Fundamental change will not occur in Haiti until Haitians themselves feel empowered to improve their society. This is an enormous challenge in a country where 80% of the population subsists below the poverty line and 45% of adults are illiterate. Currently, extreme poverty, aggravated by recent natural disasters and a dysfunctional government, prevents many children from attending school. Access to education for every Haitian child is the crucial first step in the development by Haitians of long-term solutions to their economic and political problems.