​Rodaille School

In 2009 we started our community school, Ecole Jeremie St. Fort (EJSF) de Rodaille, with three staff members and seventy students varying from 5 to 12 years. Our school helped the community realize that education is regular and attainable. They do not have to create hardship for their family by selling their animals or fields, often their only income source, to pay for their children’s education. Or worse, send them to Port-au-Prince to become restaveks (child slaves). Also, it has created peace of mind for some of the parents because the children do not have to cross the rivers and leave the community to go to neighboring towns to attend school (even though some of our students still have to walk from hours away and have to cross many rivers to come to us). Lastly, it has created a sense of pride in the community. The school has put them on the map. 
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Despite our efforts and our success, the funds raised do not always meet our needs and prevent us from reaching our full potential. In June 2015, we had to tell the parents that the school would be closed for the upcoming 2014-2015 year because of a lack of funds. This was devastating news for the community and us. It felt like we ripped their hopes and dreams for their children’s future into pieces. 

Like a ray of sunshine, two visitors from the summer 2014 mission trips fell in love with Rodaille and embraced our mission. They pledged $11,000 to keep the school open as we fundraise the rest of the money. We successfully opened our school in October, a month later than the official opening date; thus, many parents were so scared that their children would not be able to continue to pursue their education and made other plans. We lost 40 of our registered students. 

Since that year, we have grown in supporters and committed donors who have helped us regain our students, add new programs, including a medical plan, and we have expanded our lunch program. We are so grateful for the individuals who have helped us over the years, and we are proud of where we are!

School History

Year	Accomplishment	​People Served
2008	​Odjos establish relationship with Rodaille Community	​population - 5,000
2009	​Ecole Jérémie St. Fort de Rodaille opens	74 students, 3 teachers
​2010	​Support provided after Earthquake	100 students
2011	​First annual Health Fair	​200 residents served
2012	​2nd annual Health Fair	250 residents served
2013	​4th academic year with grades K - 5th	163 students, 12 staff members
2014	​3rd annual Health Fair	300 residents served
​2014	​5th academic year with grades K - 6th	​136 students, 9 staff members
2015	​6th academic year with grades K- 7th	​160 students and 15 staff members
2015	​4th annual Health Fair	​400 residents served
2016	​7th academic year with grades K-8th	​175 Students and 18 staff members
2016	​5th annual Health Fair	​400 residents served
2017	​7th academic year with grades K – 9th	​180 Students and 20 staff members
2018	​8th academic year with grades K- 9th grade	​180 Students and 25 staff members
2018	​Medical program added to our school. Full-time nurse on staff and monthly visits from a local doctor.	​180 students
2019	​9th academic year with grades K – 9th grade	180 students and 25 staff members
2020	10th academic year with grades K-9th	180 students and 26 staff members
2021	11th academic year with grades K-9th grade. Started our building projects in Rodaille!	180 students and 29 staff members