Vocational Training

Located in the capital, ENAM is the the oldest school run by the Salesians in Haiti.  Founded at the behest of President Sténio Vincent, the school was established with humble beginnings on a patch of uncultivated savanna.  Unfortunately, most of the center was destroyed as a result of the 2010 Earthquake.  However, it has been rebuilt, and it is ready to prepare today’s students for tomorrow’s opportunities.  Today nearly 500 students are enrolled in studies in the following disciplines:

View a video of an open house at ENAM

Situated in the coastal city of Cap-Haïtien, Fondation Vincent instructs 340 students in six specialized workshops and a working farm.  Students of the agricultural program study modern practices and technology, and they explore new techniques in agriculture, horticulture, and animal husbandry.  A walk through the farm brings all kinds of surprises: Expansive fields of bananas; plots of peppers and cabbage; rabbits, goats, cows, chickens, pigs, ducks, and geese; and much hope for a future of sustainable agriculture.

 Visit Fondation Vincent’s Website

CDAM welcomes about 200 learners in 6 different disciplines, and the students are always busy.  Students studying masonry are often not on campus as they have the opportunity to get hands-on experience at nearby building sites.  Those in the electricity program pour over wiring diagrams and learn how to troubleshoot problems in electrical installations, and the carpentry shop is busy making new desks and furniture for the center and other institutions (and perhaps a chair for themselves for when they can finally sit down!).

Visit CDAM’s Website

In addition to providing training in traditional trades, DBTEC also specializes in the formation of new nurses and teachers.  The nursing school provides a rigorous 4-year program of study which seeks to instill in its students a high level of competency and professionalism.  Students have opportunities for extensive practical training, and a newly constructed laboratory will augment learning opportunities for medical testing.  Studies also include special focus on health challenges in Haiti, including promoting maternal health and safe childbearing and addressing infectious diseases such as cholera.  Currently the Salesians in Fort Liberté are forming over 200 new nurses and 40 new teachers, in addition to over 100 students in other disciplines.  Boarding is also available at the school for 50 students.

Visit DBTec’s Website

Founded through the generosity of Cardinal Keeler of Baltimore (USA), Centre Cardinal Keeler is currently serving 164 students in 7 disciplines.  While finding work in Haiti can be a challenge, many students have been successful in starting their careers.  Recent graduates of the Office Information Sciences program have found work at the telecommunications company, Natcom, while others have started their own businesses. The school is also very proud that three of its own graduates have come back to teach at the school to share with another generation the skills that they learned themselves.