(2020) Rapid Assessment of School Infrastructure in Haiti - Final Report

This report presents the results of the Rapid Assessment of School Infrastructure in Haiti, conducted by GeoHazards International as part of the World Bank's Global Program for Safer Schools. The main objectives were to develop an informed understanding of existing and proposed school infrastructure vulnerability to natural disasters and climate change impacts, and identify associated risk factors to inform strategic planning for improving safety and resilience of school buildings. The assessment found that more than 6,900 schools (over 35% of the country's schools) were damaged or destroyed in three major natural disasters over the past 15 years - tropical cyclones and floods in 2008, the 2010 earthquake, and Hurricane Matthew in 2016. This demonstrates the high vulnerability of Haiti's school infrastructure to natural disaster damage. Many schools are in poor condition, operating in buildings not designed for educational purposes or in open air settings. While the Ministry of Education has established standards for earthquake and wind-resistant school construction and designed compliant building plans, only 420 new hazard-resistant schools have been built to replace those destroyed since 2008. The assessment identifies significant challenges including incomplete data on both public and private schools, schools located in hazard-prone areas including tsunami and flood zones, and widespread infrastructure deficiencies including poor water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities. The report recommends substantial long-term investment in school infrastructure to ensure children's safety and achieve national education goals for access and equity. Key recommendations include creating comprehensive school facility inventories, improving understanding of private school vulnerabilities, strengthening coordination mechanisms for international agencies, and developing detailed hazard maps for decision-making.