Haiti Schools Reopen, With a Focus on Psychosocial Activities

UNESCO and Haitian education officials will introduce a special syllabus for Haitian children returning to schools this week. The new curriculum takes into account the psychosocial needs of these children and the three months worth of class time they lost because of the Jan. 12 earthquake.

Under the program, classes will begin with dancing, singing, creative expression and other psychosocial activities designed to help children deal with the trauma and stress they experienced during the earthquake and its aftermath, the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization explained in a statement. Haitian officials said they plan to extend the academic year to August to allow pupils to complete the required courses for the school year.