Anis Zunúzí Baha'i School had a K-12 program that offered excellent academics, arts, music, and a youth empowerment program to connect students to, and restore their pride in, their cultural identity. Anis Zunúzí Baha’i School was chartered to serve the poorest of Haiti’s children and has, over the course of 35 years, grown into a full K-12 institution. Children were guaranteed clean water and a daily meal (often their only one). The school’s curriculum includes both academics (language, science, computing, debate, art, and music) and moral leadership. Together, these complementary programs provide students with an education that supports their intellectual and character development and the material and spiritual prosperity of their families and communities. Because of all these factors, about 95% of Zunuzi students pass their state exams compared to the national average of 22%.

The Mona Foundation has partnered with the Zunuzi School for over 20 years, supporting its Board’s development plans and providing funds for student scholarships, teacher training, curriculum development, operations, and capital improvements. In 2019, following a two-year organization and academic self-assessment, and in light of the very difficult circumstances in Haiti, the school Board decided they need a fresh look at their approach and scope. In consultation with several organizations, and with assistance from the Bahá’í International Development Organization, they formed an international board to oversee the progress of the Anis Zunuzi and Georges Marcellus schools and map out their next stage of development. This is an interim step intended to raise capacity at the local level such that responsibilities can be transitioned to an all Haitian Board in the near future. During this important effort, the Anis Zunuzi and Georges Marcellus schools have paused financial support from external sources. We applaud the school Board’s commitment to institutional development and to providing quality education to the children of Haiti. At their request, Mona has put all financial support to these schools on hold as of January 1, 2020. We will consider future funding proposals if and when the school Board deems this is needed and timely.