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Introduction
Hello, my name is Christopher Paul, and I’m fundraising on behalf of Jean Pierre Jean Eddy for NECOCM (Nouvelle Ecole Communautaire de Cap-Rouge Morija), based in Jacmel, Haiti.
I’ve recently started visiting Cap-Rouge through my work with Grown in Haiti and have fallen in love with this vibrant community. After spending several months here, I’ve come to understand how essential education is for the youth in this area. Unfortunately, many students are forced to leave the community in search of better educational opportunities, which comes at great effort and financial burden. Some students walk nearly two hours each way to attend school, while those with more resources travel to the city or capital to pursue their education.
Jean Pierre Jean Eddy is the director of this secondary school, located in the mountains of South Haiti, near Jacmel. A native of the community, Jean Pierre pursued his education before returning to lead the institution. NECOCM is recognized by the Minister of Education for meeting national curriculum standards and is the closest school to Cap-Rouge, a community of around 5,000* within the surrounding area.
*Based on population density of 541 per square km for Bas Cape Rouge and a 10 square km radius for service area.
In total, we aim to raise $6,402 to cover:
- $1,159 to recover 50% of lost revenue from the tuition reductions
- $3,373 to subsidize tuition for students in need
- $1,870 for reserves and necessary expenses including payroll, supplies, transfer and processing fees of around 5% with expected fluctuations in currency exchange rates.
The Problem
The school is in danger of closing due to a lack of funding and has been running at a deficit for several years. The rising cost of living, difficulty finding employment, and Haiti’s ongoing political crisis have made it increasingly challenging for families to afford annual tuition. As a result, nearly 30% of students are unable to complete the school year due to unpaid balances.
To operate effectively, the school needs approximately $18,700 per year. However, they typically operate with a 20% deficit. For example, last year they graduated 81 students, bringing in $13,300 in tuition payments. Partial payments from students who had to drop out added another $2,000, resulting in a total of $15,300. This still left an annual shortfall of around $3,400.
We’d like to secure a large portion if not all of this funding in the next weeks, as the school year is slated to start on October 1st, 2024.
The Solution
Members of the community have reached out, seeking external support to keep this vital institution open for the upcoming school year. I’ve met with Jean Pierre multiple times to discuss the situation and potential solutions. After visiting the school and meeting students, both current and former, we have devised a plan to increase enrollment and make education more affordable for everyone.
Part 1: Lowering Tuition to Increase Enrollment
By decreasing tuition by 10-20%, more students will be able to afford school and complete the academic year. Here’s the breakdown of the proposed tuition cuts:
Grades 7-9: Reduced to $113 USD per year (from $132), approximately $8 per month.
Grades SI-SIII: Reduced to $150 USD per year (from $169), approximately $12.50 per month.
Grades SIV: Reduced to $169 USD per year (from $188), approximately $14 per month.
With 122 students enrolled, the school would collect the following:
- 45 students at $113 = $5,085 (compared to $5,940)
- 65 students at $150 = $9,750 (compared to $10,985)
- 12 students at $169 = $2,028 (compared to $2,256)
This results in a total of $16,863, compared to the previous $19,181, reflecting a revenue loss of $2,318.
Part 2: Subsidizing Tuition
We plan to subsidize 20% of the tuition for families who struggle to pay, prioritizing top-performing students with excellent attendance. Here’s the subsidy breakdown:
- 45 students at $113 = $1,017 in subsidies
- 65 students at $150 = $1,950 in subsidies
- 12 students at $169 = $406 in subsidies
This totals $3,373 in direct subsidies to students and parents.
Part 3: Budget for Additional Costs
Given the fluctuating political and economic climate in Haiti, we will also factor in a 10% contingency for inflation, exchange rate fluctuations, and processing fees. This will amount to an additional $1,870.
Conclusion
In total, we aim to raise $6,402 to cover:
- $1,159 to recover 50% of lost revenue from the tuition reductions
- $3,373 to subsidize tuition for students in need
- $1,870 for reserves and necessary expenses including payroll, supplies, transfer and processing fees of around 5% with expected fluctuations in currency exchange rates.
With your help, we can keep NECOCM operational for the 2024 school year, providing affordable education to students in Cap-Rouge and ensuring that this essential institution continues to serve the community.
More Information about NECOCM
You can verify this school information via the link below:
Confirmation Code: WVCRI5UPV6JI
More Information about the school:
Functioning Code: 213032000190
NIF: 004-925-237-5
NIU: 1270937748
More Information about the author:
I’m currently supporting several projects and initiatives in Haiti, including @growninHaiti located in the same neighborhood. I can be found on Instagram @nefchrispaul or via email [email redacted], please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions comments or concerns.
Screenshot of NECOCM Validation from the Minister of Education
NECOCM Teachers Roster per the Minister of Education
2024-2025 Official School Calendar
More picture of the school, lacking a lot of infrastructure and amenities but the Director and staff make means with the minimal resources they have available.
Manager - Sannon Jan Bergé (left)
Director - Jean Pierre Jean Eddy (right)
