Haitian Schools Transform into Shelters Amid Displacement Crisis

Amidst Crisis, a Teacher’s Unwavering Dedication shines in Haiti

Port-au-Prince, Haiti – In the heart of a nation grappling with escalating insecurity and displacement, one man’s commitment to education stands as a beacon of hope.Edens Désir, a teacher displaced by the ongoing violence, continues to impart knowledge to children in makeshift shelters, even as he faces profound personal hardship.

“My ideal is to leave and try to start over somewhere else. But provided that I’m here, I will keep sharing what I no,” Désir stated, his words underscoring a resilience forged in the crucible of crisis. His daily existence is a testament to the harsh realities faced by many: “I can’t make plans anymore. Each day, I just figure things out as they come. Each night, I wonder if there will be food tommorow.”

The struggle for basic necessities is palpable. Clean water remains a scarce commodity, with long queues forming at distribution points where women and children patiently wait, balancing heavy containers. Hygiene conditions are dire, with limited latrines and showers leaving hundreds without privacy or sanitation, raising notable health risks, especially for the moast vulnerable.The uncertainty of food is a constant companion for Désir, who admits, “There are nights I go to sleep without eating.But I keep teaching because the kids are here.”

Delivering aid to those displaced is fraught with challenges. The primary route between the capital and Hinche is disrupted by insecurity,severing supply lines and isolating communities. Despite these formidable obstacles,the International Institution for Migration (IOM) has been actively providing critical assistance. The organization has reached over 800 families dispersed across 17 displacement sites,distributing essential items such as shelter kits,blankets,kitchen sets,and jerrycans.IOM teams remain on the ground,collaborating directly with displaced families,host communities,and local authorities to ascertain needs and deliver relief. Efforts are also underway to bolster the capacity of site committees and civil protection teams to manage shelters more effectively. Critically, the most vulnerable sites are being relocated to safer locations, and vital mental health support is being extended to those traumatized by the violence.

These initiatives are fundamentally geared towards safeguarding the most vulnerable, especially children, who are bearing the brunt of a crisis they did not create. For Edens Désir, education is not merely about academics; it is a crucial defense against dehumanization. In a landscape where violence shatters lives,displaces families,and severs access to schooling,teaching becomes a profound act of resistance.

Even on days laden with despair, Désir remains steadfast, driven by the unwavering belief of the children who depend on him. “If we want things to change,we need people who grow into better citizens,” he reflected. “I don’t know if what I’m doing is enough to make that happen, but it gives me purpose. It breaks my heart to know that one day I’ll have to leave them behind and look for a better future.”

What specific challenges do schools face when repurposed as shelters for internally displaced persons (idps) in Haiti?

The Escalating Humanitarian Needs in Haiti

The ongoing political instability and escalating gang violence in Haiti have triggered a massive displacement crisis, forcing hundreds of thousands to flee their homes. As a direct consequence, schools across the nation are increasingly being repurposed as emergency shelters, disrupting education and straining already limited resources. This situation demands urgent attention and a multifaceted response. The term “près” – meaning near, close, or intimately connected – aptly describes the proximity of this crisis to the lives of Haitian children and educators.

The Scale of Internal Displacement

Recent reports from the UN and local Haitian organizations indicate a dramatic surge in internally displaced persons (idps).

Numbers: As of July 2025, estimates suggest over 360,000 Haitians are internally displaced, a figure that continues to rise.

Regions Affected: The Artibonite, Ouest (including Port-au-Prince), and Nord-Ouest departments are experiencing the highest concentrations of displacement.

Root Causes: Gang control of key infrastructure, widespread extortion, and targeted violence are the primary drivers forcing people from their communities. The recent escalation in violence near key ports has also exacerbated food insecurity, contributing to displacement.

Schools as Last Resorts: A Growing Trend

With formal displacement sites overwhelmed and lacking adequate capacity, schools have become shelters of last resort. This trend presents a complex set of challenges.

Shelter Capacity: Many schools, even those structurally unsound, are providing refuge for hundreds of families.

Impact on Education: The use of schools as shelters has lead to widespread school closures, impacting the education of thousands of children. The academic year is severely disrupted, potentially creating a lost generation.

Overcrowding & Sanitation: Overcrowded conditions in schools raise serious concerns about sanitation,hygiene,and the spread of disease.Access to clean water and adequate sanitation facilities is severely limited.

Psychological Trauma: Both displaced families and students experience significant psychological trauma due to violence, loss, and displacement.

Challenges Faced by Schools & Displaced Communities

The conversion of schools into shelters isn’t a simple solution. It creates a cascade of problems requiring immediate attention.

Resource strain: Schools lack the resources to adequately support displaced populations. This includes food,water,medical supplies,and hygiene products.

Security Concerns: Schools frequently enough lack adequate security, leaving displaced families vulnerable to further violence and exploitation.

Damage to Infrastructure: The influx of large numbers of people puts a strain on school infrastructure, leading to damage and deterioration.

Coordination Issues: Effective coordination between government agencies, humanitarian organizations, and local communities is crucial but often lacking.

Humanitarian Response & Aid Efforts

Several organizations are working to address the crisis, but the scale of the need far outweighs the available resources.

UN Agencies: The UN’s International Institution for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) are providing assistance to displaced populations, focusing on shelter, water, sanitation, and child protection.

NGOs: Organizations like doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) are providing medical care to those affected by the crisis.

Local Haitian Organizations: Haitian civil society organizations are playing a vital role in providing assistance and advocating for the needs of displaced communities.

Financial Aid: Increased financial aid from international donors is urgently needed to support humanitarian efforts.

The Long-Term Implications for Haiti’s Education System

The current crisis poses a significant threat to the future of education in Haiti.

School rehabilitation: Once displaced families can return home, schools will require significant rehabilitation and repairs.

Catch-Up Programs: Implementing catch-up programs to help students who have missed school is essential.

Teacher Support: Providing support and training for teachers who have been affected by the crisis is crucial.

Alternative Learning Spaces: exploring alternative learning spaces,such as community centers and temporary classrooms,may be necesary to ensure continued access to education.

Case Study: École Nationale Mixte de Carrefour

École Nationale Mixte de Carrefour, a primary school in Port-au-Prince, currently shelters over 400 individuals displaced by gang violence. The school’s limited resources are stretched thin, and conditions are overcrowded. Despite these challenges, teachers and volunteers are working tirelessly to provide basic necessities and emotional support to the displaced families.This example highlights the immense pressure placed on Haitian schools and the resilience of the communities they serve.

Practical Tips for Supporting Relief Efforts

Individuals and organizations can contribute to relief efforts in several ways:

Donate to Reputable Organizations: Support organizations working on the ground in Haiti, such as those listed above.

* advocate for Increased Aid: Contact your elected officials and urge them to increase financial aid to Haiti