2025
Open Doors of ESMONO
Open school doors? Yes, of course, BUT - NOT for thieves!
Project Overview
Donations are for installation of bars on ESMONO's gates and school doors, which are currently open and accessible to the public, which hasn't bothered anyone so far. Due to increasing gang violence, numerous people have been displaced from the capital. Many fled up the valley, seeking shelter in and around ESMONO. All sorts of things—brooms, school supplies, and much more—are being stolen. So regular and safe classes cannot take place.
ESMONO - Ecole Soleil sur Montagne Noire in Haiti, Pétionville, is happy to welcome its students; even in extremely difficult times like these - as one of the very few regional schools that hasn't closed.
But not all visitors are welcome!
Why is that?
ESMONO consists of two smaller school buildings: one for kindergarten, elementary school, and the library; the other, further away and located at an elevated level, houses middle and high school students.
The entrances to the school buildings are open and accessible to the public; in the upper school building, the classrooms are also unlocked/open. This hasn't been a problem so far. Since the constant increase in violence and attacks by gangs that now dominate various neighborhoods, thousands of people have fled or been displaced from the capital. Many of them have moved uphill through the slopes and settled in the slums. This is also the case in the ravines of the Montagne Noire.
Many homeless people seek shelter in and around the school, stealing whatever they can get their hands on: brooms, notebooks, pens, teaching materials... The supervisors are powerless.
Under these circumstances, it is extremely difficult to maintain school operations in compliance with regulations. Security can no longer be guaranteed.
This island of peace and learning deserves better, especially given the incredible dedication of the teachers. Remarkable.
The school is funded by the Swiss association Pro ESMONO; the school was founded by retired Swiss teacher Otto Hegnauer, who had lived in Haiti since his retirement and built the school with his pension after the 2010 earthquake. ESMONO grew, and the association was founded.
Open doors?
You have a say.
Help open the doors for the continued existence of ESMONO so that it can close the school doors to intruders.
The estimated cost for installing bars on the gates and doors of both school buildings is approximately USD 4,200. Action is urgently needed.
According to its statutes, the association supports the school's operations. Structural measures like these are more difficult to justify.
We hope that YOU, who read this text, will show your understanding and compassion. In Haiti, everyone is self-sufficient. There is no government support like we have here.
We would be thrilled if the sum is raised. A minimum level of security is necessary for the success of classes. Let us also appreciate and support the commitment of the school administration, teachers, and children.
The amount, after deducting fees, will be transferred 1:1 to the school administration, like all other donations; we all work on a voluntary basis for the association.
Thank you very much for your support! A big Mèsi from Haiti!
BY THE WAY:
Pro ESMONO is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization; you, as a valued booster, will receive a donation receipt upon successful completion of the project.


ESMONO (Ecole sur Montagne Noire) is the name of a school for underprivileged children above Pétionville, Port-au-Prince. The school was founded by Swiss teacher Otto Hegnauer, who lived in Haiti after his retirement. He lost all his possessions in the 2010 earthquake and decided to build a school for the many orphaned children above the capital.
This school has grown and now offers around 500 young people a basic education leading to a high school diploma, thus providing hope and prospects in a time marked by violence and insecurity.
The school is maintained by the Pro ESMONO association; all members work on a voluntary basis.
I'm really impressed by the school administration's commitment. Hats off to how dedicated they are to the children.
As one of the very few schools in the area, ESMONO rarely closed its doors, even under the most adverse circumstances.
There were always solutions. Now, we stand quite powerless in front of and behind the open gates and doors. We have to watch as thefts happen.
Every school here has lockable doors. We here in Switzerland, too, often struggle with vandalism. But that's NOTHING compared to what's happening in Haiti. Barred gates and doors are ABSOLUTELY necessary. Only then can the school continue to operate efficiently.