community. With the vision to be the model of effective Christian education to be replicated throughout Haiti, NKCS will continue to provide ever-improving learning opportunities for its students. Seeing students through to university by providing education and spiritual support they cannot find anywhere else in the area, New Kiskeya Christian School is transforming Haitian society through Christian education.