For Haitian children, becoming literate will simply be the first step toward achieving their full potential.

 
 

Literacy - Leveling The Playing Field

For children who are cutoff from traditional school due to expense or location the GOALS literacy program provides their first chance to learn to read and write, establishing a more equitable playing field for everyone.

GOALS has always believed in the power of soccer to change lives and to inspire young people to achieve more. In the remote rural villages where we work nearly all adults are low-literate and just 72% of children attend school. 

The program includes a series of activities to expand education in rural areas including:

  • Literacy classes

  • Homework tutoring, studying techniques and exam preparation

  • Training seminars on self care, human rights and leadership skills

  • Special focus on engaging girls and supporting their academic success

  • Dream Team High School Scholarships

Through Level the Playing Field activities, young people gain language, literacy and critical thinking skills while increasing their self-esteem and nurturing a new love of learning. One important impact is improved comprehension in the kids learning plus a renewed commitment by the parents to invest in their child’s education.

The program uses the power of sport to build locally-led literacy programming in order to create fully literate communities, improving local leadership, health and future earning potential. We are extremely proud that our literacy program was the recipient of the Beyond Sport for Education award.

Impact

  • 281 Literacy Program Graduates to date

  • 298 Dream Team Scholarship Recipients to date

  • 3,656 Individual Tutoring Lessons Given to date

  • 161 Graduates of our Youth Leadership program to date

The ability to read and write is the foundation of all other development objectives – including GOALS’ broader objectives of improving health, reducing poverty, and for long-term community and local leadership development. GOALS therefore remains committed to continuing to provide educational opportunities to those who would have been left behind in rural Haiti.

 

The Dream Team

The Dream Team scholarship program focuses on participants who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to their communities within GOALS’ youth development programs, and helps them complete high school and prepare for future studies and careers. 

Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, commitment to local development, demonstrated leadership skills, and financial need. We currently have 25 students in our scholarship program. To provide a scholarship for one of our kids please use our donate now link. A recurring monthly donation of $25 can provide books and tuition for one participant.
 

The Importance of High School

Only 61% of adults in Haiti are literate. Secondary school enrolment is 19%, and school fees are a huge burden for families struggling for survival in rural communities. High school graduates have better health, increased future earnings, and healthier families as adults.
 

Dream Team Goals

  • Select motivated young adults who demonstrate exceptional leadership skills and offer them opportunities to excel. Graduate students who are capable of identifying local problems and creating solutions to improve quality of life in their communities.
  • Increase access to education and provide new opportunities young leaders in rural Haiti.
  • To maintain Dream Team membership, scholarship recipients are required to maintain high grades, participate fully in all local GOALS activities, and contribute hours of service to their community.

 

Learn about our soccer programs and our community service programs.