GSI Haiti

Established in 1988 by Haitian national, Rev. Abner Noza, GSI Haiti is a faith-based 501c(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to provide basic education and community development support to the people of Fond des Blancs, Haiti. GSI’s primary focus is operating Gethsemane School, an academic center for children in grades pre K through 10th grade, with future expansion through 12th grade. GSI Haiti also has a faith-based mission that partners with the local churches in Fond des Blancs and offers bible studies, seminary workshops, missionary opportunities, and summer bible camps. GSI Haiti has been well-established in the community, where the faculty and staff also serve as community leaders.

Our Mission

As an established international nonprofit organization, we’re dedicated to cultivating the physical, intellectual, spiritual, and economic development of the people of Fond des Blancs, while working towards delivering sustainable basic infrastructure through the investment in resources, the strategic building of leaders, and partnering with like-minded NGOs.

Fond des Blancs, Haiti

The rural town of Fond des Blancs is located about 120 kilometers southwest of Port-au-Prince. Although the majority of its 50,000 residents are agricultural farmers, many of the children are malnourished due to a lack of diverse nutrient sources and proper healthcare. As a result of this chronic health issue and an often inability to pay, the nearest medical facility 40 minutes away provides little relief to those living there. With only two public schools in the region ten kilometers away from Gethsemane School and limited in their enrollment capacity, obtaining a proper primary education is just as elusive as healthcare.

Adult Vocational Programs

In the summer of 2012, GSI Haiti initiated four new adult programs, including continuing education (adult literacy), electrician, construction, and sewing/embroidery classes. The electricity class quickly became the most popular, with nearly 50 students initially enrolled. All four classes were taught by local Haitian experts and not only built students’ skills and make them more marketable to potential employers but also promoted a collaborative spirit among community members. Currently, only the adult literacy classes are in session. The interest remains high and the structure is in place for the electrician, construction, and sewing/embroidery classes and jewelry-making initiatives, but more capital investment is needed to resume these ventures.

A Vision for the Future

While GSIHaiti programs are currently operational, additional funding is needed to help build a new facility that would improve the overall academic environment and increase enrollment capacity. The current facility is composed of several reinforced cinderblock structures and unstable, temporary roofs. The foundation for a new two-story, 19-classroom building has been laid, but funding is needed to complete it. There are plans to operate a low-cost community clinic and potentially a university out of the new structure as well. With hundreds of families in the area who could directly benefit from such a facility, the project is of extreme importance to the community. In addition to providing educational services to children, GSI Haiti is committed to promoting sustainable community development in Fond des Blancs. In this vein, GSI Haiti is currently exploring partnership opportunities with both local and international organizations to introduce such highly-valued community services as agricultural development support, improved access to clean water, and solar power.

Children’s Education

With a yearly enrollment average of over 375 students, Gethsemane School has served more than an impressive 6,000 children since its doors first opened over 30 years ago. The faculty consists of nationally certified Haitian teachers and the school has proudly committed to educating children regardless of their age, religion, or family’s ability to pay. Every year, the Gethsemane School has set a record for a 100% pass rate for students who sit for the national standardized exams. In addition to providing its students with a nationally recognized education, Gethsemane School distributes clothing and school supplies, funds all qualifying and interested students to attend high school. The Gethsemane School had a free school lunch program that was previously developed through a partnership with Catholic Relief Services. The lunches, consisting of rice, beans, maize, flours, powdered milk and oil, provided through this program represented the largest meal of the day for most students, as well as job creation for women in the community who prepare the food daily. However, the free school lunch programs expired over 5 years ago.