HAITI GETS TUITION FREE ONLINE UNIVERSITY
(Huliq) - By Anissa Ford
Recognizing a serious technological weakness in Haiti's leadership and societal structure, former President Bill Clinton and his Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) are prepping Haiti's young people in Port-au-Prince for careers in business and technology.
CGI has partnered with the University of the People to offer an online college degree program for eligible young Haitians. 28 of Haiti's 32 universities were completely destroyed in the January earthquake that devastated Haiti.
In response to the interruption of higher education in the country, 250 of Haiti's most capable young intellectuals, many living in refuge camps, will be chosen to pursue associate degrees in business administration and computer science.
Nearly 25% of Haiti could be moved out of poverty with long term investments in technology education.
Recent studies done by the Haitian community have shown that nearly a quarter of Haiti's population could be moved out of poverty if the government and international community invest in long term technology education.
The online university will be set up in Port-au-Prince with computer labs and high speed internet so students can participate in classes with students from around the world.
The school is tuition free and will be fully staffed with personnel to assist operating the Port-au-Prince location.
CGI and UoPeople's goal is to help build a prosperous new Haiti with educated and innovative young leaders at the helm.
Students are expected to complete their degrees within three years and contribute to sustainable economic development programs and infrastructure in their homeland.
In Haiti, there are are 0.9 computers for every 1000 people and outside Port-au-Prince the number drops to 0.2 per 100. Only the most elite schools in Haiti, post the January earthquakes, provide computers and internet access for students.
In May, Haiti established a technology training center to teach computer skills to adults and young people.
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