In Haiti, where walking the streets to the crackle of gunfire is an act of defiance, children at the only Music school in the capital Port-au-Prince demonstrate courage and dedication to their art, aspiring to a future as musicians and singers.
As hundreds of schools across the country have had to close due to widespread gang violence and a lack of funding, École Soleil d'Espoir, the only music school in Port-au-Prince, continues to attract the most passionate music lovers.
The school is supported by the NGO Community Organized Relief Effort, which began by teaching music to children living in shelters for internally displaced people.
Student Yvenson Jeantille takes long walks from his neighborhood to school at least twice a week.
Having started learning guitar as a child with his father, he now dreams of becoming a professional musician.
“The situation in the country, as it comes to me, logically has an impact, but I don't let it interfere with my future,” Jeantille said.
Schools in the Haitian capital and beyond are collapsing as gang violence deepens poverty and disrupts basic government services, while the public education system faces a $23 million deficit, according to the UN.
Gangs are estimated to control up to 85% of Port-au-Prince and fight for territory daily, with thousands of deaths reported this year. Rapes and kidnappings are also rising sharply, officials say.
Families are reluctant to send their children to school, let alone let them play outside.
However, Professor Kevin Marc Duverseau emphasizes the importance of music in helping children cope with the situation in the country.
“Music, in general, helps ease the frustrations that many of us know we feel in our country,” he explained.
“It also allows us to translate the emotions that we all have, whether negative or positive. Even negative feelings can give birth to beautiful music. »
