Cap-Haïtien, Haiti – Every morning, more than 600 girls walk through the gates of the école nationale des filles Fanelie-François et Philippe d’Haut, a public girls-only school nestled in the heart of Cap-Haïtien. For many of them, school is more than a place of learning – it is a haven of stability amid uncertainty. Cap-Haïtien, Haiti’s second largest city, has grown in importance since the closure of Port-au-Prince’s airport due to insecurity. Now acting as the country’s main gateway, it plays a vital role in receiving people on the move – including deported migrants and displaced families.
In 2024, the school’s deteriorating infrastructure had become a threat to the safety of students and teachers alike. “We were constantly worried something would collapse,” recalls Jean-Julia Saint-Fleur, the school’s director since 2014 and a former teacher. “It wasn’t just uncomfortable – it was dangerous. Every cracked floorboard and every loose ceiling tile reminded us that we were one step away from tragedy.”
For Director Saint-Fleur, each day once came with uncertainty, as the crumbling school posed a constant danger to students and staff. Photo: IOM/Antoine Lemonnier
Recognizing the urgency, the community voiced their concerns to the Ministry of Education which then reached out to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to support the rehabilitation of the school in December 2024 with funding from Global Affairs Canada. The project was the result of a collaborative dialogue between IOM, the Ministry of Education, local authorities, and community representatives.
Together, they assessed the school's condition, identified priority needs, and jointly developed a rehabilitation plan grounded in local realities and expectations. This participatory approach ensured that the intervention was not only technically sound, but also locally owned and socially meaningful.
Every morning, students walk through these gates finding not just education, but stability, pride, and a sense of safety. Photo: IOM/Antoine Lemonnier
Community dialogue to rebuilt hope
With support from the Ministry of Education, IOM engineers and contractors, critical work was carried out: the roof was repaired, interior partitions on the upper floor were rebuilt, flooring on the ground level was replaced, and the entire building received a fresh coat of paint.
These efforts transformed the school from a fragile structure into a secure learning environment. “Thanks to this project, we went from worrying about injuries to watching our girls walk into school with pride,” says Saint-Fleur. “It’s more than construction – it’s a message that their education matters.”
IOM staff assess the school’s condition, working alongside local authorities and community members to ensure a safe and sustainable rehabilitation plan. Photo: IOM/Antoine Lemonnier
IOM staff assess the school’s condition, working alongside local authorities and community members to ensure a safe and sustainable rehabilitation plan. Photo: IOM/Antoine Lemonnier
This work is part of IOM’s broader community-based approach to reintegration and stabilization – aimed at strengthening essential public infrastructure like schools, health centers, and community spaces. By improving access to services, the Ministry of Education and IOM support both deported migrants and the communities that receive them.
The rehabilitation of this school also reflects IOM’s commitment to strengthening access to basic services – especially education – as a tool for empowerment and stability. Many of the students attending this school are girls from vulnerable households, including from families that have been displaced or deported.
The school’s transformation not only restored a safe learning space but also reinforced the community’s resilience and hope for the future. Photo: IOM/Antoine Lemonnier
The school’s transformation not only restored a safe learning space but also reinforced the community’s resilience and hope for the future. Photo: IOM/Antoine Lemonnier
While the improvements have made the school safer, challenges remain. The school still lacks adequate desks, proper sanitation facilities for girls and female staff, and a sustainable lunch programme. Yet, the transformation has brought hope, and with it, renewed energy among students and staff.
“We finally feel that our voices were heard,” says Ms. Joseph, a teacher who has been at the school for over a decade. “For years, we taught in fear. Today, we teach with confidence – and that makes all the difference for our students.”
“This support came when we needed it most,” says Saint-Fleur. “And it reminded the entire community – including our girls – that they have not been forgotten.”
Students now step into classrooms built on community strength and the promise of brighter futures. Photo: IOM/Antoine Lemonnier
School as a foundation for the future
“I love coming to school now,” says twelve-year-old Rosemène, a sixth-grade student. “It feels like a real school – bright, clean, and safe. I want to become a teacher one day, just like Madame Saint-Fleur.”
Director Saint-Fleur collaborates with IOM staff to ensure the school’s rehabilitation meets the needs of students and the community. Photo: IOM/Antoine Lemonnier
As the school year progresses, Saint-Fleur remains determined to advocate for her students. “There is more to be done. But this was a big step – and it showed our girls that they matter.”
This renovation was made possible through the generous support of the Government of Canada, as part of a broader project aimed at protecting and assisting vulnerable Haitian women and children – including those affected by displacement, return, or exploitation. Canada’s contribution to this initiative is not only helping to restore physical spaces – it is helping rebuild lives, restore dignity, and protect futures.
This story was written by Antoine Lemonnier, IOM Haiti Communications Officer.
