For children in Haiti, accessing education is a tremendous challenge. Eighty percent of the country's population lives in abject poverty and only 50 percent can read.

Poverty keeps the average child from attending school and forces others to drop out before finishing basic education. For the child with special needs in Haiti, such as the deaf, accessing education is even more challenging.

UNESCO estimates that worldwide only 2 percent of disabled children are enrolled in school. Worldwide drop out rates for disabled students are higher than that of other students, as well.

Institut Montfort pour Enfants Sourds has been working to change the futures of deaf children for over five decades. Providing specialized curriculum for the hearing impaired, Institut Montfort has a long history of making education a reality for some of the most marginalized children in Haiti.

In early 2006, World Schoolhouse will support 322 primary school students with the educational supplies and uniforms they need, as well as providing school furniture to make their learning environment comfortable.

The Institut Montfort provides educational opportunities for deaf children from nursery through high school. The school caters to the varying abilities of its students and develops their capacities in a comprehensive manner. Students are additionally offered professional and vocational training such as dressmaking, cooking, carpentry and book binding.

Institut Montfort's success is rooted in its strong connection to the local communities. Mobilization meetings are conducted with parents of students. Community members help identify qualified children. Both groups also participate in the school task force, which aides in the care of the enrolled students.

As a result, students get the support they need to reach their potential and later contribute to their communities.