Haiti (in Creole Ayiti, which means "Mountainous Land") occupies, with the Dominican Republic, part of the Island of Hispaniola. It is situated in the Great Antilles, just to the south of Cuba. Its capital is Port-au-Prince. The official languages are Creole and French. The country covers 27,750 square kilometers and the population is estimated to 8,900, 000 people (CIA World Factbook).

Haiti's culture is the product of mixed influences. The Native Tainos were the first known inhabitants of the Island. Spanish settlements were developed after Columbus' landing on the Island in 1492. French colonists began also to occupy the country during the 17th century. In 1697, French and Spanish found an agreement and parted the Island in two. The French would occupy the Western part (which became Haiti) and the Spanish settled in the eastern part. Independence from the French kingdom was achieved on January 1st, 1804. Haiti became famous for being the "first post-colonial independent black-led nation in the world and the only nation whose independence was gained as part of a successful slave rebellion" (Wikipedia). Finally, the United States occupied the country from 1915 to 1934.

Haitian political history has been hectic since colonization and throughout the independence period. The country has faced successive dictatorships which have failed to prevent wide-spread poverty throughout the population.

Economic situation

According to the World Fact Book: "Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, with 80% of the population living under the poverty line and 54% in abject poverty."; "Two-third of the labor force does not have a formal job". The population is also extremely vulnerable to disasters (hurricanes, floods, famine, civil war, riots, etc.). Those are aggravated by massive deforestation and a lack of prevention. 24% of the population is affected by chronic malnutrition. The life expectancy rate is 57 years. (By comparison, the life expectancy rate in the USA is 78 years.)

Education

The literacy rate is about 53%. The primary school attendance rate is at about 50% and drops at about 20% for secondary school (UNICEF). These numbers show how crucial is the need for education in Haiti.

The current school system presents at least one important weakness. 85% of the schools are operated privately, without close supervision of the state. It is estimated that 75% of these private schools operate without being accredited by the Ministry of Education (Haitian Ministry of Education). This situation creates a severe problem: private schools often hire teachers without proper education. Some do not even have a high school degree. As a result, the teaching standards are very low. Public schools, on the other hand are overcrowded.

Haiti and the gospel

About 96% of the Haitian population professes to be Christian (90% Catholic and 16% Protestant). In regard of such a high proportion of professing Christians, why would we focus on bringing the Gospel to Haiti? We believe that many, although knowing the outward signs of religion, still don't know the message of grace revealed by Jesus Christ. Gospel Haiti intend to participate in bringing a clear teaching about the salvation there is in Christ and that is obtained through faith alone.