Development bank seeks $2 billion to overhaul ruined Haiti schools after earthquake

$2 billion sought to overhaul ruined Haiti schools

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — The Inter-American Development Bank is seeking $2 billion to expand access to Haitian schools.

President Rene Preval and Bank President Luis Moreno announced the five-year program Saturday. It could be among the first presented for possible funding by the new Haitian Interim Reconstruction Commission co-chaired by Bill Clinton.

The program aims to rebuild a system in shambles before nearly 4,000 schools were destroyed. Its advisers include Louisiana post-Katrina school superintendent Paul Vallas.

Nearly all Haitian schools are private, forcing parents to spend food money on books, uniforms and tuition. Just one in 10 Haitian teachers is a qualified educator.

The bank’s program calls for the adoption of a national curriculum, teacher training and facility improvements.