TAMPA, Fla. — The ongoing gang violence in Haiti has caused schools to shut down in the capital, while those outside of Port-au-Prince are struggling to sustain themselves with limited resources.

The Tampa-based non-profit organization Schools for Haiti was launched 18 years ago with only 12 students. Since then, they have built 10 schools, including a construction school, and they are currently serving more than 2,200 students.

Additionally, the schools provide meals to students and staff members every day.

What You Need To Know

  • The ongoing gang violence in Haiti has caused schools to shut down in the capital, while those outside of Port-au-Prince are struggling to sustain themselves with limited resources

  • The Tampa-based non-profit organization Schools for Haiti was launched 18 years ago with only 12 students. Since then, they have built 10 schools and are currently serving more than 2,200 students

  • Schools for Haiti is facing a shortage of essential supplies such as food, gas, and water due to gangs controlling the ports

  • Schools for Haiti is hosting its 15th annual gala, auction, and fundraiser in Tampa Saturday

“We know that those kids are going to be the next leaders of Haiti,” said co-founder Daniel Michel.

Back in 2006, Michel had a vision of nurturing leaders through a Christian school in his hometown of Montrouis, Haiti. Michel grew up in an orphanage, and said it gave him the drive to want to make a difference in the lives of children.

However, it wasn’t until he met Gil and Bonnie Bailie in Tampa that his dream became a reality.

Gil Bailie told Spectrum News that Schools for Haiti has been functioning smoothly for the past 10 years. However, due to the ongoing gang war in Port-au-Prince, which is happening 30 miles south of the organization's location, they are facing a shortage of essential supplies like food, gas, and water.

“The major problem we have is what's happening due to the gangs, even though they're not in our area, it's what they the difference they make is they control basically if you get gasoline or diesel fuel or propane, because it all comes out of the ports and they control basically the ports,” he said.

They are continuing to move forward despite canceling all missionary trips for the year. Gil is working closely with his team in Haiti virtually.

“We feel God put us there for a purpose, and that’s why we're there. And we will be there until they force us out,” said Gil.

Matt White supports Schools for Haiti, and said he believes that supporting the youth is crucial at the moment.

“Just to show that there is something positive going on in Haiti. I think that's really important right now,” said White. “We hope that is that is the way out for everybody in Haiti, that we grow the next generation through education.”

 According to Michel, educators in Haiti are working to bridge the education gap caused by gang violence.

“We do have teachers that overcome that by sending them with lots of homework and contact with the parents, even though they'll probably sitting at home for a day or two,” he said.

While Haiti has experienced past turmoil, Michel said the country's education system has never been disrupted like it is today.

“So I give credit to the kids they are still learning, they are still making A+. They are still striving,” he said.

Michel believes that educating future leaders is crucial in reducing current conflicts and preventing future ones.

Schools for Haiti is hosting its 15th annual gala, auction, and fundraiser on Saturday.